1. Wargame: Red Dragon
  2. News

Wargame: Red Dragon News

Nation Pack: South African Helicopter Gameplay

Hello!

Welcome back to what is currently our last in-depth look at the upcoming Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa DLC. We will give you a detailed insight into the gameplay and in-game load-outs of the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) rotorcraft in today’s post.

As always, everything you read is work in progress and is subject to change. Much like in our previous Air Force Gameplay post, keep in mind that the modeling for each helo’s ammunition and ordnance load-out is not final.

We are getting closer to releasing Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa, but we are still some ways off. When the time is right, we’ll let you know. Hang tight!

[h2]Supply[/h2]
Our first unit is a true SAAF workhorse. Since 1967, SAAF’s heavy hauler is the French SA.321 Super Frelon. In-game, this cargo helicopter will be in the same category as the American CH-53E or the Soviet Mi-6.



[h2]Recon[/h2]
Two dedicated helicopters will be available in this section, presented as part of a single family:

  • The good ol’ Alouette III, SAAF’s oldest and sturdiest flying helo. Available from 1961, this chopper is unarmed.
  • The prototype light XH-1 Alpha (1985). Although historically used as a testbed for a new generation of attack helicopters, in-game the unit has been repurposed as an armed recon chopper with Exceptional optics.


[h2]Transport[/h2]
Going from A to B - fast! There will be two units in this category that are, once again, featured within a single family.

  • First up is the mainstay SA.330H Puma (1973), armed with a side-door MAG 7,62mm machine gun.
  • The domestically built Oryx (1987), which features the same armament, but with improved speed and hit points.


These transport rotorcraft will be available in-game to move Bokkop, Buffalos, Kommandant, Inflict, MILAN, Parabat, Para Pathfinders, Sappers, SASF (both), Strela and Trackers squads and units.

[h2]Attack[/h2]
Rain fire from above with the SAAFs devastating arsenal of attack helicopters. These units are divided into two distinct families:

  • The singular Alouette K-Car (1973) as light support chopper. Armed with a side-door 20mm autocannon in much the same configuration as the French Puma Pirate.

The second family is made up of a pure brand of attack helos, all prototypes, starting with the XTP-1 Beta. This unit was tested with a lot of different weapons in various configurations. We have distilled them into two separate variants.
  • XTP-1 Beta ’87 (1987) features the original support and AA configuration, with a 20mm in the nose, four 18-tube pods of 68mm SNEB rockets, and two V3B Kukri short-range air-to-air missiles.



  • XTP-1 Beta ’90 (1990) was used to test a new indigenous ATGM, making this variant a pure ground attack chopper. It retains the nose 20mm cannon and rocket pods but switches the Kukri A2A missiles for no less than eight Zingwe ATGMs. The latter weapon is an improved version of the Swift missile featured on the ground-based Ratel ZT3-A1, with more range and AP.
  • And at last, the classy and deadly looking Rooivalk (1994). Faster, sturdier, and more agile than the XTP-1 Beta, it keeps the ’90 variant’s 20mm nose canon and eight Zingwe, but drops the rocket pods in favor of four Mistral A2A missiles.




Just to make it clear. The above attack family is organized in such a way that in order of appearance, there is one anti-infantry/anti-air unit, one anti-infantry/anti-tank unit, and one anti-tank/anti-air helicopter.

[h2]Nation Pack: South Africa in detail[/h2]
In case you’ve missed it, we’ve already covered the combat arms historical context of this upcoming Nation Pack:



[h2]What will the South Africa Nation Pack bring?[/h2] Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa will feature:

