The Jaw-Dropping Plane Transformation that Nobody Expected

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ม.ค. 2025
  • During the 1960s and 1990s, South Africa, still ruled by the Apartheid regime, was involved in a ruthless war against its neighbors that sought to make Namibia independent.
    As the conflict escalated, several international restrictions forbade the South African Air Force from acquiring new aircraft, leaving it with an outdated fleet of fighters that were no match for the Soviet MIG-23, its African opponents boasted.
    South Africa was left with only two options to continue the fight: create a new fighter or extensively upgrade its fleet of French Mirage IIIs. The country chose the latter, and an astonished world witnessed the transformation of a late second-generation aircraft into a fourth-generation fighter ready for the threats of its time.
    Born from outdated Mirage IIIs, the Atlas Cheetah could easily travel at supersonic speeds, was as maneuverable as the feline that bore its name, and could strike hard and fast against any air or ground target of the African Savannah.
    ---
    Join Dark Skies as we explore the world of aviation with cinematic short documentaries featuring the biggest and fastest airplanes ever built, top-secret military projects, and classified missions with hidden untold true stories. Including US, German, and Soviet warplanes, along with aircraft developments that took place during World War I, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and special operations mission in between.
    As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Skies sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect and soundtracks for emotional impact. We do our best to keep it as visually accurate as possible.
    All content on Dark Skies is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.

ความคิดเห็น •

  • @SparkBerry
    @SparkBerry ปีที่แล้ว +208

    Seeing the Cheetah as a little kid at airshows is what sparked my love for aviation. I'm now an aircraft engineer, and I owe that all to this aircraft.

    • @tyronrossouw44
      @tyronrossouw44 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I used to watch them fly from AFB Ysterplaat's airshows! Always a crowd pleasing roar from that massive afterbuner.

    • @SparkBerry
      @SparkBerry ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@tyronrossouw44 That's exactly where my passion was born.

    • @Raven3one
      @Raven3one ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Watching Glen Warden flying the Mirage 3CZ at the Virginia Airshows in Durban

    • @sebulba4864
      @sebulba4864 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I'm grateful we didn't have cellphones back then, that era inspired children (me included) to study science and engineering.

    • @df3yt
      @df3yt 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@SparkBerry You still in SA? My son wants to go into your trade but not sure if there's a opportunity in SA?

  • @MrSnicklesnickle
    @MrSnicklesnickle 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +189

    A once proud and feared airforce reduced to nothing. Well done ANC

    • @andilengcobo9825
      @andilengcobo9825 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

      Its far more complicated than that. The final responsibility is on the ANC but their corruption and incompetence is just part of it.
      1. Old government and western powers (UK&US) intentionally defanged the defence force before hand over to ANC.
      2. Many airframes where retired after the border wars and many more were past or near expiration date e.g. Dakotas, Alouettes, kudus etc...
      3. Old gov just didn't have the money to properly recapitalize the airforce and navy.
      4. Anytime anyone in the even thinks of increasing defense budget, the liberals (DA and "NGOs") are screaming bloody murder

    • @jonathanprince2667
      @jonathanprince2667 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Usa sit behind anc

    • @PhansiKhongoloza
      @PhansiKhongoloza 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      ​@@andilengcobo9825what utter rubbish! The anc upgraded almost all the top tier equipment in the 90's.
      Ok the deals were fraught with corruption and backhanded deals, but none less they bought state of the art kit.

    • @PhansiKhongoloza
      @PhansiKhongoloza 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      ​@@andilengcobo9825More nonsense. The old government developed kit that was way better than anything available on the market at the time.

    • @fredmeyer3353
      @fredmeyer3353 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      thales.....

  • @JustifyJustin
    @JustifyJustin ปีที่แล้ว +73

    Well researched and good pronunciation. A few little known facts, the Cheetah featured the first look-down-shoot-down helmet in military service. In the early 2000s a US F15 squadron came over for friendly exercises. The final score was tied between the F15 and Cheetah. The US pilots were surprised at how nimble the aircraft is and also how difficult to spot in a dogfight. This aircraft is a testament to South African ingenuity and engineering prowess.

    • @majungasaurusaaaa
      @majungasaurusaaaa ปีที่แล้ว +19

      And now the country struggles to even keep the lights on.

    • @JustifyJustin
      @JustifyJustin ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @majungasaurusaaaa Still has amazing engineers, Doctors etc.

    • @GaionSputro
      @GaionSputro 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@JustifyJustin Thanks to whites.

