Silver Falcons

Last updated

Silver Falcons
South African Air Force Aerobatic Team
Silver Falcons logo.png
Emblem of the SAAF Silver Falcons
Active1953 – present
Country Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa
Branch South African Air Force
Role Aerobatic flight display team
Base Langebaanweg
ColoursRed, Green, Blue, Black and White
Aircraft flown
Trainer

The Silver Falcons is the aerobatic display team of the South African Air Force. Based at Air Force Base Langebaanweg near Cape Town, the Silver Falcons fly the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, the basic trainer of the SA Air Force in a 5-ship routine. The main purpose of the Silver Falcons is to enhance the image of the South African Air Force, encourage recruitment and instill national pride through public display.

Contents

History

current Silver Falcons paint scheme SilverFalcons5.jpg
current Silver Falcons paint scheme

Originally formed in 1953 as the Bumbling Bees and flying the T-6 Harvard and then the de Havilland Vampire. The Bumbling Bees flew a 4 ship formation and made a name for themselves by regularly taking part in South African airshows. The team disbanded in the late 1950s leaving a gap in South African aviation.

During 1966 the Aermacchi MB-326 "Impala" arrived and the Bumbling Bees were reinstated under the command of Colonel Chris Prins. The Silver Falcons were based at Air Force Base Langebaanweg on the West Coast of South Africa, near Cape Town. The team went from strength to strength and the idea to change the name to a more bilingual-sounding name came about. The Silver Falcons ("Die Silwer Valke" in Afrikaans) team was founded and gave their first display in November 1967 at the opening of the Atlas Aircraft Corporation.

During 1986, under the command of Commandant Dave Knoesen, the team was expanded to a 5 ship to bring about more exciting display postures and to include a solo display. The aircraft were also painted in orange, white and blue to represent the then current South African flag.

The Silver Falcons operated from Langebaanweg until the early 1990s, when all the Impala training was moved to Air Force Base Hoedspruit, in the Lowveld region of South Africa, and formed part of 85 Combat Flying School. During 1994 with a new national flag, the aircraft were repainted to represent the colours of the SA Air Force: blue, light blue and white.

The Silver Falcons continued to operate from Hoedspruit until in 1998, the Silver Falcons moved to AFB Langebaanweg and commenced training in the Pilatus Astra. The decision was partly made due to the shortage of flying instructors at 85 CFS and also to display the new turbo-prop trainer to the nation. During this move, the team was once again reduced to a 4 ship. For nine years, the team flew in the standard red and white paint scheme of the Astra fleet.

In 2008, 6 of the Astras were repainted in a unique blue and white livery and the team was expanded to a 5-ship again. Paint for the respray was donated by a local paint supplier, First African Paints. The first display in the new livery was flown at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Expo at AFB Ysterplaat in September 2008.

Aircraft

The Pilatus PC-7 Mk II is a high performance single-engine turboprop aircraft, used by the South African Air Force for ab-initio training. It is powered by a 750 shp limited to 700 Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25C engine and is designed for G-loadings between +7 and −3.5 G, making it ideal for aerobatics. The aircraft has a tandem seat configuration with Martin Baker CH-11A ejection seats.

For all practical purposes the PC-7 Mk II can be seen as a hybrid between the PC-7 and the newer PC-9. Both these aircraft types are popular as military trainers and are in service with more than 30 air forces. Like the PC-9, the PC-7 Mk II features a larger cockpit, upgraded airframe and instruments and is fitted with a ventral airbrake, but it retains the smaller engine of the original PC-7.

Specifications

Accidents and incidents

Current team

The team consists of 5 display pilots, 3 support officers and 12 ground crew members. Falcon 1 is the formation leader, with Falcons 2–5 being the wingmen. All the team's pilots are serving instructors at the Central Flying School.

Team 67

August 2008 - September 2008 September 2008 - October 2008 [1]

Falcon 1: Maj Scott Ternent
Falcon 2: Capt Guy du Sautoy
Falcon 3: Maj Alex Macphail
Falcon 4: Capt D Deeflets
Falcon 5: Maj Nico Frylinck

Team 68

September 2008 - October 2008 [1]

Falcon 1: Maj Scott Ternent
Falcon 2: Capt Guy du Sautoy
Falcon 3: Capt Buti Tsebe
Falcon 4: Capt D Deeflets
Falcon 5: Maj Nico Frylinck

Team 69

October 2008 - December 2008 [1]

Falcon 1: Maj Scott Ternent
Falcon 2: Capt Roy Sproul
Falcon 3: Capt Buti Tsebe
Falcon 4: Capt D Deeflets
Falcon 5: Maj Nico Frylinck

Team 70

January 2009 - December 2010 [1]

Falcon 1: Maj Scott Ternent (Leader)
Falcon 2: Capt Roy Sproul
Falcon 3: Capt Buti Tsebe
Falcon 4: Capt Gerhard Lourens
Falcon 5: Maj Nico Frylinck (Soloist)
Ancillary Members:
Ground Liaison Officer: Capt Heybrech van Niekerk
Public Relations Officer: 2Lt Brian Goldschmidt

