Bophuthatswana Air Force

Bophuthatswana Air Force
Air Force roundel
Founded	1987 - 1994 (ceased)
Country	Bophuthatswana
Branch	Air force
Role	Air defence

The Bophuthatswana Air Force (BAF) was the aviation branch of the Bophuthatswana Defense Force. The BAF existed from 1987 until 27 April 1994. The primary role of the BAF was to provide support and medevac services to the ground units of the Bophuthatswana army. The BAF operated from several bases, one being Mmabatho AFB.

All surviving aircraft and helicopters were integrated into the South African Air Force after 27 April 1994.

History

An air component of the BDF was established on 19 March 1981 with the purchase of an Alouette III.

In 1982, the unit became known as Bophuthatswana Air Wing with the arrival of a 2nd Alouette III and 2 Helio H-295s. In 1983, 2 Partenavia P.68s and an AS-355 Écureuil were purchased - the latter was assigned to VIP transports. In November 1989, it was replaced by an SA-365N1 Dauphin.

In 1985, a CASA 212-200 Aviocar was purchased to transport paratroopers, a CASA 212-300 was received in 1987.^[1] The 2 Helios were withdrawn from service and replaced by 2 MBB/Kawasaki BK 117s.

With the arrival of so many new aircraft, the Bophuthatswana Air Wing took the name Bophuthatswana Air Force in late 1987.

Aircraft

Aircraft	Origin	Type	In service	Notes
Combat Aircraft
Pilatus PC-7	Switzerland	COIN	3[2]
Pilatus PC-6 Turbo-Porter	Switzerland	COIN / Liaison	1[2]
Transport
CN-235	Spain	utility / transport	1[2]
C.212 Aviocar	Spain	transport	2[2]
Helicopters
BK 117	Germany	utility / liaison	2[2]
Alouette III	France	liaison	2[2]
SA365N	France	VIP	2[2]

See also

• South African Air Force

References

• Flight Global: World's Air Forces (1990)
• Frédéric Lert, Ainsi finit la Bophutatswana Air Force, magazine Le Fana de l'aviation, n° 300, November 1994

External links

• Pilatus - Bophuthatswana Air Force (Bop Air Force)