  • Close to 90 new SADF units, including 20 brand-new vehicle models, as well as many new variants. All feature new Afrikaans and South African-accented English voice-overs.
  • These include the ubiquitous Casspir and Ratel APCs (in numerous variants, from IFV, recon, command, mortar, and even SAM), the Rooikat wheeled tank (including variants and prototypes), Eland (license-produced French AML), Cactus (French Crotale), the only tracked Olifant MBT, many armed variants of locally made SAMIL trucks (Ystervark and Bosvark SPAAG, Valkiri and Bateleur MLRS), to the iconic G6 Renoster self-propelled howitzer.
  • The Air Force includes old Buccaneer, Vampire and Impala as close-air support, and several French Mirage variants and the locally modified Cheetah as fighter and multirole aircraft. Furthermore, you will find the Atlas Carver prototype, the first full South African prototype plane design (which never left the drawing board).
  • Helicopters include the French Alouette III, Puma, Super Frelon and their locally produced versions and prototypes such as the K-Car, Oryx and XTP-1 Beta. You’ll also be able to deploy South Africa’s very own attack helicopter design, the badass-looking Rooivalk.
  • Infantry will include Bokkop regular riflemen, Parabat paratroopers, SASF special forces, and many more units such as militia, recon, MANPADS, engineers. You will find Portuguese-speaking Angolan UNITA squads, as well as SADF’s own 32 Battalion (the Buffalos) as a veteran light infantry formation.
  • SADF weaponry features imported or locally built R1 and R4 rifles, SS-77 and Mini-SS MG, LRAC and APILAS LAW, but also the more original HK-21, FT5, Inflict and, of course, the iconic Y2 grenade-launcher and NTW-20.


[h2]What happens next?[/h2]

That’s all for now. We’ll be back with more news about when to expect Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa soon.

Until then, make sure to follow us. Check out our Eugen forums, or (Facebook page and Twitter)!

Nation Pack: South African Air Force Gameplay

Hello!

We are going to look into the dashing flyboys of the South African Air Force (SAAF) in today’s deep dive of our upcoming Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa. Let’s see what the fixed-wing inventory looks like in-game.

Note that everything you’ll be reading is work in progress and is subject to change. Keep in mind that most of the following plane models are finished, but the plane’s munitions are still being worked on. This is the main reason the planes are not being shown with any missiles, ordnances, or weapon pods under their wings in this post.

[h2]Bombers and Close Air Support[/h2]
The SAAF kept some of their vintage aircraft operational long into the 80s, using most of these in a dedicated bomber or close air support (CAS) role. In our new expansion, you’ll get to play with several distinct “families,” including some golden oldies:

  • Rocket family: much like South Korea, SAAF uses the old CL.13B Sabre Mk.6 as a rocket attack aircraft, armed with two 18-rocket 68mm SNEB pods (same as fielded by the British Harrier GR.3). A dedicated successor is also featured, the Impala Mk II. Based on the Italian Aeromacchi MB-326 built under license by the South Africans, this plane features twin 30mm guns in its nose and fielding twice as many rockets.



  • Bomber family: the first plane available in this category is the venerable, light Vampire FB-52 (1953!) carrying two Mk.77 napalm bombs. This plane is followed by the heavier Canberra B(I)12 bomber, with a load of eight Mk.83 500kg bombs for some serious Bush War carpet bombing.



  • Anti-tank: alone in this role, the Buccaneer S.Mk.50 is equipped with no less than four AS.30 anti-tank missiles. This is the predecessor of the AS.30L, used by the French Armée de l’Air in-game. The older AS.30 shares the same long-range and heavy AP (30!) like its successor, but without the laser guidance system. Being only MACLOS, it is much less accurate.


All of the above planes are pre-1975, and therefore available in all era-restricted decks. This also means they lack ECM and are often quite slow.

[h2]Fighters[/h2]
The SAAF’s fighters will come in two families: a mainstream section and a single, lone prototype.

  • Mainstream fighters include the Mirage IIICZ (1973), equipped with one medium-range R.530 (the same as on the ANZAC Mirage IIIO(F)) and two short-range indigenous V-3A Kukri. These latter missiles are basically a more accurate version of the AIM-9B. Next in line is the Mirage F1CZ (1979) with better optics and ECM and fielding four V-3B Kukri (with the same stats as the V-3A but slightly more accurate). The last member is the Cheetah C (1995 prototype), a heavily modified Mirage III which is faster, more agile, and integrates better optics and much better ECM (40%). This plane is armed with two long-range V-4 R-Darter missiles (similar to the Israeli Derby) and two medium-range V3C Darters - the latter being another improvement on the V-3 series with better accuracy, and more range and damage compared to its predecessor.
  • Carver prototype. A never-produced fully domestic South African design (1995 prototype) planned with all the optics and engine improvements of the Cheetah series and better ECM. This fighter deploys with two long-range V-4 R-Darter missiles (same as the Cheetah C), as well as two U-Darter, the latest version upgrade of the V-3 series of missiles, bringing improved accuracy and damage. A drawback compared to the preceding planes is that the Carver is armed with one instead of twin 30mm guns.


