Denel AH-2 Rooivalk

The attack helicopter built for modern African combat requirements.

Overview

Denel South Africa ICAO: RVAL 1990–2007 $40 million

The Denel AH-2 Rooivalk is a South African attack helicopter introduced in the 2000s. Designed to operate in hot and high environments, it supports anti-armor and close support missions. The aircraft represents a domestically developed combat rotorcraft.

Live Fleet Activity (RVAL)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Turbomeca Makila 1K2 turboshafts
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 2,000 shp · 1,491 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
61 ft 5 in  ·  18.73 m
Tail height
17 ft 0 in  ·  5.19 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
51 ft 1 in  ·  15.58 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
19,300 lb  ·  8,750 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
7,850 lb  ·  3,550 kg
Fuel capacity
490 gal · 1,900 L · 1,500 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
150 kt  ·  173 mph  ·  278 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
610 nm  ·  700 mi  ·  1,130 km
Fuel burn
1.26 nm/gal  ·  0.62 km/L
Ceiling
20,000 ft  ·  6,100 m
Rate of climb
2,620 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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AH-2 Rooivalk

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Operational Context

Denel AH-2 Rooivalk — attack helicopter

The Rooivalk first flew in 1990 and entered service in 2011 after extended development. It features a tandem cockpit and rugged airframe optimized for African operating conditions. The helicopter integrates advanced targeting systems.

Two turboshaft engines producing approximately 1,845 shaft horsepower each power the aircraft. Cruise speed approaches 150 knots (278 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 19,000 pounds (8,618 kg).

The Rooivalk has been deployed in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Its development reflects South Africa’s independent aerospace capability. The aircraft remains in limited operational service.