Denel exploring Rooivalk programme restart

[Thor]

Stick to Mjolnir or do you want to take part in the https://www.google.co.za/search?q=a...=qRlJVamtIoXY7Aa4voCYAg&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ challenge too?

Here you can see the prototype:
https://www.google.co.za/search?q=a...0CAYQ_AUoAQ#tbm=isch&q=ah-64+apache+prototype

Mister sitting behind a computer warrior here you go.


The apache was designed for NEO( Nap-of-the-earth )

... can hide behind trees or buildings, "popping up" just enough to use their (rotor mast-mounted) radar or other sensors and then minimally exposing themselves to launch weapons. Escape can then be made by further NOE flying.

 

[Fulcrum29]

Agree with anti on this one.


The apache was designed for low low low flight belowe tree line height and top mounted camera will tag targets then they pop up and down goes the badguy, but the Irag war almost completely changed the design and purpose of the original apache.


I read this somewhere ( will try to find the book )

Plus I know I have also heard it on discovery show was called top 10 or something like that.

You are correct that the Apache was developed to suit NoE, but the AH-64A up to the C was interchangeable (pending on the models by year) where the B and later A had a mast mounted radar, all the sensors (including the gun HUD tech) was nose mounted. It was only until the D that the mast mounted radar was replaced by an advanced radome. There is no camera mounted on the mast. I don't know which Iraq war you are on about, but the AH-64D is active since 1997 and the E model is basically a recently upgraded AH-64D.

 

[Thor]

You are correct that the Apache was developed to suit NoE, but the AH-64A up to the C was interchangeable (pending on the models by year) where the B and later A had a mast mounted radar, all the sensors (including the gun HUD tech) was nose mounted. It was only until the D that the mast mounted radar was replaced by an advanced radome. There is no camera mounted on the mast. I don't know which Iraq war you are on about, but the AH-64D is active since 1997 and the E model is basically a recently upgraded AH-64D.

I used the wrong terminology there, I meant the radar sensors. I know they later had it on top.

My original post was a bit quick, I meant In agree with anti that it was designed for low altitude and during the Iraq war since dessert storm they primarily fly high altitude due to lack of trees and stuff to pop up behind from

 

[supersunbird]

The problem with what he said is not nap of the earth, hell, I wrote a Creative Writing story in English Second Language in 1995 (Standard 9) where I was an Apache pilot at the outbreak of war in Europe and hiding behind trees and farm buildings waiting to popup and release my Hellfire's on the columns of Soviet tanks, so don't need a lecture on that.

Here is the problem:

The Apache was designed to fly at low level wih their rotor-top cameras poking out, but in Iraq they were vulnerable to small arms fire. Now they fly so high, they use super-zoom just to see their target.

No rotor top cameras... ever!

Read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_AH-64_Apache

I can spend days reading this stuff on Wikipedia... better get to bed now! lol

 

[Thor]

The problem with what he said is not nap of the earth, hell, I wrote a Creative Writing story in English Second Language in 1995 (Standard 9) where I was an Apache pilot at the outbreak of war in Europe and hiding behind trees and farm buildings waiting to popup and release my Hellfire's on the columns of Soviet tanks, so don't need a lecture on that.

Here is the problem:


No rotor top cameras... ever!

Read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_AH-64_Apache

Oh okey sorry for that. That was my mistake Yea I missed that part I thought we where disagreeing about low vs high altitude.


Regarding cameras I typed too soon. You are completely right the only top mounted thing was that radar looking bubble circle on the later models.

 

[JerryMungo]

It always bothered me - that we actually watched a series about two guys with a stolen, heavily armed supercopter, that could fly faster than the speed of sound. And they were able to use it to solve problems like gang violence, or reuinting a mother with her illegitimate baby. Without killing anyone. :wtf:

Or that his name was stringfellow... And not something appropriate like, I dunno, strongfellow?

 

[Fulcrum29]

I used the wrong terminology there, I meant the radar sensors. I know they later had it on top.

My original post was a bit quick, I meant In agree with anti that it was designed for low altitude and during the Iraq war since dessert storm they primarily fly high altitude due to lack of trees and stuff to pop up behind from

Ha ha, no worries, when I had a beer or two then nobody understands my terminology. I think you related to an IR camera (FLIR). The IR is in the sensor component and is nose-mounted on the AH-64 models, it is also packaged with the gun HUD which is helmet operated.

 

[Thor]

Ha ha, no worries, when I had a beer or two then nobody understands my terminology. I think you related to an IR camera (FLIR). The IR is in the sensor component and is nose-mounted on the AH-64 models, it is also packaged with the gun HUD which is helmet operated.

Lets agree that's what I meant

/Pours Fulcrum & supersunbird some vodka.

 

[JerryMungo]

Back on topic... no matter how awesome your Rooivalk is, it won't ever sound like this

[video=youtube;M6W1Ge7rCyg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6W1Ge7rCyg[/video]
/I win

 

[FoXtroT]

Guys all Attack Helicopters are designed for nap of the earth flying and pop up attacks. It's kind of the basic tactics associated with these aircraft.

Also the only attack chopper with its imaging system in the non tradition chin mounted position is the Eurocopter Tiger. It's is located above the cockpit.

 

[supersunbird]

Guys all Attack Helicopters are designed for nap of the earth flying and pop up attacks. It's kind of the basic tactics associated with these aircraft.