[h2]Multirole[/h2]
There is only one set of planes in the Multirole category.

  • Mirage IIIEZ (1973) with a single AS.30 (see the Buccaneer above) anti-tank missile and two V-3A short-range missiles. Like its French and export counterparts, it features no ECM.
  • Mirage F1AZ (1975) comes armed with four Mk.20 Rockeye cluster bombs and two of the ubiquitous short-range V-3A Kukri missiles.
  • Mirage IIIE2Z (1987) is an improved Mirage IIIE benefiting from some of the Cheetah improvements. It includes better optics and ECM (not as good as Cheetah though) and is armed with four Mk.82 HE bombs and two V-3B short-range missiles.
  • Cheetah E (1988) is a major improvement over the Mirage III, especially in terms of optics and ECM (30%). This multirole plane is armed with two Mk.83 Griffin (aka GBU-16) 500k laser-guided bombs and two V-3C missiles.


[h2]Wild Weaselin’[/h2]
SAAF planes didn’t bother with ECM or Wild Weasel missions in the early years of the Border War, as the country’s enemies rarely deployed efficient SAM defenses. Over time, and especially after the delivery of Soviet and Cuban weapon systems to Angola, South African plane losses grew significantly.

By 1988, air defenses in Angola were one of the best outside the Warsaw Pact. The SAAF, under embargo, didn’t have access to proven anti-radiation munitions and as such had to “make do” with whatever they could produce domestically.

The South African solution was the BARB (Boosted Anti-Radiation Bomb). This Frankenstein of a weapon mated an Mk.83 bomb together with a 127mm rocket booster. Rounding out this ordnance was a makeshift anti-radar guidance sensor. In-game, this weapon will be considered as a very short-range SEAD missile with HE damage only. As a result, it might not destroy a well-armored radar AA unit (such as featured on the Gepard) in one strike. On the other hand, it could still damage its target if it misses by a short margin. Especially if a player had the great idea to keep a supply vehicle near their AA - there is a good chance both units will be taken out in the same attack.



The one South African SEAD plane will be the Cheetah D (1988), featuring the same avionics and characteristics as the Cheetah E, but armed with two BARB bombs and two V-3C Darter missiles.

In case you were wondering: while the Cheetah C sports the first letter alphabetically, it is actually the latest and most modern of the Cheetah series. The E and D variants feature a speed of 900km/h (the same as Mirage III) with 30% ECM, while the C flies at 1000km/h with 40% ECM.

[h2]Nation Pack: South Africa in detail[/h2]
In case you’ve missed it, we’ve already covered the combat arms historical context of this upcoming Nation Pack:



[h2]What will the South Africa Nation Pack bring?[/h2]
Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa will feature:

Nation Pack: South African Armor Gameplay

Hello!

Welcome back to another deep dive in our upcoming Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa. In our last post, we put the spotlight on the South African Infantry forces as they would appear in-game, including armament and transport options.

This week, Armor receives our special gameplay treatment. Let’s look at what you can expect from the South African armored fighting vehicles, from tanks to SPGs, from imported to domestic designs and rare prototypes!



Please keep in mind that everything is still very much work in progress and is subject to change. In case you were wondering: the integration and balancing of these units is done in close consultation with a leading South African military expert!

