| 22 Squadron SAAF
The squadron was formed in Durban on 1 July 1942 by renaming 31 Flight to 22 (Torpedo-Bomber-Reconnaissance) Squadron. It was equipped with ex-SAA Junkers Ju 86s as well as a number of Avro Ansons, and was assigned to anti-submarine, coastal reconnaissance and convoy support duties.[1]
It had a relatively unremarkable period of duty in World War II, being engaged mainly in coastal patrols as part of Coastal Command SAAF.[2] In mid 1945 it was flying Lockheed Venturas from Gibraltar, under the control of AHQ Malta at Valletta, but it left for home in July.[3] It was disbanded at Idku in Egypt on 24 October 1945. Following the war, it was briefly recreated in 1954 and equipped with Lockheed Venturas, but disbanded again soon thereafter.
The latest chapter in the squadron's history began on 1 January 1964, when it was recreated at AFB Ysterplaat as 22 Flight and equipped with the newly delivered Westland Wasp helicopter, becoming a full squadron in May 1976. In 1978, it received a complement of Aérospatiale Alouette IIIs.
At the end of the 1980s, the Westland Wasps were withdrawn from service, but the squadron received a number of Aérospatiale Pumas in 1991 when it was amalgamated with 31 Squadron. The Pumas were later replaced with the Atlas Oryx M2.
This squadron is the sole maritime helicopter squadron of the SAAF, and therefore provides all helicopters, air and ground crew for operation aboard South African Navy vessels. It has previously been tasked with supporting South Africa's Antarctic research station, and therefore operated two specially modified Atlas Oryx M2 helicopters, suitable for use in the extreme conditions. One of the M2s was written off after a crash landing in July 2004.
Wasp helicopters from the squadron were involved in the rescue of South African Navy personnel in the South Atlantic following the sinking of the SAS President Kruger in 1982. The squadron also gained international recognition in 2002 during the high-profile rescue of the Magdalena Oldendorff which was trapped in the Antarctic ice. 22 Squadron's two Oryx M2s were embarked aboard the S. A. Agulhas for the successful operation.
Apart from official military support the squadron is involved in mountain rescue and air-sea rescue operations, fire fighting, crime prevention and humanitarian relief in the event of disasters.
The squadron's Alouette IIIs were retired in August 2007. The first of four Westland Super Lynx 300 helicopters for use aboard the South African Navy's new Valour class frigates, was delivered on 13 July 2007. It was accompanied to AFB Ysterplaat on its first flight in South Africa by two Oryx and an Alouette III.
Download file, Place in your comunitty folder.
JLR29--DELETED
But it looks Good!!!
JLR29--DELETED
Hi next time just ask before you use my color scheme....don't have a problem with it...just let me know ..ill be willing to help you.....regards
FuzzyBear11 9 day(s) ago
Hi before losing your head in the message you send to me, maybe unblock the person trying to contact you............ WTF
FuzzyBear11 9 day(s) ago
BTW your welcome for using my designs for decal placement.................We are a community, we share our toys.
SJK 9 day(s) ago
And ranting about you on his other livery(628) comments section and spelling atrociously. Don't worry FuzzyBear11 this guy has got an attitude problem, I've dealt with his rude ranting before. JLR should just maybe get off his high horse. You are spot on, we are a community and sharing is great for all. Love your livery.
FuzzyBear11 9 day(s) ago
Changed his name to KLR29, this is the same guy that pulled all his airports because someone dares to make a suggestion. Common this platform is to share. You are more than welcome to use, copy and improve any of my addons. That's the point isn't it?
FuzzyBear11 9 day(s) ago
Since this guy blocked me, I will do it here. "Thank you for sharing your liveries, I used it as the camo was way better than mine. Much appreciated."
SJK 9 day(s) ago
Haha yes I saw he did. I once made a suggestion and he said he's done making content and a few days later he continued. Childish bloke. How much time could you have on your hands to make a new account, its so obvious its him, and then go and make some shrewd comments on your liveries claiming its his. Childish pitiful nonsense.
SJK 9 day(s) ago
Lol now the name is WhiskeyActual29
Helimedic 8 day(s) ago
It saddens me to read all of this. I really enjoyed his sceneries, especially the air force bases. As an expat, these really brought the memories flooding back. I do hope he changes his mind!
FuzzyBear11 7 day(s) ago
Same here in fact I supported him, by porting SAAF models for the museum and different bases, painted them to at the time. No libraries were available. I hope he can change as his airports are good.
SJK 7 day(s) ago
Same, I cannot fault his work just the attitude.
Patrick1
Thanks for this FuzzyBear! There are quite a few SAAF liveries including i think a grey one also. Be great to have a fleet of SAAF liveries for this gorgeous Helo.