Also the only attack chopper with its imaging system in the non tradition chin mounted position is the Eurocopter Tiger. It's is located above the cockpit.

Thanks,

Quite interesting, the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_Tiger#UH_Tiger has a above rotor sighting system.

Wonder why antiganda is so quiet today?

 

[AntiGanda]

Oh okey sorry for that. That was my mistake Yea I missed that part I thought we where disagreeing about low vs high altitude.


Regarding cameras I typed too soon. You are completely right the only top mounted thing was that radar looking bubble circle on the later models.

I was thinking of the latest Tiger. The Apache has a radar on the top. They call it a sensor, which is often synonymous with camera. However let's not miss the point.

 

[FoXtroT]

Rooivalk 2 under consideration

Helmoed-Römer Heitman, Pretoria - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

South Africa's Denel group is studying the possibility of bringing the Rooivalk attack helicopter back into production in an updated variant.

Denel COO Jan Wessels outlined the company's thinking to IHS Jane's , saying the process is taking the form of a "two-pronged approach".

The first is focused on the "life extension of the existing Rooivalk Block 1F fleet, dealing with obsolescence and adding some functionalities". Denel, Armscor and the South African Air Force (SAAF) are working to "establish the breadth and depth of the upgrade" that should be undertaken.

While not yet confirmed, this has to include the replacement of old computers. It would also make sense to integrate the Denel Dynamics Mokopa semi-active laser (SAL)-guided missile, which was developed for the Rooivalk, but has not been acquired by the SAAF as yet.

The second prong examines a potential 'Rooivalk 2', and Denel is working with the SAAF to study the future user requirement in the "2025 and beyond" timeframe, Wessels said. Denel will take a "flexible and open approach", with the agreement of the SAAF, to "enable potential [foreign] partners to influence the process and the details of the final product to meet their particular requirements".

While Wessels declined to provide further details, other sources involved in considering the future of the Rooivalk have suggested the Rooivalk 2 might be fitted with the new EO/IR turret developed by Airbus Optronics - formerly Denel Optronics - that includes both a laser designator (for Mokopa, the smaller Impi missile or other SAL weapons) and a laser beam generator for beam-riding missiles such as the Ingwe.

There has also been discussion of adding an air-to-air missile for self-defence, MBDA's Mistral having originally been specified, but not necessarily still being the preferred option.

IHS Jane's understands that two countries have already expressed interest in the Rooivalk 2, one of which has previously considered the helicopter, but would not commit until it was fully in service with the SAAF, which did not happen until 2013 due to funding constraints.

http://www.janes.com/article/51180/rooivalk-2-under-consideration

 

[AntiGanda]

I see ATE were doing mods to the Mi24 and have now been taken over by Paramount. They have a deal with Ukraine on their engines. Some sort of technology transfer deal. I'm guessing locally made helicopter engines.

That should help the Rooivalk project or perhaps a locally assembled Mi24/28.

http://www.janes.com/article/49424/...u-with-motor-sich-for-mi-24-engine-technology

 

[Fulcrum29]

I see ATE were doing mods to the Mi24 and have now been taken over by Paramount. They have a deal with Ukraine on their engines. Some sort of technology transfer deal. I'm guessing locally made helicopter engines.

That should help the Rooivalk project or perhaps a locally assembled Mi24/28.

http://www.janes.com/article/49424/...u-with-motor-sich-for-mi-24-engine-technology

What engines deal?

The MoU covers collaboration on programmes in the production and modernisation of helicopters and aviation component, with the two companies committing to exploring technical transfers on helicopter technology between the South African and Ukrainian defence industries.

Paramount provides upgrades for the Mil Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters, known as the Super 17 and SuperHind respectively, through its Advanced Technologies business units. Upgrades cover avionics and flight management systems, communications, night vision, and weapons systems.

 

[AntiGanda]

What engines deal?

IDEX 2015: Paramount signs MoU with Motor Sich for Mi-24 engine technology

The headline was an unsubtle clue.

 

[AntiGanda]

Recall also that Ukraine suspended their own deal with this company, which was producing engines for the Russian Mi series. Oddly enough Russia doesn't make their own such engines.

 

[Fulcrum29]

IDEX 2015: Paramount signs MoU with Motor Sich for Mi-24 engine technology

The headline was an unsubtle clue.

Headlines barely tell the whole story.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38148

The signing, which was witnessed by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, commits the two companies to exploring the opportunity of transferring technologies that exist in both companies, relating to rotary platforms, Paramount said. The signing took place during IDEX 2015 in Abu Dhabi.

Paramount Group's Advanced Technologies business unit is ideally placed to collaborate with Motor Sich as it produces the Super Hind attack helicopter, based on the Mi-24 platform. Paramount recently announced a ramping up of the production of its Mi-24 and Mi-17 composite rotor blades, which are key components of the Super Hind programme.

Composite rotor blades outlast the life of the helicopter, whereas metal blades have to be replaced several times during the helicopter's life span. Compared with metal blades which have to be replaced set-by-set, composite rotor blades can be replaced blade-by-blade and are more damage tolerant in operation. The blades can also be introduced without changing the helicopter's rotor head - a world first, according to Paramount. Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Chairman of Paramount Group, said the restarting of blade production was “huge” for the South African industry as the Mi-17 and Mi-24 series of helicopters are very prolific, with some 3 000 flying, each with five main rotor blades. In the past Russian Helicopters has controlled the supply of rotor blades.

Rotor blades.