    • @markparry63
      @markparry63 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Well researched? He gave it's climb rate as 46,000 ft per second!

  • @zsifk3212
    @zsifk3212 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    Very proud to have been part of that. 2 Sqr often brought their Cheetah's to AFB LBW, where I was stationed. That included the Cheetah C as well. Brilliant professionals.

  • @tokoloshi214
    @tokoloshi214 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    Africa's best military at the time. Today, a meere shadow of its former might.

    • @TonyPoulter
      @TonyPoulter 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      There is no shadow. Nothing is left of value

  • @MrSimplyfantabulous
    @MrSimplyfantabulous ปีที่แล้ว +204

    This plane climbs 46,000 feet per second (05:05), which is exactly the kind of attention to detail that makes Dark Skies renowned for sheer carelessness.

    • @iBeast_M0de
      @iBeast_M0de ปีที่แล้ว +8

      What do you want when you’re pumping out videos on all these channels

    • @Harley2010SG
      @Harley2010SG ปีที่แล้ว +25

      It was able to achieve that. However, the pilot was flattened by the G-force and the plane would end up in outer space... 😎

    • @glennllewellyn7369
      @glennllewellyn7369 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      SA mechanics are the best!

    • @RoboticPope
      @RoboticPope ปีที่แล้ว +25

      It would burn up on exit doing mach 42. A reverse meteorite 😅

    • @phillipzx3754
      @phillipzx3754 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      I was just about to post something when I decided I should see who else heard that claim.
      FOIW....its ROC is about 46,000-56,000 ft/minute...depending on the model.

  • @HadleeSimons
    @HadleeSimons ปีที่แล้ว +34

    Oh man, memories of seeing the Cheetah at Ysterplaat air shows in Cape Town as a child.

    • @afriquelesud
      @afriquelesud 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I was there on the day the first one landed at AFB YPT. It first did a few touch & go's, and finally came home against a black southeaster, to roost.

  • @chaz__
    @chaz__ ปีที่แล้ว +91

    The South Africans really are quite remarkable people. Heartbreaking to see what's happening to them now.

    • @StudSupreme
      @StudSupreme ปีที่แล้ว +1

      All thanks to the western leftist academic 'intellectuals' falling in line with their communist eastern bloc 'counsellors'......... Leftists are all a bunch of bedwetters.

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@StudSupremehappening to every western nation 👽 taking over australia too ex commie nations not so

    • @pierrelightfoot2669
      @pierrelightfoot2669 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      Yes, it is not easy to have the world against you, ask Isreal, they are in the same boat. At least they are still fighting for their existance.

    • @DuneSurfer
      @DuneSurfer 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The West sacrificed us. Our 'allies'. Now the West is finding out...

  • @deonkotzee6641
    @deonkotzee6641 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    Today South Africa has only two fighter aircraft that remain 100% serviceable. What a disgrace.

    • @kgb2905
      @kgb2905 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      And the great wait for Gripen armed cabins are still persistent.

    • @krishorst4734
      @krishorst4734 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      its sad

    • @chrisdupreez6281
      @chrisdupreez6281 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Nonsens man - waar kry jy jou stats?? Duim suig stats is hoekom niemand meer enige iemand glo wat hulle op die tipe sites sit nie.
      Maar ten minste jy se TWEE - as jy oordryf - doen dit proper. Se sommer al die vliegtuie is in hulle moer in ALMAL - lieg soos n vlieg (sonder feite of references) doen dit proper as jy wil lieg - se al die vliegtuie, helicopters is nie vliegbaar nie, behalwe die duikbote en die nuwe badgers.
      As iemand jou eerste lieg gaan glo sal hulle die 2de een ook glo.

  • @fherot8200
    @fherot8200 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I remember seeing posters promoting the Cheetah from my boy scouts hall before getting to see one at an Airshow. I was so proud to have an indigenous fighter since I’ve always been obsessed with aviation.

  • @erichpizer1
    @erichpizer1 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    i was pleasantly surprised you covered this topic . South African.

  • @louwvandermerwe178
    @louwvandermerwe178 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    Cheetah E was the upgraded Mirage 3E. Cheetah C was refurbished Kfir airframes, Cheetah D was the Mirage DZ and D2Z airframes.

    • @frednoname3714
      @frednoname3714 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thx ! I thaught Kfir has U.S engines or is it previous israelian version plz ? Thx

    • @louwvandermerwe178
      @louwvandermerwe178 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You are right. IAF had the J79 and the Cheetah Atar 9K50.

