15 Squadron SAAF
| 15 Squadron | |
|---|---|
BK 117 in 15 Squadron service
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| Active | 1939 to present |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Branch |  South African Air Force |
| Role | Light Transport |
| Garrison/HQ | AFB Durban |
| Motto | "Aquila Petit Ardua" (The Eagle Seeks the Heights) |
| Equipment | BK 117, Atlas Oryx |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Identification Code | ZP (1943)[1] |
| 15 Squadron crest |  |
15 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a transport/utility helicopter squadron.
History
The squadron was formed on 18 September 1939 as a SAAF Coastal Command squadron based at Cape Town.[2] During the war it flew Junkers Ju-86, Bristol Blenheim and Martin Maryland aircraft.[3] The squadron suffered a tragedy in May 1942, when eleven out of twelve personnel perished when three Blenheims became lost during a training flight and had to make an emergency landing in the desert.[4]
The Squadron flew Baltimore 5 Light Bombers in May 1945 as part of 253 Wing of the Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force.[5] Other aircraft flown during and after the war included Bristol Blenheims, and Martin Baltimores. Notable Second World War members include Harry Schwarz, who in 1984 was made Honorary Colonel of the Squadron.
Post Second World War
Aircraft flown after the war included the Aérospatiale Super Frelon and the Aérospatiale Puma.
The current base is AFB Durban in Durban, it operates Atlas Oryx and BK 117 helicopters. Their primary role is maritime and landward search and rescue. Two flights of Oryx, A and B Flights, are based in Durban and C Flight, consisting of four BK 117s is detached to Port Elizabeth.
The current BK 117 aircraft of C Flight were originally inherited from the Apartheid-era "homelands", the Ciskei having acquired 3 in 1983, Venda 2 in 1985, Transkei 2 in 1986 and Bophuthatswana 2 in 1987, making a total of 10 with an extra delivered from Brazil. Two of the aircraft have already been mothballed at AFB Bloemspruit. Four remain in service with 15 Squadron. C Flight's conversion to AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters has been postponed due to delays in developing emergency flotation equipment for the type, thus precluding its use in a maritime environment.[6]
The Nkwe ya Selefera (Silver Leopard Decoration) was awarded to Flight Sergeant V. Selvan for conspicuous bravery during military operations. (15 Sqn, SAAF – 2004).
Attrition
- 2 Nov 1999: Bk117 384 Rolled over after emergency landing
- Mar 2003: BK117 383 Involved in an accident, later declared Cat 5 and cannibalised
- 20 Aug 2003: BK117 389 Written-off during Exercise Blue Angel
References
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External links
Media related to Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. at Wikimedia Commons
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| Active squadrons | ||
| Training and development units | ||
| Formation aerobatic teams | ||
| Territorial reserve squadrons | ||
| Disbanded air and training squadrons | ||
| Disbanded air defence squadrons | ||
| WW2 Wings of the SAAF | ||
| Bases | ||
| Equipment | ||
| History | ||
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