Team 71

March 2011 - December 2011 [1]

Falcon 1 – Capt Roy Sproul (Leader)
Falcon 2 – Capt Heybrech van Niekerk (first female member)
Falcon 3 – Capt Buti Tsebe
Falcon 4 – Capt Gerhard Lourens
Falcon 5 – Maj Beau Skarda (Soloist)

Team 72

December 2011 - May 2012 [2] [3]

Falcon 1 – Maj Roy Sproul (Leader)
Falcon 2 – Capt Heybrech van Niekerk (first female member)
Falcon 3 – Lt Jacques Poolman
Falcon 4 – Capt Gerhard Lourens
Falcon 5 – Maj Beau Skarda (Soloist)

Team 73 [4]

Falcon 1 – Maj Roy Sproul (Leader)
Falcon 2 – Maj Werner Vermaak
Falcon 3 – Lt Jacques Poolman
Falcon 4 – Maj Heybrech van Niekerk (first female member) [5]
Falcon 5 – Maj Beau Skarda (Soloist)
Ancillary Members:
Ground Liaison Officer: Capt Mark Gentles
Public Relations Officer: Lt Brian Goldschmidt

Team 74 [1]

Falcon 1 – Maj Roy Sproul (Leader)
Falcon 2 – Capt Mark Gentles
Falcon 3 – Lt Jacques Poolman
Falcon 4 – Maj Werner Vermaak
Falcon 5 – Maj Beau Skarda (Soloist)
Ancillary Members:
Ground Liaison Officer: Capt Loedolff Muller
Public Relations Officer: Lt Brian Goldschmidt

Team 75

Falcon 1 – Maj Beau Skarda (Leader)
Falcon 2 – Capt Mark Gentles
Falcon 3 – Capt Loedolff Muller
Falcon 4 – Maj Werner Vermaak
Falcon 5 – Capt Jacques Poolman (Soloist)
Ancillary Members:
Ground Liaison Officer: Still to be elected.
Public Relations Officer: Capt Christo Jansen

Team 76

Falcon 1 – Maj Beau Skarda (Leader)
Falcon 2 – Maj Marc Bennett
Falcon 3 – Maj Loedolff Muller
Falcon 4 – Maj Werner Vermaak
Falcon 5 – Maj Mark Gentles (Soloist)
Major Jacques Poolman (official reservist)

Team 77

Falcon 1 – Maj Werner Vermaak (Leader)
Falcon 2 – Maj Marc Bennett
Falcon 3 – Capt Jacques Poolman
Falcon 4 – Maj Loedolff Mûller
Falcon 5 – Maj Mark Gentles (Soloist)

Team 78

Falcon 1 – Maj Werner Vermaak (Leader)
Falcon 2 – Maj Marc Bennett
Falcon 3 – Maj Shaun Constable
Falcon 4 – Maj Loedolff Mûller
Falcon 5 – Maj Mark Gentles (Soloist)

Team 79

Falcon 1 – Maj Mark Gentles (Leader)
Falcon 2 – Maj James Wilcox
Falcon 3 – Capt Omphile Mutloane
Falcon 4 – Maj Marc Bennett
Falcon 5 – Maj Shaun Constable (Soloist)

Team 80

Falcon 1 – Maj Mark Gentles (Leader)
Falcon 2 – Maj James Wilcox
Falcon 3 – Major Sivuyile Tangana
Falcon 4 – Capt Wendy Badenhorst
Falcon 5 – Capt Omphile Mutloane (Soloist)

Related Research Articles

United States Air Force Thunderbirds Air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force

The USAF Air Demonstration Squadron ("Thunderbirds") is the air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force (USAF). The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing, and are based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Created 69 years ago in 1953, the USAF Thunderbirds are the third-oldest formal flying aerobatic team in the world, after the French Air Force Patrouille de France formed in 1931 and the United States Navy Blue Angels formed in 1946.

South African Air Force Branch of the South African National Defence Force

The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the air warfare branch of South African National Defence Force, with its headquarters in Pretoria. The South African Air Force was established on 1 February 1920. The Air Force saw service in World War II and the Korean War. From 1966, the SAAF was involved in providing infantry support in the low-intensity Border War in Angola, South-West Africa and Rhodesia. As the war progressed, the intensity of air operations increased, until in the late 1980s when the SAAF were compelled to fly fighter missions against Angolan aircraft in order to maintain tactical air superiority. On conclusion of the Border War in 1990, aircraft numbers were severely reduced due to economic pressures as well as the cessation of hostilities with neighbouring states.

Pilatus PC-7 Trainer aircraft family by Pilatus

The Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer is a low-wing tandem-seat training aircraft designed and manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. The aircraft is capable of all basic training functions including aerobatics, instrument, tactical and night flying.