    • @frednoname3714
      @frednoname3714 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@louwvandermerwe178 and you know what 🥳 Degaulle embargo Israël.. so CIA managed to get ATAR engines from ??? And refurbish to Israël... and Israël sold kfir versions to S.A finally mirage iII everywhere originals/copies/hybrides 🥳

    • @RB28v
      @RB28v 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      There were also 5 Cheetah B’s which were from Nesher T Airframes 858-862

    • @michaelstorm5299
      @michaelstorm5299 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Most the IAI Kfir design and technology is focussed in the elongated nose of the Cheetah D. Not a fluke that their appearances are so similar.

  • @andrewmorke
    @andrewmorke ปีที่แล้ว +39

    A small correction. The Cheetah was intended as an interim or stopgap upgrade while the fourth-generation Carver was under development. The Cheetah was essentially the Kfir C7 with an upgraded Atar-9K-50-12 engine instead of the J79. The R-Darter and A-Darter missiles were a massive advancement over the old Kukri, R550, and R530 missiles (comparable to the IRIS-T and AMRAAM). The 85th Squadron was an advanced flying school, not a "flying skull." Sadly, the Cheetah's service with Draken is winding down because the Air Force decided to use more advanced aircraft as adversaries.

  • @csk4j
    @csk4j ปีที่แล้ว +37

    Amazing innovation.. South Africa seems a shadow of its former self

    • @FrancoisMoolman
      @FrancoisMoolman 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      It is. We were the best of the best. Now we are a joke.

    • @klar7946
      @klar7946 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It is..

    • @robingordon4700
      @robingordon4700 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Because the whites are no longer in control.

  • @thedeparted9113
    @thedeparted9113 ปีที่แล้ว +95

    SUPER COOL!!!!when south africa was still a great country

    • @erniegouws7262
      @erniegouws7262 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      😂😂😂 now we known for apartheid, a jail bird, and corruption 🤦🏻‍♂️

    • @geroutathat
      @geroutathat 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@erniegouws7262 There was a time when south Africa was known for something other than Apartheid? I mean its not secret why the other country mainly known for apartheid Israel was the bed fellow.

    • @michaelstorm5299
      @michaelstorm5299 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      That's nothing. SA motor racing scene saw cars like Ford Capri V8 Perana, and Alfa GTV6 3.0 to see the light...and the BMW Batmobile version.

  • @andrewagner2035
    @andrewagner2035 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Greetings from Cape Town…

  • @ThoughtStork
    @ThoughtStork 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Great video. I never realised how much development went into the Cheetah. I just wander where all those skills ended up after 1994. The current Air Force struggles to keep their Saab Gripens flying.

  • @floycewhite6991
    @floycewhite6991 ปีที่แล้ว +84

    USA, USSR, China, and everybody else armed proxies to fight over oil and diamonds in that corner of the world. "Helped Namibians" my rear end!

    • @mtrest4
      @mtrest4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I don't think the USSR was interested in oil 🛢️ or diamonds 💎.
      They wanted a friendly govt at the tip of Africa where ships would pass through if the Suez Canal was under US control.

    • @todaywefly4370
      @todaywefly4370 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      EVERYBODY’s interested in oil.

    • @angelcartagena2375
      @angelcartagena2375 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      There is always an interest, economical, political, military or geographical.

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn ปีที่แล้ว

      ​​@@todaywefly4370not greenies 😂

    • @jackieeastom8758
      @jackieeastom8758 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Warmongers everyone!

  • @chieftandriver703
    @chieftandriver703 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Now South Africa hasn’t even got a regular electricity supply

    • @erniegouws7262
      @erniegouws7262 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Well known for our unique corruption capabilities 😂😂😂

    • @afriquelesud
      @afriquelesud 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Eskom was officially the world #1 power utility, SAA was the world's #1 commercial airline, and we had various other #1 positions. Political ideology and pro-communism don't result in good governance, ever.

  • @reneegudjon3204
    @reneegudjon3204 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Beautiful jets. Win any beauty contest 😊

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thats all they would win 21C they are museum artifacts

    • @reneegudjon3204
      @reneegudjon3204 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@Eric-kn4yn I am sure they can do basic defense in the area in peace time at least

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn ปีที่แล้ว

      ​​@@reneegudjon3204no way very expensive to maintain basic defence get cheaper a/c counter insurgency or advanced trainners ok from australia

  • @armablign
    @armablign ปีที่แล้ว +31

    The inventors of Helmet Mounted Display Sights, ability to shoot missiles off-bore.
    Was revolutionary technology.
    With South Africa still leading edge in the technology, and still involved in the development and manufacturing in US and EU systems.

