It can co-ordinate various functions, has adapted to challenges

When government announced the commissioning of the Rooivalk into service, mainly in support of peacekeeping operations, some reports welcomed Rooivalk's future contribution to SA's ability to fulfil international obligations. Others called it a dinosaur, designed for apartheid and unsuited to our new democracy's needs.

Some misunderstood last week's announcement to mean approval to purchase Rooivalk, as distinct from commissioning it into service. During the time it takes between ordering new equipment and receiving it, the security environment can change to such an extent that the original purpose of the equipment is overtaken or becomes redundant. One option then is to mothball a project or attempt to sell the equipment to another buyer. If, however, and this is the situation the Rooivalk finds itself in, the system is versatile enough to allow for alternative deployment, or its technology has evolved to meet new demands, then the normal course is to commission the system into service.

Rooivalk emerged when the then SA Defence Force (SADF) encountered sophisticated air defence and radar systems in Angola in the 1980s. The SADF needed an aircraft that could be stealthy, deliberately overpowered for superior manoeuvrability, able to deploy air-to-air and airto-ground weapons, a crash-proof airframe, a fire-resistant engine deck and flight controls designed with a backup so that if damaged it could still operate.

An outstanding achievement, better than US attack helicopters, is Rooivalk's extremely low airframe vibration that is crucial to weapons delivery. However, it is the guts of Rooivalk that ultimately define its up-to-date sophistication and world class status. Its ability to co-ordinate a whole range of different functions into one operation makes it what it is, and it has adapted to new security concerns.

It was the first helicopter from 1996 to use a digital, night and day operational "glass cockpit" (computer screen format). The flight controls and the weapon systems are displayed on the visor of the pilot's helmet, providing all mission critical information. SA has in effect pioneered this helmet sight, and it has become the helmet of choice, including in the US.

The Rooivalk utilises advanced thermal imaging systems to detect objects and targets. The missile launch warning system, driven by optical devices using spectral analysis, alerts the pilot to any enemy missiles and can automatically institute countermeasures. This is an important development, particularly in the light of the recent Mombasa missile incident.

Besides swift deployment, precisionguided munitions allow for clearer distinctions between military and civilian groups or infrastructure: critically important in peacekeeping operations. Our peacekeepers do not enjoy airborne protection; Rooivalk will provide this. It will also be the only heavy calibre system to be employed with peacekeeping forces.

Government decided to purchase 12 Rooivalk from Denel in 1995, and 16 Squadron at Bloemfontein was reactivated in 1998 to receive the first helicopters in 1999. The last two helicopters are due for delivery shortly. Infrastructure is in place, training has commenced and doctrine specific to Rooivalk's peacekeeping deployment is almost complete.

All that remains is to complete a few elements, retrofit some of the earlier aircraft with newer equipment and secure an operations budget.

Government believes that Rooivalk fulfils critical defence requirements of the country, and that the training, logistics and support work must proceed apace to ensure that the aircraft will soon be deployed in an operational, peacekeeping capacity.

Dr Phillips is Special Adviser to Public Enterprises Minister Jeff Radebe.

With acknowledgements to Ian Phillips and Business Day.