[h2]Kings of the battlefield[/h2]
First up: the almighty TANK, which in Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa is brought to you in three distinct South African “families”:

  • Olifant main battle tank. The tracked heavy-weight brawler of South Africa’s arsenal comes in a myriad of versions such as the Mk1 (including command variant), Mk1A (1985), Mk1B (1991), and Mk1B Optimum (1994 prototype). The Mk1 can be considered a rough equivalent to the Israeli Sh’ot Kal with a +1 FAV, but slower. With the Mk1A, the Olifant reaches the 2275m range, with a slightly better motorization and accuracy/stab over its predecessor. The Mk1B gets +2 FAV and a major motorization, accuracy and stab upgrade. The Optimum is an up-armored Mk1B with improved optics.



  • Loggim prototype. This tank is a 1994 prototype MBT, a planned but canceled South African “heavy.” It is close to a USMC M1A1(HC) Abrams, featuring the same FAV but lesser side and rear armor, but more accurate and with 23 AP.
  • Rooikat wheeled tanks. These rapid and cool-looking vehicles can be deployed in two variants: the Rooikat 76 Mk1C (1989, including a recon variant) and the Rooikat 105 (1994 prototype). With 3 FAV, they are incredibly fast (120km/h) “glass-cannons.” The 76mm variant has 2100m, while the 105mm gets 2275m range. Their key feature is their high accuracy (65%) and almost full gun stabilization, making these wheeled tanks ideal for hit-and-run strikes.

Using HESH rounds, all 105mm and 120mm South African tanks receive a “British” +1 HE damage bonus.

[h2]Reconnaisance[/h2]
Next up are the reconnaissance units. Aside from the ubiquitous recon Rover jeep, RECON only fields two families of armored recon units:

  • Eland 90, both 1978 vehicles. The original Eland 90 is identical to the French AML-90. The Eland 90 ENTAC (prototype) is armed with two extra ENTAC anti-tank missiles, in the same way as the existing Ferret ENTAC (see below).
  • Rooikat 76. This vehicle is the same as the wheeled tank variant (see above) but in a dedicated recon configuration.


[h2]Tank destroyers[/h2]
The South Africans have two tank destroyer families:

  • RCL Vehicles, which include the ubiquitous Rover 106 (pre-1980), armed with a M40 recoilless rifle, and the Ferret Mk2 106 (1976). This latter unit is “jalopied”, meaning its turret is removed, and the operator stands in the now-empty turret ring. The Ferret is equipped with an improved M40A1C.
  • ATGM Vehicles, which begins with the already mentioned Ferret ENTAC (1975), can also to be found with the ANZAC forces in-game. This unit is followed by the Ferret Mk2 MILAN (1980), another “jalopied” Ferret, but featuring a MILAN launcher this time around. The vastly more effective Ratel ZT3-A1 (1987) is also available. A non-transport Ratel armed with a ZT3A1 Swift ATGM. These guided missile launchers are 70% accurate, 20 AP and have a 2625m range. The Ratel carries 12 of them, with 3 ready to fire.


[h2]Indirect fire[/h2]
There are quite a few artillery options, including:

  • MRLS vehicles. There is a Rover 107 (1981). This one is only encountered in Airborne and Support decks, being a light MRLS based on a Chinese-made 16-tube Type 63 107mm rocket launcher bolted on a Rover jeep. In-game, it will come with an incendiary loadout. The Valkiri (1981) is manufactured on a light Unimog chassis. This unit is the most widespread and standardized South African MRLS, with a classic HE and smoke loadout for its 24-tube 127mm rockets. Finally, we have the Bateleur (1989) built on top of an armored Samil, carrying two 20-tube which can rain down devastating salvos of its 127mm cluster ammunition.
  • Mortar vehicles include the Eland 60 (1978) 60mm mortar carrier, identical to the French AML-60. This vehicle evolved into the Ratel 81 (1985) and Ratel 120 (1994 prototype), which are respectively a 81mm and 120mm mortar carriers. All of these vehicles come equipped with HE and smoke rounds.



  • SPG vehicles include the venerable WW2 relic Sexton (1944!) with its still decent 25-pdr gun. Nonetheless, this grandfather of self-propelled artillery is rather slow (as you would expect) and only belatedly replaced by the excellent 155mm G6-45 Rhino (1987). This latter unit is a lightly armored but fast-wheeled SPG, being among the world’s most accurate artillery pieces by the end of the Cold War. In-game, it is a 40km ranged 155mm howitzer, with a round dispersion closer to a regular mortar.