    • @zofe
      @zofe ปีที่แล้ว +4

      aka Elbit Systems

    • @korybeckwith834
      @korybeckwith834 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I might be wrong but the HMS developed in South Africa came out before Israel developed one. Its not to say they were developed in parallel.

    • @zanderlabuschagne2368
      @zanderlabuschagne2368 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@korybeckwith834 It was very simple, and wasn't really used, the missiles could not turn well enough to make it useful. Maybe the R-73 would've changed that.

    • @korybeckwith834
      @korybeckwith834 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@zanderlabuschagne2368 Ive read at a air show (Paris maybe) russian agent stole a HDMS from a South African display desk. Not sure if this is true though.

    • @zofe
      @zofe ปีที่แล้ว

      @@korybeckwith834 Before 1978?
      What year, then?

  • @proveritate9312
    @proveritate9312 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    The Cheetah had a Kfir engine. The testing was done at Langebaanweg Air Base in the early 80's . Proudly South African ingenuity ! Now, the SANDF is on crunches !

    • @yoamal1187
      @yoamal1187 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      The kfir had a j79 engine, the Americans wouldn't sell it to the south africans

    • @proveritate9312
      @proveritate9312 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​​​@@yoamal1187 The whole mod was done with help from Israel. There were Israelis at LBW. The story about the engine then was a secret or something. I was stationed at LBW and was told it's a Kfir engine. I didn't work on that project.
      Ps. At that stage SA would receive spares from another buyer, and not direct. It's possible that the Israelis supply the Kfir engine, and the USA turned a blind eye. Remember, it was still the times of the cold war.
      The SANDF had Super Frelons, Puma and Alouette helicopters. And we got spares through other channels !

    • @martinstrumpfer1620
      @martinstrumpfer1620 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      The Cheetah C was fitted with an upgraded French Atar engine. Later the Ds were also fitted with it. The E never had it. None of them had the J79 fitted as the Kfir. There was testing with a Russian engine in the early 90s at Overberg.

    • @marcg1686
      @marcg1686 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      The Cheetah was powered by Atar 9C or 9K50 engines. The Kfir was powered by the J-79 series engine.

    • @andrewmorke
      @andrewmorke ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@yoamal1187 It wasn't the best engine in any case. The J79 was notoriously smoky and a gas guzzler. The RAF chose the RR Spey over the J79 for its Phantoms.

  • @FrankMoodyPhoto
    @FrankMoodyPhoto ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Awesome video. My only criticism was the start of the Border War as we called it, was when UNITA asked for South African assistance during the Angolan Civil War. That war expanded to include the liberation of Namibia.

  • @theantheron85
    @theantheron85 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great upload! Thanks for the follow up from the Mirage to my favorite! Should have dug a bit deeper for the end and mentioned the Atlas Carver project that never was.

  • @spheleleNgubane-wf4de
    @spheleleNgubane-wf4de 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    The ANC should be ashamed along with the fools who support them.

  • @pieterreynders5607
    @pieterreynders5607 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    ....and now we can hardly put 1 Gripen into the air. So sad....😢

    • @BB-nw6cs
      @BB-nw6cs 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      So much for "freedom"

  • @falconiusazurius5572
    @falconiusazurius5572 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I loved watching this video. The 80's style music was both awesome and appropriate.

  • @GunniesLetsFlyVFR
    @GunniesLetsFlyVFR ปีที่แล้ว +25

    The Mirage III was never slow. It's original ATAR pushed it to Mach 2. Dogfighting, well, I've personally seen both F16 & F15s in gun footage when I worked on them as an Armament Fitter. Flew supersonic in the D model. They were the premier fighter of the time. :) Great vid :)

  • @michaelmartinez1345
    @michaelmartinez1345 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    An interesting episode, that shows the determination of countries that will carefully use their existing resources to create a status of maintaining their sovereignty and separate themselves from undesirable regimes of their surrounding nations.
    The remarkable upgrades to these aircraft, helped them, to maintain this separate sovern status...
    An Excellent video and explanation of the upgrades and results made to create these Cheetah aircraft....

  • @mrhassell
    @mrhassell ปีที่แล้ว +32

    The Atlas Cheetah, developed amid the Border War of the 1980's, is based on the Israeli Kfir fighter, derived from the Mirage 5 / IAI Nesher.

    • @geroutathat
      @geroutathat 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah, two apartheid states helping each other out, you love to see it, warms the heart.