This is a list of British ground forces in the Falklands War. For a list of ground forces from Argentina, see Argentine ground forces in the Falklands War

Royal Jordanian Falcons Military unit

The Royal Jordanian Falcons is the national aerobatic demonstration team of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Battle of Basantar

The Battle of Basantar or the Battle of Barapind was one of the vital battles fought as part of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 in the western sector of India. The Indian troops won a hard-fought battle that secured this area in the Punjab/Jammu sector. The name Battle of Basantar actually encompasses the entire gamut of battles and skirmishes fought in the Shakargarh sector.

Carlo Gagiano South African Air Force General (born 1951)

Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano was a South African military commander and former Chief of the South African Air Force. He joined the South African Air Force in 1968, and served in the Border War in South West Africa in the 1980s.

War Cross (Norway) Award

The War Cross with Sword is the highest ranking Norwegian gallantry decoration. It is awarded for extraordinary brave actions or extraordinary leadership during combat. A recipient deemed worthy of additional citations will receive up to an additional two swords on the medal ribbon in addition to the "standard" single sword. Additional citations are rare: Gunnar Sønsteby is the only person to have received the War Cross with three swords.

3rd Space Operations Squadron US Space Force squadron

The 3rd Space Operations Squadron is a United States Space Force unit responsible for conducting on-orbit operations. It is located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.

AFB Langebaanweg is an airbase of the South African Air Force (SAAF). The base motto is Tenax Propisiti Vinco – Through Tenacity Comes Success.

Maryland Wing Civil Air Patrol Echelon of the Civil Air Patrol in Maryland

Maryland Wing, Civil Air Patrol is the highest echelon of Civil Air Patrol in the U.S. state of Maryland. Its headquarters is located in Granite, Maryland on the site of a former Nike Missile Base (BA-79). The Maryland Wing oversees 26 primary subordinate squadrons located throughout the state, including four school enrichment programs. The wing currently has a fleet of 11 aircraft made up of Cessna 172s, 182s, and a Gippsland GA-8 Airvan. More than 1,400 members serve in Civil Air Patrol’s Maryland Wing.

Battle of Chosin Reservoir order of battle is a list of the significant units that fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir between November 27, 1950 and December 13, 1950.

33rd Combat Communications Squadron Military unit

The 33d Combat Communications Squadron was a United States Air Force combat communications squadron, located at Tinker AFB. They deployed quality communications-computer systems and air traffic services for military operations and emergency missions under hostile and base conditions anytime, anywhere. The 33d CCS was inactivated as part of the overall inactivation of the 3 CCG in May 2012. In January 2013 the 33d was unofficially merged with the 31st CCS as part of the inactivation proceedings. The unit is expecting to be completely inactivated no later than October 2013.

The 1919 Birthday Honours were appointments by King George V to various orders and honours to reward and highlight good works by citizens of the British Empire. The appointments were made to celebrate the official birthday of The King, and were published in The London Gazette from 3 June to 12 August. The vast majority of the awards were related to the recently ended War, and were divided by military campaigns. A supplementary list of honours, retroactive to the King's birthday, was released in December 1919.

The 1918 New Year Honours were appointments by King George V to various orders and honours to reward and highlight good works by citizens of the British Empire. The appointments were published in The London Gazette and The Times in January, February and March 1918.

Okinawa naval order of battle

For the April 1945 invasion of Okinawa, the Allies assembled the most powerful naval force in history. Since the few remaining capital ships of the Imperial Japanese Combined Fleet had been sunk or otherwise put out of action at the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Allies were effectively unopposed in terms of major surface vessels; a single mission consisting of the superbattleship Yamato and a few escorts was undertaken, but the task force did not get within 200 nautical miles of the invasion area. The main Japanese naval opposition within the invasion area came from hundreds of Imperial Japanese Navy Shin'yō-class suicide motorboats and Maru-Ni Imperial Japanese Army attack boats.

This is a list of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) awards in the 1919 Birthday Honours.

5th Squadron (Belgium) Military unit

The 5th squadron is a training squadron which, together with the 9th squadron, forms the Basic Flying Training School of the Belgian Air Component.

Desmond Barker was a South African Air Force officer. His air force career spanned over four decades including time as the SAAF's Chief Test Pilot, air attaché in London, air base commander, and a member of its aerobatic display team. He was awarded the Southern Cross Medal and made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Brig. Gen. Khaya Makina was a General Officer in the South African Army from the artillery. He was born in New Brighton location in Port Elizabeth on 6 June 1964. He matriculated from Khwezi Lomso High School in 1982. He joined the uMkhonto we Sizwe and went into exile in the Kingdom of Lesotho and later in the Republic of Angola where he completed military training.

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Silver Falcons teams to date". The Silver Falcons. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
  2. "The Silver Falcons". The Silver Falcons. Retrieved 26 July 2012.
  3. "The South African Air Force". Saairforce.co.za. 26 July 2011. Retrieved 26 July 2012.
  4. "Silver Falcons". silverfalcons.co.za. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  5. "The South African Air Force". Saairforce.co.za. 25 March 2011. Retrieved 26 July 2012.