The English Electric Canberra T.4 flew in June 1952, and the B(I)8 in 1955. No 12 Squadron operated both versions, and the first delivery to South Africa took place in 1963. Powered by two Rolls Royce Avon 101 turbojets of 2954 kg (T4) and two Rolls Royce Avon 109 turbojets of 3357 kg in the…
Read more
The first Buccaneer S Mk2 flew in 1963. Powered by two Rolls Royce RB.168-1A Spey Mk 101 turbofans of 5035 kg thrust and generating a top speed of 1038 k/mh. The range was 3700 km. The wingspan is 13.4 metres, height is 4.95 metres and length is 19.33 metres.
A decision was taken to restore the gun by the Friends of the S.A.A.F. Museum and a dedicated work party of volunteers committed themselves to the task. A cost analysis was compiled for the necessary sundries and restoration commenced in early 2002. Each Saturday the team met and “the gun” as she became known, was…
Read more
The first flight of the P166S took place in October 1968, and South Africa’s order of 20 began arriving in 1969. Powered by two Piaggio-Lycoming GSO-480-B1C6 six cylinder engines of 254 kW, the Albatross had a maximum speed of 357 km/h and a range of 1930 km.
Dakota 75 Anniversary The maiden flight of the Douglas DC-3 took place on 17th December 1935. In 2010 her 75th anniversary was celebrated all over the globe and locally a special function was hosted by Capt. Flippie Vermeulen at Rand Airport. Flippie Vermeulen, veteran SAA pilot for 41 years with over 23,500 hours under his…
Read more
Reconnaissance Car (Marmon Herrington) The South African Reconnaissance Car, also known as the Marmon-Herrington Armoured Car, was produced in South Africa during the Second World War. Initiated in 1938 by the South African Government, the first version was based on a Ford 3 ton chassis, imported from Canada, and fitted with a four wheel drive…
Read more
Battle of Britain – Adler Tag The Exhibition was held to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and was based on the personal experiences of Survivors of The Battle. In particular, two survivors were on hand to give first hand accounts of what the experience was like. They explained what is was…
Read more
A descendant of the Lancaster, the Shackleton is an experience to see and hear. Often described in terms far from complimentary, the Shackleton is a marvelous aircraft, and to be involved in assisting in the protection and upkeep of this important piece of aviation history, this “Katherine Hepburn” of the skies, is a remarkable privilege.…
Read more
GENERAL SIR HESPERUS ANDRIAS (PIERRE) VAN RYNEVELD, KBE CB, DSO AND MC Van Ryneveld was born on 2 May 1891 at Senekal in the Orange Free State. After matriculating at Grey College School in Bloemfontein he trained as engineer in London. In July 1915 he joined the Royal Flying Corps (forerunner of the RAF), and…
Read more