  • @Gozar111
    @Gozar111 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    South Africa was in a war on its borders against Russia, Cuba and China. Today we have Gripens of which 2 are operational and no weapons were ever purchased for these aircraft. Such a proud moment.

    • @michaelstorm5299
      @michaelstorm5299 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ...yes, one never see any missiles on our Gripens. The four SA Navy frigates can take 8 Exocet missiles each...but there are nowhere near enough Exocets to fully arm all of these frigates at the same time. Same with SAAF...I recon there just enough 27mm Mauser autocannon rounds available for a few strafing passes.

  • @deancameronkaiser
    @deancameronkaiser ปีที่แล้ว +56

    As a South African I'm proud that you covered this. If you can get info please do a cover story on the Milkor 380 UAV that my company produces or our 40mm Multiple Grenade Launcher or Super Six. I work for Milkor and it would definitely be interesting to see if you can get more information on our First UAV produced on the African continent by Milkor.

    • @Mattio_1
      @Mattio_1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We have drones ?

    • @deancameronkaiser
      @deancameronkaiser ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@Mattio_1 yes we do. Milkor South Africa based in Cape Town Western Cape has built the first operational 18m long wingspan Drone or UAV. It's the biggest Military Drone produced on the African continent. It's called the Milkor 380 UAV.

    • @deancameronkaiser
      @deancameronkaiser ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@Mattio_1 I work at Milkor Head Office in Centurion Gauteng so I know a lot. I'm based in the weapons Department where we produce Grenade Launchers that are sold to over 60 Countries worldwide.

    • @deancameronkaiser
      @deancameronkaiser ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Mattio_1 Milkor is a Civil Defence Company started in South Africa in the early 1980's. We have been going for over 40 years, we were the first Company in the world to produce a Multiple Grenade Launcher 40mm. Our MK1 variant of our Flagship gun called the Milkor Super Six is used by the US Marine Cor to this day. Obviously with that being said we have made substantial changes to the gun over the years to where it's better than our competition.

    • @RubenMyburgh-gw2ww
      @RubenMyburgh-gw2ww ปีที่แล้ว +3

      We darn made the rest of the world be scared

  • @chippysteve4524
    @chippysteve4524 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really glad you put that big red ring around the plane in the thumbnail! ;-)

  • @johanterblans8266
    @johanterblans8266 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    Today, only 2 Gripens are still active today. Sad decline.

    • @johanschoeman869
      @johanschoeman869 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The Grippen's only fly at shows and only if their is money for fuel. Oh yes and if there is a qualified pilot available. This really chips me off. Why did we buy the bloody planes if we never intended to maintain and use them.

    • @rynopot
      @rynopot 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Make it 6, and there is a very clever reason behind it.
      The maintenance contract was for 13 aircraft for 3 or 4 years, maybe even 5, I'm not sure.
      But the people involve know how long it took to get there. So why maintain 13, for say 4 years, if you can maintain 6 or 7, for a few years beyond that 4.
      The SAAF is still awesome, just in other areas. So knowing that they can't leave the SAAF at the hands of politicians, they have to look after themselves.
      Let that sink in a bit.

    • @user-ez9en7vk2z
      @user-ez9en7vk2z 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@rynopotwhat a lame narcissist comment... your "not sure" but have the audacity to "let that sink in a bit" chirp.

    • @ThoughtStork
      @ThoughtStork 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      @@rynopot I hear you but , frankly only an idiot/s purchases a very expensive and strategically important piece of military hardware with a maintenance contract instead of a knowledge transfer program. We did not require the French to maintain our Mirages. I assume the initial technicians were trained by the French but there after we were left to our own devices, I assume! If anybody has more information on this, please share.

    • @rynopot
      @rynopot 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@user-ez9en7vk2z Did you wake up with your head in you arse?
      Obviously I'll waste my time to TRY and explain that to you...

  • @stefansmeda3737
    @stefansmeda3737 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    They also started to develop a brand new fighter. Check out the Atlas Carver to go down that rabbit hole

  • @coxsen999
    @coxsen999 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    The Cheetah C was actually the last ones produced, (new airframes , 38 ordered ) . The Cheetah E was a rebuild of Mirage 3 EZ aircraft while the Cheetah D was a rebuild of Mirage 3 DZ as well as D2Z aircraft (there were 4 DZ and 11 DZ2Z aircraft originally delivered

  • @ShawnKitchen
    @ShawnKitchen ปีที่แล้ว +46

    A climb rate of 46,000 feet per SECOND?? That's over 31,000 miles per hour, or Mach 40+!
    That's damned good performance!

