The Denel AH-2 Rooivalk is a South African attack helicopter, manufactured by Denel Aviation. The name “Rooivalk” means “Red Kestrel” (Rock Kestrel) in Afrikaans and was chosen to commemorate the bird of prey found only in Southern Africa.

Manufacturer:
Denel Aviation
Country:
South Africa
Manufactured:
1990 to: 2007
ICAO:
RVAL
Price:
US$40 million
Avionics:
Engine:
2x 2 × Turbomeca Makila 1K2 turboshafts
Turboshaft
Power:
2,000 horsepower
Max Cruise Speed:
150 knots
278 Km/h
Approach Speed (Vref):
Travel range:
610 Nautical Miles
1,130 Kilometers
Fuel Economy:
1.26 nautical mile / gallon
0.616 kilometres / litre
Service Ceiling:
20,000 feet
Rate of Climb:
2620 feet / minute
13.31metre / second
Take Off Distance:
Landing Distance:
Max Take Off Weight:
8,750 Kg
19,290 lbs
Max Landing Weight:
Max Payload:
3,560 Kg
7,848 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity:
490 gallon
1,855 litre
Baggage Volume:
Seats - Economy / General:
2 seats
Seats - Business Class:
0
Seats - First Class:
0
Cabin Height:
Cabin Width:
Cabin Length:
Exterior Length:
18.73 metre - 61.45 feet
Tail height:
5.19 metre - 17.03 feet
Fuselage Diameter:
Wing Span / Rotor Diameter:
15.58 metre - 51.11 feet
Wing Tips:
No Winglets

The first prototype of the Rooivalk performed its maiden flight on 27 September 1986, with production starting in 1990. Its main purpose is as an anti-tank helicopter due to it carrying heavy armaments for destroying armour vehicles and other ground targets such as infantry formations and air defense sites at ranges up to 10 km away. It can also be used against low flying helicopters or fixed wing aircraft if necessary.

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