South Africa (2022)

South Africa 2022

African Aerospace and Defence

South Africa 2022

With the show being cancelled in 2020, we were pleased to visit the African Aerospace and Defense show 2022 at Waterkloof Airbase with a group.

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19 September 2022

With the crowds at Schiphol in mind, our group gathered in the early hours on Monday 19 September 2022 for our trip to South Africa. The main purpose of the trip was the African Aerospace & Defense (AAD) show at Waterkloof. A repeat of our trip in 2018, which we actually wanted to do in 2020 but could not continue due to Covid. Also for the people of the AAD this was another chance to show themselves from their best side because the show had of course been canceled in 2020. Just before departure, we heard that the SAAF Gripens, after months of inactivity, were operational again (or at least some) and that they intended to send at least 1 to Waterkloof.

The process at Schiphol went more smoothly than expected and in no time we were waiting for our flight with a cup of coffee. This flight went smoothly and just after 9pm we landed at Johannesburg International Airport, O.R. Tambo. After we picked up our van we drove to our stay this week; the Guesthouse of the very hospitable Lynette in Pretoria. Time to get some sleep!

20 September 2022

Although Tuesday 20 September 2022 was not yet an official show day, there were already activities on the base. Early on we reported to the gate and not much later we walked to the base. Everything was still being built up, but we could enjoy the aircraft along the runway that were practicing their demo, or were still arriving for the show. We saw two Gripens so they must have already arrived! It was clear that the SAAF was planning to go big because almost all types were present at the static show, while there were also several demonstrations planned with multiple aircraft. There was a ‘mini-war’ with many helicopters and a number of Hawks, flypasts of several aircraft and a number of solo displays.

Two aircraft of the Zimbabwe Air Force were also announced in the program (a C212 and a K-8) but they could not be found yet. We quickly understood that the flight plan they submitted had been cancelled for reasons that were unclear to us. Hopefully this would still work out!

Several demonstrations were practiced this day and before we knew it it was dark and time to go back to our Guesthouse. A very nice first day with a lot of SAAF planes in the picture.

21 September 2022

Today, Wednesday September 21, 2022, was the first official day of the AAD. After we had collected our press passes, we were back at base fairly quickly. The program of this day was about the same as the previous day, although some displays were still ‘work in progress’ it seemed. What was striking was that most helicopters operated from Swartkop, a good prospect for Thursday.

The planes from Zimbabwe did as planned today and around noon a K-8 and a C212 arrived. Since these two aircraft were parked on a separate platform, it took some effort to get to, but in the end they were able to be photographed in beautiful light. More good news came from the Gripen front as a third Gripen arrived in the afternoon, the second single-seater. With little audience at the show, we were able to photograph aircraft in various positions to our heart’s content, such as the Zimbabwean C212 that stood on the platform in beautiful evening light.

22 September 2022

The museum at Swartkop, also near Pretoria, has a beautiful collection of aircraft that once served with the SAAF. The museum works by appointment, so we had arranged in advance to visit on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Since the museum platform is adjacent to the operational part, we had taken this into account with the agreed starting time at the museum. After a short visit to Waterkloof, we reported to the gate of Swartkop around noon. Our preparation paid off because from the museum we had a beautiful view of a whole row of SAAF aircraft that were ready. A few minutes after our arrival, four Ce208s landed and passed beautifully on the runway. Everyone enjoyed themselves with the museum aircraft until around 14.00 the first helicopters were started up. From a grandstand, in the shade, we were able to take very nice pictures of all the aircraft that were heading for Waterkloof. About an hour later everything came back for second photo opportunity. After everything was in we said goodbye to the friendly people at the museum and we drove to Wonderboom to photograph the W&R present in the area.

23 September 2022

We were also present at Waterkloof on Friday September 23, 2022. Because we had a nice picture of almost all SAAF aircraft, we were able to look for alternative photo positions today. In addition, we had been trying for a few days to get across to the other side the field, but so far without success. Meanwhile, more and more stands became operational, including a real craft beer tent from OCBrewery. Craftbeer and airplanes, an ideal combination!

24 September 2022

Because Saturday 24 September 2022 was the first public day, we were on the road early today. And rightly so, because well before 7 a.m. there was already a long queue at the entrance gates. Fortunately, we were quickly inside and we were able to photograph the first landings. Around 10.00 the opportunity to go to the other side presented itself and it was seized with both hands. In a somewhat full ‘bakkie’ (pick-up truck). We were dropped off at the flightline where we could enjoy the show all day, and from 12.00 with the sun at our backs. The Hawks and Gripen flew several sessions, all of which were beautiful to photograph. Special moments today came at the end of the show, when both the C-130 and the Rooivalk did a flare dump. With the setting sun we enjoyed the last bits of light on the devices before we drove off the field, surprisingly quickly. A very successful day!

25 September 2022

Because we had the idea that another day at AAD would add nothing, Sunday 25 September 2022 was filled in with looking for W&R near Pretoria and Johannesburg, two museums and the airports Rand and Lanseria. Highlights of the day included a Shackleton at a gas station, the military museum in Johannesburg and a Mozambique Air Force CN235 on Rand. At the end of the day, the rental car was returned to Johannesburg and the trip concluded at the brewery located at the airport. Looking back, we can conclude that AAD 2022 was a successful event, and South Africa is a welcoming and beautiful country. On to AAD2024!

South Africa 2022

South Africa 2022

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South Africa (2022)

South Africa 2022

South Africa 2022

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