    • @drizler
      @drizler ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It looks like Joe Isuzu has struck again🤭

    • @davekisor1486
      @davekisor1486 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Pretty good for an aircraft that became obsolete at the beginning of the 20th century. Or at least that's what the man said.

    • @flexairz
      @flexairz ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Obviously an error

    • @wezob4569
      @wezob4569 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      This is exactly what i came to the comments for 😂😂😂. I was like what???!!!

    • @mornevanderwatt7965
      @mornevanderwatt7965 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yeah, we had UFO's before the USA 😆

  • @Intothelight1981
    @Intothelight1981 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    I don't know where you got your info from, but we never began to lose the fight anywhere! We took names and kicked ass right up to the end of the war. Also, we developed leading edge, world class arms, armoured vehicles and helicopters. You may want to do a video on the Rooivalk.

    • @marcg1686
      @marcg1686 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Running out of money didn't help.

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Hows electricity supply its no longer guaranteed 24/7 i campagained against ANC TuTu when they came to australia 40years past lost the fight its sad

    • @marcg1686
      @marcg1686 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@Eric-kn4yn It is indeed sad. South Africa is to all intents and purposes a failed state.

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@marcg1686australia getting record big unwanted 👽 migration housing crisis whites dont want it govt not of the people now its scary good luck to you

    • @Ollies2CentsWardill
      @Ollies2CentsWardill 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I recall the end of that war. The South Africans were demobilising and handing in their weapons as per the peace deal when SWAPO sc*mbags tried to take advantage and launch an attack. I believe SWAPO were made to regret that.

  • @sjgerber
    @sjgerber 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Ironically more Cheetah's are still airworthy overseas, than the Grippers in South Africa that replaced them...plus they are being maintained from South Africa....it boggles the mind

  • @maestromecanico597
    @maestromecanico597 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    It is amazing how much excess capacity was built into 2nd gen fighter aircraft. Boeing once did a study at the behest of the DoD looking into the potential upgrade of the F4. What they came up with was close in performance to the new “teen” series of planes then coming into service and superior to anything coming from the east. Needless to say Grumman, McDonnel-Douglas, etc. we’re none too keen on seeing an F4 upgrade.

  • @robinwells8879
    @robinwells8879 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Necessity is the mother of invention!

  • @sneb1224
    @sneb1224 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    As a former SADF soldier, thank you for this video. Please fix the '46 000 ft ps' climb rate of the Cheeta.. ⚔️

  • @jonowigz8242
    @jonowigz8242 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Had the privilege of seeing the Cheetah C demonstrated in Port Elizabeth probably around 1990. It was impressive in turning ability compared with the 2nd generation Mirage F1's . One aspect made it difficult to see as it moved away from the airfield - that later dark grey camouflage scheme made it almost impossible to identify against an overcast sky. It was also very loud on full afterburner! The real magic was actually the electronic warfare suite much of it developed locally and probably still fully or partially classified. Hats off to "the boys in Pretoria" They were also planning a full ground up 4th genner - a locally developed multi role fighter to be named The Atlas "Carver " (see Wikipedia page)

    • @nerdyali4154
      @nerdyali4154 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Classified in South Africa now means easily available to anybody with a bit of cash.

  • @GeorgeDeVoogd
    @GeorgeDeVoogd ปีที่แล้ว +27

    And now we cannot even keep the lights on.

    • @deancameronkaiser
      @deancameronkaiser ปีที่แล้ว +7

      In today's time yes but back then things were different.

    • @mtrest4
      @mtrest4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      💡

    • @snaphaan5049
      @snaphaan5049 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@deancameronkaiser Yeah, better

  • @MSimmonsAZ
    @MSimmonsAZ ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Namibia is a beautiful country

  • @afriquelesud
    @afriquelesud 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    South Africa wasn't fighting its neighbours, but rather defended the region against communist infiltration by Russia, East Germany and Cuba. Say it as it is. It just so happened that we, while marching northward, were contacted by SWAPO of Namibia, on their way south from Angola. We never intended to fight them, it just happened spontaneously. And the world supported the ungodly communist invasion and fought us instead. Thank you, UN, USA, for being such good friends. Who needs enemies, with friends like that?

    • @terrynaude284
      @terrynaude284 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Ja, well said, a few more so-called western countries can be added to that list.

