Denel AH-2 Rooivalk
Denel Aviation · South Africa · first flew 1990 · helicopter
The Rooivalk is a dedicated two-seat attack helicopter developed in South Africa, sharing dynamic components with the Puma-derived Oryx.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18.73 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem stepped cockpit
- Fixed tailwheel undercarriage
- Nose-mounted 20 mm cannon and stub weapon wings
Look for the tandem, stepped cockpit typical of attack helicopters, paired with an unusual fixed tailwheel undercarriage. A 20 mm cannon is slung under the nose. Stub wings carry weapons and prominent wire cutters guard the crew.
Specifications
- The Denel AH-2 Rooivalk has a length of 18.73 m (61 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.58 m (51 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 309 km/h (192 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Design began in 1984 and the XDM demonstrator first flew in 1990. The programme was stretched by budget cuts and the end of the Border War. First deliveries to the South African Air Force came only in 2011, with about fifteen built.
Variants
Early work produced the XH-1 Alpha and the XDM and EDM demonstrators. Series aircraft were delivered as the Rooivalk Mk 1, and Mk 1.1 and Mk 2 upgrades have been proposed. No export orders were secured.
Where you'll see it
It equips 16 Squadron of the South African Air Force at AFB Bloemspruit, with no UK operators. Rooivalks deployed with the UN Force Intervention Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2013, firing on rebel positions. It remains a niche but capable gunship.
Related aircraft
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