Crashed in the Sahara (Mauritania) on 13 July 1994

In December 1996, the South African Air Force sold two Atlas MB326 Mk I and four MB326 Mk II aircraft to Cameroon. This Mk II is former SAAF serial 1079 and was presented fresh from overhaul at the AAD2002. The Mk II is a light single seat attack aircraft derived from the original two seat trainer the MB326 was designed to be.

The international sanctions laid upon South Africa because of apartheid forced the country to create its own defence industry. The first flight of the Rooivalk attack helicopter dates back to February 1990. The drive train and powerplant are based on the Aerospatiale SA-330 Puma series and the Turbomeca Makila engine. The Rooivalk was a finalist in Turkey's attack helicopter evaluation but lost against the Agusta A129 Mangusta. In the end, only 12 Rooivalks were produced for the SAAF.

Seen in the Sundancer/Vlaggie colours at the turn of the century. The crest on the tail is that of AFB Hoedspruit with the two last Mirage squadron numbers in the circle outside. The other Vlaggie was Atlas Cheetah C 370.

Seen in the Skydancer/Vlaggie colours at the turn of the century. The crest on the tail is that of AFB Hoedspruit with the two last Mirage squadron numbers in the circle outside. The other Vlaggie was Atlas Cheetah C 370.

This Shackleton became famous 14 years after this picture was taken. After it had been withdrawn from use in 1990, it was restored into flying condition. On 12 July 1994, it took off headed for England to take part in several airshows, flown by active SAAF pilots. Unfortunately, the aircraft had to make a belly landing in the Western Sahara on July 13th and subsequently was written off. The aircraft still remains there, slowly being burried under the sand.

Line up of Silver Falcons Team 27. This is the first orange, white, blue colours used. They were later refined.

This New York Air National Guard LC-130 (note the skis) has been upgraded with eight-bladed propellers.