    • @cboffard8350
      @cboffard8350 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      30 years and you still haven't shaken the propaganda out of your head. Or read a book or even had a serious conversation with a different viewpoint, apparently.

    • @killshroud
      @killshroud 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Exactly! "Fighting for Namibian independence"... Please!

    • @cboffard8350
      @cboffard8350 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @killshroud I'm afraid it's true. Not difficult to read up on that.

  • @hyltonswemmer4824
    @hyltonswemmer4824 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    that climb rate is actually 46000 ft per minute NOT per second.......

  • @PhansiKhongoloza
    @PhansiKhongoloza 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    You opening statement is wrong.
    South Africa was never at war against its neighbours who wanted independence for Namibia.
    South Africa was fighting Russian expansionism. There was never any issue about Namibian independence. It was mostly about not handing Namibia over to the USSR and its proxies.
    Funny thing then that once the USSR collapsed, SA granted Namibia their independence.

    • @michaelstorm5299
      @michaelstorm5299 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      ...so why did the old SADF fight and SWAPO fought against each other? (...then they should've fought together against USSR, which was not the case)

    • @PhansiKhongoloza
      @PhansiKhongoloza 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      ​@@michaelstorm5299Because the USSR supported SWAPO. The objective being Namibian diamonds. And of course the 1st prize was South Africa's mineral wealth.

    • @cboffard8350
      @cboffard8350 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@PhansiKhongoloza Never any issue about Namibian independence?! Your southern African history book must have had 2 whole chapters ripped out of it.

  • @raymondavalon
    @raymondavalon 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I recall Argentina was interested in acquiring the Cheetah aircraft, but the UK government chimped out and had a hissy fit over the proposed acquiral, as they feared the Argentinians may have air superiority if any future conflicts emerged over the disputed Malvinas (Falklands) that are occupied by the British
    And that is how good the Cheetah was, scaring the British and seen as a threat to the British occupation of the Malvinas

  • @Bob_Burton
    @Bob_Burton ปีที่แล้ว +36

    5:07 WHOOPS !
    A rate of climb of over 46,000 feet per second is 31,000 miles per hour

    • @pigmoonk2545
      @pigmoonk2545 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      space plane

    • @Airtzel
      @Airtzel ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah, Elon Musk needs to take notes here

    • @vut_zarco
      @vut_zarco 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Could be 46 000' per minute. Sounds reasonable.

  • @Boss-Possum
    @Boss-Possum 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    That's amazing considering today most of SA are struggling to keep the lights on.

  • @cameraman655
    @cameraman655 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Good on the SADF!

  • @martinstrumpfer1620
    @martinstrumpfer1620 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Cheetah D was introduced first entering service in 1986. The Cheetah E was developed more or less in parallel and entered service in 1988. In parallel to those ran the R project which flew in 1987. The Cheetah C was developed last and first flew in 1991.

  • @CabbageBloke
    @CabbageBloke ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for that massive red circle in the thumbnail.
    I would never of seen the plane in the photo.

  • @btbd2785
    @btbd2785 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love what SA has accomplished in military technology. They have produced some fantastic military equipment. From fighters to helicopters IFVS etc!!!!

    • @kgb2905
      @kgb2905 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Do not forget THE CHUBBY LANDMINE DETECTOR

    • @PhansiKhongoloza
      @PhansiKhongoloza 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@kgb2905or the MRAP as the yanks now call it. 40 years after we developed it.

  • @justink1075
    @justink1075 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    46 000 feet per second. Holy shit Batman he just flew straight past the space shuttle like it was standing still😂😂😂

  • @wb7sff
    @wb7sff ปีที่แล้ว +6

    46,000 feet per second ?? Pretty Fast !!

  • @robattwell8283
    @robattwell8283 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

    As one who served in the SADF in the Bush War in Angola the mid 80s, the SAAF was always admiired and as combatants always a relief when they were in the air

  • @moydodir79
    @moydodir79 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Rate of climb of 46000 feet per second?!?!?!?!? That's pretty darn fast - like, very fast - mach 45, or twice the orbital speed :) Maybe per minute? Please fix :)

  • @desertgerbil7589
    @desertgerbil7589 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Mirage 3 never really lacked speed, as it was designed to intercept soviet bombers and reach Mach 2

  • @erichpizer1
    @erichpizer1 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

    i am glad to have seen them flown and stand so close to them on take off

  • @bj-th7ul
    @bj-th7ul ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great series for seeing what's flown around out there even though it can be difficult to understand the implications of success... also have trouble distinguishing some different models - for some that I do kinda know I can see that the mixture of planes shown and highlighted can be confusing. thanks for sharing the entertainment (everyone)

