Denel Rooivalk

The Denel Rooivalk (previously designated AH-2 and CSH-2) is an attack helicopter manufactured by Denel Aviation of South Africa. Rooivalk is Afrikaans for "Red Kestrel". Development of the type began in 1984 by the Atlas Aircraft Corporation, its development is closely connected to the Atlas Oryx transport helicopter, both aircraft being based on the Aérospatiale SA330 Puma and having started development at the same time.

Development of the Rooivalk was protracted due to the impact of limited budgets during the 1990s, and a desire to produce a highly advanced attack helicopter. The South African Air Force (SAAF) ordered twelve Rooivalk helicopters, designated the Rooivalk Mk.1 in SAAF service, the first of was officially handed over in April 2011. The helicopters are flown by 16 Squadron, based at AFB Bloemspruit near Bloemfontein.

Users

 * South Africa
 * South African Air Force x 16
 * South African Navy x 16

Related Development

 * Atlas Oryx

Comparable Aircraft

 * Agusta A129 Mangusta
 * TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK
 * Bell AH-1Z Viper
 * Boeing AH-64 Apache
 * Westland WAH-64 Apache
 * Changhe Z-10
 * Eurocopter Tiger
 * HAL Light Combat Helicopter
 * Harbin Z-19
 * IAIO Toufan
 * Kamov Ka-50
 * Kawasaki OH-1
 * Mil Mi-24
 * Mil Mi-28
 * Panha 2091