[h2]A little bit of anti-air[/h2]

And last up, the South African anti-aircraft vehicles, pooled in two distinct families:

  • AA cannon vehicles with the Ystervark (1980) leading the way. This is a Buffel light armored truck fielding an Oerlikon 20mm gun. This vehicle was succeeded by the Bosvark, an armored Samil truck with captured ZU-23-2 twin 23mm guns. Finally, the Rooikat ZA-35 (1992 prototype) is a variant of the wheeled tank with its turret removed and replaced by a radar-guided twin 35mm system. This means that SEAD can target this unit. In-game, the Rooikat is roughly equivalent to a German FlakPz. Gepard A1 with the same ranges, faster and slightly more accurate for the ZA-35, but with a lower RoF.
  • SAM vehicles. The South Africans can field the Cactus (1971), identical to the Crotale, which the SADF received before the French, as well as the Cactus SAHV (1992 prototype). The latter unit is a Cactus used as a testbed for a new SAHV missile under development - in-game featured as an IR version. Replacing the R440 missiles, the SAHV-IR missile provides slightly improved anti-helicopter range and accuracy, with its Fire&Forget trait. Lastly, the Rooikat ZA-HVM (1992 prototype) is a Rooikat with its turret replaced by a system firing SAHV-3 missiles. It retains the anti-helicopter and accuracy of the IR version and improves its anti-airplane range to 4200m range. Being radar-guided, it can be targeted by SEAD.


[h2]Nation Pack: South Africa in detail[/h2]
In case you’ve missed it, we’ve already covered the combat arms historical context of this upcoming Nation Pack:

  • We have put a spotlight on the all-important grunt: SADF Infantry. Read all about it here.
  • We also took a look at the SADF Armor force, which you can read more about here.
  • The flyboys claim all the glory in our SAAF Air Force article, which you can read here.
  • Hugging the earth, SADF’s rotorcraft fleet get a special treatment in our Helicopter showcase, which you can read here.


[h2]What will the South Africa Nation Pack bring?[/h2] Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa will feature:

Nation Pack: South African Infantry Gameplay

Welcome back!

In our previous Wargame: Red Dragon posts, we highlighted the various combat arms of the South African Defense Force as they appear in our upcoming, new Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa.

We’ll go even deeper this time and lift the veil on how each unit will be featured in-game, including their weapon and transport options. First up on the stage, the almighty grunt - Infantry.

Mind you, please treat all the following as work in progress - subject to change!

[h2]Boots on the ground[/h2]
Before we continue, let’s have a happy family shot, and we let you guess who’s who!



The SADF Infantry (as “foot soldiers” in general, not just the INF ones) will be composed of:

  • BOKKOP. Your regular soldier, available in all decks (except Airborne). These troops can deploy in all manners of transports (soft-skin, Buffel, Casspir, Ratel, Puma helicopters). They feature R1 (~FN FAL) battle rifles, RPG-7 and Bren LMG. An upgraded ’90 variant will come with R4 (~Galil) assault rifles, FT5 and FN MAG.
  • MECHBAT are your “armored” soldiers, available in Mechanized and Armored decks. Their main ride will be the Ratel APC (and variants). They are armed with R2 (R1 with folding stock) battle rifles, LRAC F1, and SS-77 machine-gun. An upgraded ’90 variant will feature the R5 (R4 with folding stock) assault rifles, FT5 and SS-77.
  • PARABAT are airborne soldiers, available in Airborne and Motorized decks. They will be transported either in soft-skin trucks or the Buffel - and of course helicopters. Armed with R2 battle rifles, RPG-7 and SS-77, the upgraded ’90 variant deploys with R5 assault rifles, FT5 and Mini-SS (~Minimi).
  • BUFFALOS represent the famous “32 Battalion” with its Portuguese-speaking Angolan troops. They are available in all decks, except for Armored and Mechanized. Being light infantry and used to live in enemy territory, they are 15-man squads armed initially with former Portuguese weapons: G3 battle rifles, HK21 LMG, and the ubiquitous RPG-7. Later, an upgraded ’85 variant features AKM, RPD, and MILAN missiles.
  • SAPPERS are 5-man squads armed with R1 battle rifles and old-school Lifebuoy flamethrowers. They are available in all decks and can be deployed with all transports.
  • BURGERMAG are 10-man militia squad, armed with R1 battle rifles and a Super Bazooka. They are accessible in all decks, except for Airborne or Marine, and can only deploy in soft-skin transports or Buffel APCs.




