The Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopter
 The
Agusta (A109) Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) replaces the Alouette III
in the light utility role. Current planning is for
the A109 LUH to be in service for a period of thirty years. The A109 is
earmarked for the following squadrons:
- 17 Squadron, Pretoria.
- 19 Squadron, Hoedspruit.
- 15 Squadron, Durban.
- 15 Squadron “C” Flight, Port Elizabeth.
- 1 Helicopter at Test Flight and Development
Centre, Bredasdorp.
The first three helicopters were delivered to the SAAF in September
2005, with a total of 11 delivered to date. The next two helicopters
were scheduled for delivery in July/August 2006. Four of the nine
helicopters were delivered to 17 and 19 Squadrons, two to each in July
2006. A total of 877 hours have been flown on the fleet since delivery.
Two pilot and two technician courses, presented by the SAAF, have been
completed in addition to the Agusta-presented factory conversion
courses. There are currently 13 pilots and 35 technicians qualified on
the helicopter.
The SAAF is currently carrying out an Operational Testing and Evaluation
(OT&E) phase in order to ensure that the helicopter and its associated
systems are integrated into the SAAF environment as efficiently as
possible.
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