The power of the AH-2 Rooivalk "red falcon" attack helicopter
With many modern features, the AH-2 Rooivalk is considered to be no less competitive than the world's leading attack helicopters today.
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The AH-2 Rooivalk (red falcon) attack helicopter is a version of a vertical-attack aircraft developed and manufactured by the Atlas Aircraft Corporation, the predecessor of South Africa's Denel Aviation Group. Photo: Jetphotos. |
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The helicopter is equipped with a fire control system and a Doppler radar positioning system. Thanks to that, the AH-2 Rooivalk helicopter is capable of operating in all weather conditions, day or night. Photo: Jetphotos. |
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The AH-2 Rooivalk is also capable of jamming (one of the modern electronic warfare methods) and is equipped with specialized flare systems for the air force. Photo: Jetphotos. |
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The AH-2 attack helicopter has a maximum speed of 309 km/h and a cruising speed of 278 km/h. The operating range of the AH-2 helicopter is 1,335 km with maximum fuel. Photo: Jetphotos. |
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The AH-2 Rooivalk can be equipped with different types of weapons depending on the assigned mission and task. Photo: Jetphotos. |
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Typically, an AH-2 Rooivalk is equipped with a 20mm GL2 cannon in front of the aircraft's nose, Mitral air-to-air missiles, Ingwe and Mokopa anti-tank missiles, and rockets. Photo: Jetphotos. |
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The AH-2 Rooivalk attack helicopter can also carry unguided bomblets. Photo: Military-Today. |
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The AH-2 Rooivalk can perform special missions such as: reconnaissance; air fire support; attacking and destroying enemy armored vehicles and artillery; effectively supporting ground forces in attacking the enemy. Photo: Military-Today. |
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The first AH-2 prototype took off for the first time in 1990. The project's development encountered many technical difficulties. Photo: Military-Today. |
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From 1990-2007, only 12 were produced. It was not until March 2013 that the South African Air Force received all 12, of which one crashed during testing. Photo: Military-Today. |