[h2]Other Units[/h2]
Some more specialized units are:

  • MILAN teams are the only infantry ATGM available to SADF. They are available in all decks and with all transports.
  • STRELA-2 and STRELA-3 teams. These are SADF’s (captured) MANPAD squads. They are available in all decks and with all transports. Available in 1988 yet considered as a prototype in-game are the STINGERS (UNITA) squads. These teams are anti-communist Angolan allies of the SADF, which had access to this more modern MANPAD while South Africa’s forces - under international embargo - weren’t.
  • KOMMANDANT are the SADF commanders, available in all decks (except for Armored) coming in all transports.
  • B-10 (UNITA) is the first FIST option for the SADF. These are available in all decks, with the B-10 being the same RCL as the Chinese license-produced Type 78 used by the TÁNKÈ SHĀSHǑU. The second squad option is the Inflict, available from 1985 in Airborne and Support decks. This team deploys with a single 107mm MLRS tube used as “pocket artillery” by South African airborne troops.




[h2]Special Forces and Recon[/h2]
The list continues!

  • SASF. The crème de la crème of the SADF, available in all decks except for Armored and Support, and with all transports except for the Ratel. Armed with R5 battle rifles, LRAC F1 and Strela MANPAD, they also come in a ’90 variant with R5 battle rifles, APILAS and Stinger.
  • SASF SNIPER. These are elite 2-man recon teams equipped with the (then prototype) Denel NTW-20 heavy sniper rifle. This weapon can be considered a NATO counterpart to the Yugoslavian SENKE.
  • TRACKERS. Recon squads as light scouts, armed with R1 battle rifles and Bren LMG, and are available in all decks and with soft-skin, Buffel, and helicopter transports.
  • PARA PATHFINDERS is another recon squad restricted to Airborne and Motorized. Available from 1983 in the same transports as PARABAT, but armed with R5 assault rifles, HK21 LMG, and Y-2 automatic grenade launcher.


[h2]Transport options[/h2]
Our SADF grunt will hitch a ride on the battlefield in one of five transport families:

  • SAMIL - soft-skin trucks
  • BUFFEL - light APC
  • CASSPIR - light APC, including the K-Car variant with a 20mm autocannon.
  • RATEL - IFV, and while classified as light in terms of armor, these vehicles can sport heavier ornaments. This includes the Ratel 20 (20mm autocannon), Ratel 20 MILAN (same with additional MILAN), Ratel 60 (60mm mortar) and the Ratel 90 (you guessed it… with a 90mm gun).
  • PUMA 330H - a helicopter, which also includes its domestically upgraded Oryx variant (equal to a Super Puma).




[h2]Nation Pack: South Africa in detail[/h2]
In case you’ve missed it, we’ve already covered the combat arms historical context of this upcoming Nation Pack:
  • We have put a spotlight on the all-important grunt: SADF Infantry. Read all about it here.
  • We also took a look at the SADF Armor force, which you can read more about here.
  • The flyboys claim all the glory in our SAAF Air Force article, which you can read here.
  • Hugging the earth, SADF’s rotorcraft fleet get a special treatment in our Helicopter showcase, which you can read here.


[h2]What will the South Africa Nation Pack bring?[/h2]
Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa will feature:

Nation Pack: South African Helicopter Showcase

Hello there!

We are back again with another Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa showcase. This time, we’ll be looking at them dakakadas set to be featured: SAAF Helicopters.

In case you’ve missed it, we’ve already covered several other units of this upcoming Nation Pack:
  • We have put a spotlight on the all-important grunt: SADF Infantry. Read all about it here.
  • We also took a look at the SADF Armor force, which you can read more about here.
  • The flyboys claim all the glory in our SAAF Air Force article, which you can read here.


