Aselsan to Modernize Avionics of South African Rooivalk Helicopter

South African Denel Rooivalk attack helicopters will be modernized with Aselsan’s avionics under a deal signed during the recently-concluded IDEF-2023 exhibition.

Aselsan and Denel Aeronautics signed a memorandum of understanding for the Rooivalk modernization during the African Aerospace and Defense (AAD) exhibition in 2022. The two companies signed a Certificate of Milestone Achievement during IDEF, SavunmaSanayiST.com reported.

The South African Air Force (SAAF) ordered 12 Rooivalk, designated the Rooivalk Mk 1 in SAAF service, the first of which were officially handed over in April 2011. The helicopters are flown by 16 Squadron, based at AFB Bloemspruit near Bloemfontein.

Aselsan will provide advanced glass cockpit with larger screens, a digital animated map, a helmet-mounted display system, and a modern flight management system for enhanced pilot and weapon systems officer mission effectiveness. These will be driven by two new mission computers that will control different aircraft management systems.

The South African helicopter will get:

A new sophisticated navigation system to support mission objectives, including an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) for accurate positioning and navigation;

An interoperability compatible communications package equipped with software-based V/UHF and HF radios, IFF transponder with Mod-5/S, and a digital communications system that allows the exchange of real-time information and target data;

A new flight control computer for enhanced agility and responsiveness;

A new mission planning and briefing system for comprehensive flight planning and information sharing;

Receiving data from other platforms, ground stations or command centers, thereby improving overall situational awareness and mission coordination.