The following articles on the Rooivalk Mk2 (excerpt) indicate that Denel Aviation needs 60+ units to make this helicopter feasible. Early customers or partners will receive transfer-of-technology to locally manufacture, customize and maintain the Rooivalk Mk2.
I don't think the PAA will go out of its way to join, but it might have a shot if there's a functional Rooivalk Mk2 prototype. The PAA can trial it and decide from there.
If the PAA follows-up on the MoDP's interest in Romania's H215 Super Pumas, then signing onto the Rooivalk Mk2 would make a lot of sense. One would get a heavy attack helicopter with commonality with a low-cost heavy-medium utility helicopter.
There is also the H225M Caracal, which is adaptable for naval operations, cold weather environments, etc. The Rooivalk, Super Puma and Caracal have commonality (in engine, etc). A study of this might be worth it
@Horus
The next generation Rooivalk will feature better sights, improved firepower, greater payload and better survivability amongst other improvements, he said. The airframe and engines are still deemed satisfactory and would not be changed in a future upgrade.
“Denel Aviation is interested in seeking partners and clients in the development of a new generation Rooivalk…In this process,
significant opportunities exist for technology transfer as well as production and MRO participation. In order to exploit the intellectual property vested in Rooivalk at an economically feasible level a broad client base would be required,” Denel said.
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Through a joint venture programme of industrial participation and transfer of intellectual property, an indigenous attack helicopter production, support and upgrade/modification capability can be established.”
Jan Wessels, Denel Group COO, said that Rooivalk production is “inevitable” and called on potential partners to join in the programme. Funding has been made available from Denel Aviation to proceed with upgrading the Rooivalk and the company has brought back the Rooivalk jigs in anticipation of producing the Mk 2.
However, the main gearbox and main and tail rotor system (the dynamic components) are based on the Airbus Helicopters Super Puma/Oryx. Hugh Petersen, Executive Manager: Business Development at Denel Aviation, told defenceWeb that as Airbus Helicopters owns the intellectual property on the dynamic components so Denel has been in talks with them on the supply of these items.
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.p...-export-orders&catid=124:military-helicopters
Speaking ahead of the opening of the Africa, Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition at AFB Waterkloof today (Tuesday) he said discussions and negotiations were ongoing with potential African partners to both contribute to actual manufacture of Rooivalk Mk 2 and potential users.
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We are looking at about 60 or so aircraft to be used by African air forces as well as their possible sale to BRICS partners, Brazil and India.”
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.p...on-table-at-aad&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107