[h2]The Alouette III leads the way[/h2]
While the South African Air Force (SAAF) experimented with a handful of Sikorsky machines, the first dedicated helicopter use was the Alouette III (and some Alouette II) in the 60s. The diminutive Sud Aviation rotary-wing aircraft saw immediate action in the Rhodesia conflict, where the helicopter demonstrated that although light, it was sturdy and mechanically reliable.



Over the years, South Africa bought over 120 Alouette IIIs, which saw extensive use, taking part in almost all of the military operations and conflicts of the era, including the Border War. The versatile helicopter was deployed in a variety of roles, from transport to recon and flying command posts. Not only that, the Alouette III was extensively modified into several unique designs, such as the K-Car.

The famous K-Car (standing for “kill-car”) was developed by the Rhodesian Air Force, featuring WW II-era German MG-151 20mm autocannons positioned in a side mounting, the same as the French Puma Pirate. The K-Car was extensively used by the Rhodesians during the Rhodesian Bush War, being deployed as command and fire support helicopter key in their Fireforce (vertical envelopment) air assaults.



[h2]South Africa’s workhorse[/h2]
South Africa’s flying workhorse was another French helicopter: the dependable SA.330 Puma. The South Africans were one of the first export buyers of this transport helicopter in 1969. The Pumas were extensively used by the paratroopers, either for insertions or extractions after an airdrop.

Due to the stringent international arms embargo, the helicopter fleet couldn’t be upgraded to the more powerful Super Puma standard. Rather, through various clandestine ways, the required parts were acquired covertly. South Africa would pay for the upgrade of the Portuguese Army’s Puma fleet, while Aerospatiale would deliver Portugal their new engines PLUS the South African ones, which were then smuggled to South Africa through a front company in then-Zaire. Meanwhile, South Africa also picked up new Puma airframes from IAR in Romania, which produced the helicopter under license. Once rebuilt, the improved Puma was named the Oryx.

A second heavy lifter in SAAF’s arsenal was yet another French design, the SA.321 Super Frelon, which was also used as a paratrooper heavy transport or as a logistical helicopter.

[h2]Alpha and Beta Prototypes[/h2]
Another heavily modified Alouette was the Atlas XH-1 Alpha prototype. While never intended to be mass-produced, the design paved the way for what eventually would become the Rooivalk attack helicopter (more about that one further below). The Atlas XH-1 Alpha was also armed with a 20mm gun under the chin, a more modern Vektor one this time, giving it a classic attack helicopter configuration. The rather unusually looking prototype might remind some of the old hands among you of a similar design flying around in the Blue Thunder action movie.

Like the Alouette III, the South Africans used the Puma as a test platform for an indigenous attack helicopter. Two Atlas XTP-1 Beta prototypes were built based on the SA.330, which could carry a heavy weapon load: the same 20mm gun as the XH-1 Alpha, as well as 64mm rocket pods and either eight ZT3A2 Ingwe anti-tank missiles or two anti-aircraft missiles.



[h2]Attack Helicopters[/h2]
After these prototypes, the SAAF finally managed to get their hands on their own rotary-winged crown jewel: the Rooivalk attack helicopter. This entirely domestic design benefited from the years of hands-on battlefield experience and the experiments on the XH-1 and XTP-1 testbeds.

Its performance in terms of mobility and firepower placed it in the same category as the Apache, Tiger, or Ka-50. Rooivalk’s armament was roughly similar to the one tested on the XTP-1: a 20mm gun, 64mm rockets, but with the difference of carrying both ZT3A2 AT missiles and smaller Mistral AA missiles.

For a nation that never had designed a helicopter before, the Rooivalk was a pretty good first try. Despite flying in 1990, the Rooivalk will be considered a prototype in-game, with the attack helicopter’s delayed entry and the end of the Cold War and South Africa’s Apartheid regime.



[h2]What will the South Africa Nation Pack bring?[/h2] Wargame: Red Dragon - Nation Pack: South Africa will feature: