AAD 2006 AFB Ysterplaat
Although the airshow only officially starts on the 20th - some of the aircraft etc. have started to arrive! Photos c/o D Wingrin. One of the SA Navy's new Corvette's (F146 SAS Isandlwana) photographed off Simon's Town: The big surprise is the arrival of the E145 AWACS: One of the new SAAF's Hawks: I'm heading down on Thursday afternoon - will be heading to the show on Friday and the weekend. Can't wait!!

The E145 AWACS are really cool! If you knew how much I envy you that you can go there... HAVE FUN and good weather ;-) Cheers, Felix

Well, its only Tuesday, isn't it? Give it some time and think positive! :wink: :lol: Cheers, Felix

Some more pics of the action @ AFB Ysterplaat - I cannot wait until I'm in Cape Town to go along - it looks really good. All pics c/o D. Wingrin. The 1st Gripen in SAAf colours - looks amazing!!! The Zimbabwean AF have sent along 2 K-8s and a CASA 212: Good to see the weather has picked up - is forecast to be beautiful for the rest of the week!!!

Press release from AAD 2006 - I'm on the design team. The School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University will design an Ultralight Aircraft, which will help promote tourism, industry and leisure in Somerset East, upgrade skills and create employment opportunities. The first phase of the project, managed by Wits Enterprise, will be completed by December 2007. The tourism industry in the Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM) of Somerset East, Cookhouse and Pearston will benefit from the first Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA) initiative to upgrade the district’s aviation offering. The aviation project, which incorporates the upgrading of the Somerset East airfield and the construction of a light aircraft assembly plant, is linked to the expansion of the Addo Elephant Park and the development of the Boschberg node. Michael Boer, Associate Lecturer at Wits University’s School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, says: “We are extremely excited to be working on this project. We feel that we are well-placed to meet the demands of this challenging project as we have previously undertaken similar projects. For example, we have designed a conceptual aircraft with the intent to manufacture a prototype and we have conducted an aerodynamic analysis of a conceptual microlight”. The research team will be drawn from Wits staff members and students whose expertise lie in aircraft design, performance estimation, technical drawing, wind tunnel testing, competitive engineering design, analysis and testing of metallic and composite structures, numerical simulation and the analysis of aerial vehicles.The team will assess the operational requirements and human needs before commencing the design. Thereafter, the aircraft’s geometry and engine will be specified.The performance and handling characteristics will be determined and the structure will be designed. Production of the prototype will then commence in the second phase of the project. Boer says: “The two seat Ultralight Aircraft will have a local composite or aluminium structure and will have good flying qualities with low stall speed and high speed cruise. It will boast a fuel efficient piston engine with a range of about 1000 km and an endurance of about four hours. More importantly it will be built to comply with Ultralight regulations in order to satisfy the international export market. We are hoping that this project will help to open the export market for South African-developed aircraft and create a skills pool in the field of ultralight aviation. The BCDA’s primary objectives are to promote and develop economic potential, leverage public and private resources for development and foster and develop entrepreneurial potential with the ultimate aim of sustainable job creation. Jacqueline Barnet, COO of Wits Enterprise, the commercial company managing the project says that the University has much to offer businesses South Africa in terms of contract research. The BCDA will also upgrade an airfield at Somerset East through the construction of a 1500m asphalt runway, lengthening of the grass runway and the construction of hangers. Establishment of a flying school for previously disadvantaged individuals is planned, as well as development of a light industrial park which will include an aircraft assembly plant. The aviation project will contribute to the experience of business and leisure travellers in the district, province and country with positive spin-offs for the community.

How cool. Really hope you do have success with the project! Wishing you the best for the future, (Cheers,) Felix