Denel (formerly Atlas) Oryx is a medium transport helicopter in service with the South African Air Force (SAAF). It is a local offshoot of Aerospatiale's popular French-made "Puma" series, originally launched in 1968 and remaining active in SAAF inventory.
SAAF used Puma during the embargo before 1977, eventually becoming the largest non-French operator.
The Alpha XH-1 demonstrator was developed by Atlas Aircraft engineers while trying to develop its first indigenous attack helicopter design (Denel "Rooivalk"). This work resulted in the more advanced XTP-1, which is essentially a modified Aerospatiale SA330 "Cougar" helicopter, and two prototypes were completed.
These prototypes served the Rooivalk program well, but also showed the benefits of an improved form of the Puma transporter. Therefore, the move received additional attention, and a special prototype followed, from which the Atlas "Antelope" transport platform was born.
Due to the embargo, the new helicopter was forced to rely on the local South African industry and its experience in managing, repairing and operating the French Cougar. The Oryx remains largely faithful to the French design, but offers enough edge to complete the plan.
Performance is improved, weight is reduced, and operational obligations are reduced by a quarter. Structurally, the tailstock was slightly lengthened and a new dust cover was installed on the engine air intake to improve service in dry environments. Crew survivability has also been improved. The result is a new helicopter that mimics the form and function of the French original, with improvements in several key areas.
It has the added benefit of being customizable to South African Air Force needs as well as local modifications.
After completing the necessary testing, evaluation and certification phases, the Oryx went into production in 1986 and the fuselage was built in 1991. The service was launched in 1987, but the transport helicopter did not gain public acceptance until 1991.
With South Africa still under embargo, up to 46 Puma-related update components were eventually received indirectly via Zaire and Romania. As of 2006, 35 of these pigeons had mid-life upgrades to keep these pigeons flying high in the 2020s.
Since its introduction, the Oryx has served with the 15th, 17th, 19th and 22nd Squadrons and is also used by the 87th Helicopter Flight School. In use, the platform responds well in a variety of combat and non-combat roles, the latter including search and rescue (SAR) planning and firefighting. In military service, it is typically used for troop and field supply transport, carrying up to 20 infantrymen or 3,000 kg of cargo. An optional sling capacity adds another 4,500kg of external load. The cabin also supports up to 6 medical evacuation throws with the medical team instead of traditional infantry seats.
When operating in contested areas, install door guns, usually of the 7.62mm GPMG type, for fire suppression.
The main in-service model is the Oryx Mk. I, in which an Electronic Warfare Aircraft (EWA) variant has also been developed. The Oryx Mk. II is a dedicated transport model from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
They are distinguished by their red and white colour scheme, which is quite different from the SAAF Mk's camouflage scheme. I form
In 1992, the Atlas Aircraft Corporation/Atlas Aviation brand label was merged into Denel Aviation. The embargo on South Africa ended in 1994 following democratic elections (UN Resolution 919).
- Traffic
- Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
50.69 ft (15.45 m)
51.18 ft (15.6 m)
16.90 ft (5.15 m)
3,600 kg
8,000 kg
190 mph (305 km/h; 165 knots)
23,507 ft (7,165 m; 4.45 mi)
1,243 miles (2,000 km; 1,080 nautical miles)
3,000 ft/min (914 m/min)
Can mount 2 x 7.62mm GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), one per door.
Oryx - name of the base series
Oryz MLU mid-term upgrade; 35 airframe inventory dedicated to enhanced navigation and communications suite.
Oryx EWA - A model of an electronic warfare aircraft equipped with appropriate mission equipment.
Antelope Mk. I - Main SAAF multi-role service model
Antelope Mk.