Denel Aeronautics and Aselsan signed an agreement to collaborate on the avionics upgrade of the South African Rooibalk attack helicopter. This agreement represents a step forward from the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the South African company and the Turkish company during the Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD) 2022 exhibition.
Denel and Aselsan signed a Milestone Achieved Certificate on Thursday 27th, which defines the work breakdown relating to the avionics modernization of the Rooibalk modernization program. Denel Aeronautics retains its role as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and design authority.
Denel Aeronautics and Aselsan Announce Advancement in the Strategic Collaboration on the Rooivalk Attack Helicopter. pic.twitter.com/wcffnWmCfc
— Denel (@DenelSOC) July 27, 2023
AH-2 Rooivalk
The Denel AH-2 Rooivalk is a South African attack and anti-tank helicopter manufactured by the South African company Denel Aeronautics (formerly Atlas Aircraft Corporation) thanks to the support obtained in collaborations with Western companies, and whose requirements were guided by the experiences acquired by the South African Army during the Border War. Its name, «Rooivalk», is Afrikaans and means «Red Hawk».
The South African Air Force (SAAF) ordered 12 Rooivalk CSHs and the first of these entered into service in July 1999. Three Rooivalk attack helicopters were deployed with the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade to support the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2013 and have remained in the combat support role ever since.
The helicopter is equipped with fully enclosed, tandem cabins, with an environmental control system. The cockpits for the pilot and weapons systems officer (WSO) are equipped with HOCAS (hands-on collective and stick) controls. It currently has a fully integrated, redundant, MIL-STD 1553B data bus based avionics and weapons system that provides full mission modes, target acquisition, flight control, helicopter status and usage monitoring, communications, threat detection and control, flight and fuel, stores management and precise navigation, etc.
The Rooivalk’s self-defense suite is the fully integrated helicopter electronic warfare self-protection suite (HEWSPS), which incorporates radar warning, laser warning and countermeasure dispensing system. The system is programmable in flight line and adaptable in flight to fit the threat library with mission operations area. A helmet-mounted display screen (HMSD) provides the pilot and WSO with an overhead information display for flush flight (NOE), and allows the pilot, if required, to also fire the cannon and rockets. The helmet incorporates an integrated ranging system with which the cannon or air-to-air missile seeker warheads can be aimed at their target.
The modernization
Aselsan will upgrade the Rooivalk’s avionics system, which will include an upgraded glass cockpit with larger displays, a digital moving map, a state-of-the-art helmet-mounted display system and a modern flight management system to improve mission efficiency for pilots and flight officers.
All of this will be controlled by two new mission computers that will control different aircraft management systems. It includes a sophisticated new navigation system to support mission objectives, incorporating an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and a Global Positioning System (GPS).
Communications are also upgraded with new software-based V/UHF and HF radios, IFF transponder with Mod-5/S capability and digital data link system allowing exchange of real-time information and target data; a new flight control computer for improved agility and responsiveness, a new mission planning and debriefing system for comprehensive flight planning and information exchange, reception of data from other platforms, ground stations or command centers, thus improving overall situational awareness and mission coordination.
The Rooivalk will be equipped with new advanced targeting systems, including a long-range day/night vision system, a thermal imaging sensor, low-light television and a laser rangefinder/designator for accurate weapon delivery.
It also includes a new weapon control computer for integration and control of various weapon systems, such as cannon, rockets, laser-guided missiles, air-to-air missiles, etc.
To enhance survivability, the Rooivalk will integrate several defensive systems, including modern radar warning receivers (RWRs), chaff and flare dispensers, and infrared jammers to deflect heat-seeking missiles. These upgrades will provide the platform with the versatility to meet a wide range of threats.
The Rooivalk combat support helicopter modernization program aims to improve the operational and support capability of the current fleet. This includes a strong emphasis on improving reliability and addressing obsolescence issues. The program also provides for hardware and software changes in line with South African Air Force requirements.
