Silver Falcons

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 Astra, the ab initio trainer of the SA Air Force.

History

Originally formed in 1946 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 1950's 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 [http://www.silverfalcons.co.za Silver Falcons] ("Die Silwer Valke" in Afrikaans) 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 increased to a 5 ship to bring about more exciting display postures and to include a soloist display. During the late 1980's the aircraft were painted to represent the then South African flag, with orange white and blue.

The Silver Falcons operated from Langebaanweg until the early 1990's, 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 1998, where due to various contraints, the Silver Falcons commenced training in the Pilatus Astra. The decision was partly based on the lack of flying instructors at 85 CFS, and partly due to the new turbo-prop trainer being display to the nation, at a reduced cost to the Air Force.

The team then formed part of the Central Flying School at AFB Langebaanweg. During this move, the team was once again reduced to a 4 ship.

Aircraft

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

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

Specifications
* Wing span — 10.19 m
* Length — 10.13 m
* Max Operating Speed — 300 knots (555 km/h)
* Maximum Mach Number — Mach 0.6
* Maximum Operating Altitude — 25 000 ft (7 622 m)
* Stalling Speed (Clean) — 75 knots (139 km/h)
* Stalling Speed (Landing Configuration) — 65 knots (120 km/h)
* Minimum Speed For Ground Level Ejection — 65 knots (120 km/h)

Accidents and incidents

*October 1993 — During an airshow at Lanseria Airport, Falcon 5 crashed during a low-level solo display sequence. Capt Charlie Rudnick ejected moments after structural failure caused the right wing of his Impala Mk I to separate from the fuselage, but was killed on impact.
*September 2006 — The propeller of one of the Astras struck the ground whilst taxiing through a ditch on the apron of AFB Ysterplaat during the Africa Aerospace & Defence Expo 2006.

Current Team

The team consists of 7 pilots and about 20 ground crew members. Falcon 1 is the formation leader, with Falcons 2-5 being the wingmen. Falcons 6 and 7 are involved in ground safety, public relations, fly photo platforms and ferry spare aircraft.

All the team's pilots are serving instructors at the Central Flying School and practise Silver Falcons displays in their spare time.

Team 68

Falcon 1: Maj Scott Ternent (Leader)
Falcon 2: Capt Guy Du Sautoy
Falcon 3: Lt Buti Tsebe
Falcon 4: Capt Dutoit Deetlefs
Falcon 5: Maj Nico Frylinck (Soloist)











Ancillary Members:
Falcon 6: Lt Gerhard Lourens (Ground Liaison Officer)
Falcon 7: 2 Lt Christo Jansen (Public Relations Officer)
Ground Crew Chief: Warrant Officer Jaco Smit

New Livery

A new paint scheme has been approved and the team's aircraft are scheduled for repainting in August 2008. The first 5-ship display exhibiting the new paint scheme is anticipated for late September 2008, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo at AFB Ysterplaat, Cape Town.

References

* [http://www.silverfalcons.co.za/ Silver Falcons Official website]
*Edited by a current team member.
*Edited by a huge supporter.

External links

* [http://www.silverfalcons.co.za/ Silver Falcons Official website]
* [http://www.aadexpo.co.za/ Africa Aerospace & Defence Expo 2008]