Aerospace and defence group BAE Systems will deliver the first two Hawk lead-in fighter trainer aircraft to the SA Air Force next month. Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin yesterday inspected the Hawk jet trainer assembly line at Denel’s premises in Kempton Park. Picture: Martin Rhodes

Aerospace and defence group BAE Systems will deliver the first two Hawk lead-in fighter trainer aircraft to the South African Air Force next month, the company said yesterday.

The South African government bought the aircraft, built by local arms manufacturer Denel, in 1999 as part of the $2,2bn package *1 which included 24 Hawk and 28 Gripen aircraft.

As beneficiaries of the defence contract, BAE engaged Denel’s services under the Industrial Participation (IP) offset programme.

Denel CEO Shaun Liebenberg said the first two aircraft would be delivered next month “and, thereafter, we will deliver two a month”.

Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin yesterday inspected the Hawk jet trainer assembly line at Denel’s premises in Kempton Park.

Erwin said as a result of its collaboration with BAE, Denel had acquired experience and skills in aircraft manufacturing *2. He said BAE had contracted Denel to manufacture rear wings, airbrake and wing flaps for all new Hawks.

Liebenberg said the collaboration with BAE gave Denel an opportunity to develop new skills and modern technologies, grow exports and expand its businesses.

BAE Systems vice-president in SA Jonathan Walton said the contract had also benefited black empowerment companies and smaller enterprises such as Contactserve, Vacuform, Tetech and Hartell.

With acknowledgements to Siseko Njobeni and Business Day.

*1   In 1998 Aermacchi offered the SA DoD 24 MB339FD jet aircraft at US$517,60 million (R3 235,00 million), this being in respect of acquisition cost and financing.

In 1998 British Aerospace offered the SA DoD 24 Hawk 100 jet aircraft at US$1 159,00 million (R7 243,75 million), this being in respect of acquisition cost and financing.

In 1999 the SA DoD purchased 24 Hawk 100 jet aircraft from British Aerospace. The price had increased by at least a few percent by then.

This means that the South African taxpayer paid more than double to have the honour of being a member of the Hawk Club (along with President Robert Mugabe).

The Hawk design is nearly 30 years old.

The SAAF wanted the MB339FD because it is less expensive, has a higher military value, is more modern and because Denel Aerospace had been set up to produce and support the Aermacchi range of light jets.

If Atlas Aviation could have developed and produced the Impala Mk II MB326L with hard points for weapons delivery making this aircraft a competent light attack fighter as well, it is difficult to accept that Denel Aerospace could not have done the same with the MB339.

*2   Rubbish: Atlas Aircraft Corporation, later Denel Aerospace, built 151 Impala (Aermacchi MB-326M) Mk I jet trainers under licence from Aermacchi.

The Impala (Mk II MB-326L) was the first to be entirely locally manufactured and served the SAAF for a period of more than 30 years. Atlas Aircraft built several hundred of these aircraft and its production lines were entirely tooled to produce and support the Impala Mk I and Mk II.

By 1973, the Impala Mk I contained 99,9% locally manufactured components, including the engine.

The Mk II served with distinction in the SAAF and is credited as the best light attack jet aircraft of its time.

This aircraft type was the first to be entirely locally manufactured and served the SAAF, over a period of more than 30 years.

Acknowledgements to : Impala Mk1 & Mk2 - Classic Italian design

http://ipmssa.inext.co.za/imps_background.htm