Denel AH-2 Rooivalk (Kestrel) Attack Helicopter (1999)
The Denel AH-2 Rooivalk was developed using research gained from the XH-1 Alpha concept demonstrator.
The Rooivalk was born from a need of the South African Air Force to field a capable attack helicopter. Atlas (before becoming known as Denel) produced the XH-1 Alpha design to which served the company well in terms of developmental research. The XH-1 was based highly on the French-made Aerospatiale Alouette III system, though hardly a dedicated attack helicopter platform and still utilizing 1960's technology. XH-1 would flew in early 1986 followed by two converted XTP-1 Beta gunships in the form of Aerospatiale SA 330 Pumas (production versions of the Rooivalk would indeed feature the SA 330's transmission and rotor system), designed from the outset as test beds. Utilizing information gained form both test types, designs were being drawn up for the Rooivalk as early as 1984 with the initial flyable XH-2 Rooivalk getting airborne by early 1990. From the XH-2, two more developmental models appeared in XDM and EDM forms (see variants description down the page).
Production Rooivalks were being received by early 1999 with total deliveries being limited to just twelve examples. Naval versions were also under consideration, though many a setback has contributed to the projects delay and foreseeable demise. To any end, the Rooivalk would have been a major player on the foreign market would circumstances had been different at home and abroad. In any case, development of the Rooivalk - it being an indigenous undertaking - could yield some profitability for future home-bread attack helicopter designs by the African nation.
Design of the "production" Rooivalk produced something in the vein of the Italian Mangusta, with the pilot and gunner seated in a tandem seat cockpit. Short wing stubs offered up four hardpoints to which the Rooivalk could mount rocket pods or anti-tank missiles of the ZT6 Mokopa variety. Additionally, the wing stubs wingtips could support the French-made Mistral air-to-air missile system for self-defense. Standard armament included the chin-mounted Armscor F2 20mm cannon. Up to sixteen ZT6 anti-tank missiles could be carried, similar to the AH-64 Apache's use of the Hellfire. Twin powerful Turbomeca Makila 1K2 turboshaft engines powered a large four-blade main rotor and a five-blade tail rotor system.
The delays and cost overruns have extensively hampered further production and any international interest in the form of export orders. The system remains outdated as it still retains computer technology that is some twenty years old. Additionally, the Denel company was suffering from financial unrest, scaring off any potential international sales who had a fear of purchasing the unit only to see its underlying support disappear in the future. Denel ties to the Eurocopter firm might save the Rooivalk project in that respect, though that kind of partnership remains to be seen seeing it that Denel was looking to sell Rooivalks on the export market knowing it was also selling French-made components in the process.
As of this writing, only 12 examples have been delivered with few in complete operational form. There are talks of either canceling the entire program in full and retiring the existing units or taking on another series of developmental versions and bringing out a new and up-to-date Rooivalk attack helicopter. The status of the future of the Rooivalk program is under debate. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Denel AH-2 Rooivalk (Kestrel)
Attack Helicopter
Country of Origin: South Africa
Manufacturer: Denel (Atlas) - South Africa
Initial Year of Service: 1999
Production: 12
Focus Model: Denel AH-2 Rooivalk (Kestrel)
Crew: 2
Length: 61.45ft (18.73m)
Width: 51.12ft (15.58m)
Height: 17.03ft (5.19m)
Weight (Empty): 12,632lbs (5,730kg)
Weight (MTOW): 19,290lbs (8,750kg)
Powerplant: 2 x Turbomeca Makila 1K2 turboshaft engines generating 1,845shp each and driving a four-blade main rotor and a five-blade tail rotor.
Maximum Speed: 173mph (278kmh; 150kts)
Maximum Range: 438miles (705km)
Service Ceiling: 20,000ft (6,096m; 3.8miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 2,620 feet per minute (799m/min)
Hardpoints: 6 (including wingtip mounts)
Armament Suite:
1 x 20mm Armscor F2 cannon (chin mounted turret)
Mission-specific ordnance can include any of the following:
16 x ZT6 Mokopa anti-tank missiles
70mm rocket launching pods
Mistral infrared homing air-to-air missiles (on wingtip mounts)
Variants:
XH-1 - Alpha concept demonstrator based on the French-built Alouette III design.
XTP-1 Beta - French-built Puma helicopters modified as gunships for evaluation and testing.
XH-2 "Rooivalk" - Initial Prototype Designation
XDM (eXperimental Development Model) - A redesignation of the XH-2 prototype; avionics and weapons development platform.
EDM (Engineering Developmental Model) - Production Evaluation Model.
CSH-2 - Initial Production Model Designation
AH-2 - Redesignation of the CSH-2 Production Model occurring in 1998.
Operators: South Africa
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