Africa Aerospace et Defense 2012

[tchpako]

AAD Mobility Demonstration showcases mean machines

Written by Chris Szabo Wednesday, 26 September 2012 12:02
altMean machines driven by rough riders is one way of describing the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2012 Mobility Demonstration, where vehicles in use by, or developed in, South Africa were put through their paces.

The track included steep inclines; tight turns; suspension-jarring tests and a water obstacle, which could be described as a mud-bath, all aimed at testing or showing off the capabilities of these tough vehicles.

First out was the joint South African-Saudi Arabian Nyoka Mark II, known in Saudi Arabia as the Masmak. Adel Al-Mejhem, a spokesman for the Streit Group, which is responsible for armouring the South African-built vehicle, said despite what locals consider high crime, South Africa is “a safe country”. Streit armours vehicles for Afghanistan, Iraq and, more recently, Yemen, among others.

BAE systems unleashed the RG 31 Nyala, RG32 Scout (or Galten in Swedish use) and RG 35 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs). The RG 31 had some trouble overcoming a step, but gamely tried a few times until it had bested the obstacle. The larger Scout and RG 35 had no problem with the step or water obstacle, merely muddying the waters further.
alt
The Iklwa (Zulu for stabbing spear) which is an upgraded Ratel without its usual front-mounted turret, introduced the recently-revealed BAE Systems 30 mm Tactical Remote Turret (TRT) which carried a Russian 2A42 cannon. The TRT has the advantage of being remotely controlled from inside the vehicle.

The DCD Protected Mobility Mountain Lion lived up to its tough name and in addition had FWS (Four Wheel Steering) capability, which it showed off to effect.

The replacement for the ageing Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), the Badger, was put through its paces and showed no difficulty in tackling the course, as did the Rooikat reconnaissance armoured car, whose driver delighted in showering photographers with dirt, but was rewarded by himself being showered with mud!

An interesting addition was the Hybrid Electric Drive vehicle, a Rooikat with a non-standard power plant, but which seemed powerful enough. Defence forces elsewhere are also investigating alternative power, for instance the US Naval Aviation experimenting with biomass as an alternative to fossil fuel.

The pièce de résistance of the demonstration was without doubt the Olifant Mark 1b tank, which clanked and roared around the track as if seeking whom it might devour. The peaceful pachyderm after which it is named seemed far from the place.

No doubt, many a potential customer for armoured vehicles was as impressed as defenceWeb was.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=237

[tchpako]

AAD 2012 sees high turnout



Written by defenceWeb Wednesday, 26 September 2012 11:44
altMore than 40 000 trade visitors from 28 countries attended the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2012 exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof last week, while 95 000 members of the public attended the air show days on the weekend, wrapping up the largest exhibition of air, sea and land capabilities on the African continent.

The exhibition was officially opened on September 19 by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who addressed military veterans and 350 exhibitors.

“AAD presents an opportunity for the world’s military and defence professionals to gather together to build and nurture the relationships that the minister highlighted in her welcoming speech,” said Leon Dillman, AAD show director.

Several high profile product launches took place during the three trade days, notably of armoured vehicles and international cooperation agreements, while the 120 visiting delegations, including 61 foreign delegations, from the defence and aviation industry gained insights into new technologies, viewing the products and services of 350 exhibitors. Of those, 40% were foreign exhibitors from 28 countries (Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Namibia, Netherlands, China, Pakistan, Malaysia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Bulgaria, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, Finland and the USA).

The exhibition filled seven hangars at the AFB Waterkloof, in addition to more than 90 aircraft parked on the base’s aprons, in static displays. “There were many terrestrial vehicles on display too, in addition to exhibitions of related disciplines like the medical and veterinary units that play a very important role in the military,” Dillman added. “Our Youth Development Programme was very successful, as 3 000 students from previously disadvantaged areas engaged with members of the military to identify future career opportunities.” The Youth Development Programme recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.

On September 22 and 23, the air show days, the public were treated to a mass parachute drop, a mini war re-enactment, 35 aircraft participating in aerobatic displays and the very popular truck and armoured vehicle displays at the mobility demonstration track. Proceedings got off to a subdued start with rain for much of the early morning, but cleared up in the afternoon, allowing for some excellent flying weather.

“While the weather on the Saturday caused some logistical problems, the local favourites like the Gripen, Hawk and Silver Falcons excited the crowds, making it a thrilling day, regardless of the weather conditions,” said Dillman.

The next edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence will be held at AFB Waterkloof between 17 and 21 September 2014.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=237

[dil@w]

une jolie photo lors de l'AAD 2012 avec un Cheetah, deux hawks et un Gripen