  • @MrMarcosema
    @MrMarcosema ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Ecuador ended up with the last Cheetah C, since the ecuadorian air force was replacing it's old Kfir jets, it seemed normal but unfortunately the current South African government that has issues with IAI and the total collapse of Denel has forced the fleet to be grounded, this is the problem with small suppliers that can't warrantee they can keep their products flying

  • @ayre123none6
    @ayre123none6 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    The Cheetah indeed is a Nesher/Mirag 5, retained the original Atar 9 engine and was upgraded by improved aerodynamics and increased fuel capacity, , the Cuban pilots with their Migs were no match to the SAAF

  • @pieterlabuschagne7507
    @pieterlabuschagne7507 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    South African had a very good army. The ANC messed it up

  • @vrendus522
    @vrendus522 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow' informative & outstandingly interesting. Thanks, Dan

  • @pork_friedrice
    @pork_friedrice 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    5:08 that’s MACH 41 for rate of climb….quite the upgrade

  • @tommygun333
    @tommygun333 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Still operational after 60 years after introduction and still being up-to-date. Impressive

  • @CBD-LIFE
    @CBD-LIFE 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    My father was one of the engineers on these aircraft during development

  • @talkietoaster2585
    @talkietoaster2585 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My understanding is that Draken rejected the Cheetahs because they were stored outside and in incredibly bad condition. I live nearby and have witnessed the Mirage F.1s being tested. Those are beautiful and loud!

  • @glennllewellyn7369
    @glennllewellyn7369 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Rate of Climb of 46,000 feet per second?
    That’s 9 seconds to reach space!

  • @madmaximus2836
    @madmaximus2836 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You can see decommisioned Cheetahs at Swartkop Airforce base in Centurion, Gauteng..

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn ปีที่แล้ว

      gate guards weather will destroy them any in a/c museums

  • @oneshotme
    @oneshotme ปีที่แล้ว

    I enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

  • @lordsqueak
    @lordsqueak ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A video about Draken International would be interesting

  • @Nlangkirby135
    @Nlangkirby135 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Speaking of mirages, I would like to see a documentary of the IAI Kfir.

  • @st3f1na
    @st3f1na ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Not mentioned variation with Klimov RD-33 engine (x1.5 thrust).

  • @iwannistsalkitzides2115
    @iwannistsalkitzides2115 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hey...Dark guy...I like your work...keep going....

  • @l0nelypixel
    @l0nelypixel 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Such a great video.

  • @neilleonardo961
    @neilleonardo961 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Cheetah /IAI Kfir Development is a slap in the face to the Americans

    • @mtrest4
      @mtrest4 ปีที่แล้ว

      America approved of it.
      In the 80s, America backed South Africa apartheid govt behind the scenes as it feared a Soviet backed overthrow of the apartheid govt.
      US Congress however passed laws restricting US help to South Africa due to public protests against the apartheid regime.
      So US turned to Israel (and France?) to supply equipment through the back door.
      Correct me if I'm wrong...

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Its all history now sth africa failed state sad

    • @pierrelightfoot2669
      @pierrelightfoot2669 ปีที่แล้ว

      The US always wants a finger in every pie. It is because of the US and the UN that everything here in South Africa went south.

    • @PhansiKhongoloza
      @PhansiKhongoloza 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@mtrest4I have no doubt Ronny and Maggie made a plan via the back door?

  • @0448mickey
    @0448mickey ปีที่แล้ว +13

    As a South African, it makes me proud to see what we achieved, and furious that we were betrayed by the west, as well as the adders in our bosom.

    • @kehindebamgbopa3037
      @kehindebamgbopa3037 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah. That apartheid thingy was real cool!

    • @tonynz9954
      @tonynz9954 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@kehindebamgbopa3037 apartheid worked !!

    • @kehindebamgbopa3037
      @kehindebamgbopa3037 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@tonynz9954 Go do an encore, then.

    • @user-ez9en7vk2z
      @user-ez9en7vk2z 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@kehindebamgbopa3037now that SA has been africanised its a borderline failed state. Aparteid was a gatekeeper to keep babarins @bay.

    • @Ollies2CentsWardill
      @Ollies2CentsWardill 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@user-ez9en7vk2z Whatever the reason for apartheid there is no way that you can expect 80% of your population to accept being 2nd class citizens. Apartheid's demise was inevitable and to think otherwise is fantasy.

  • @gekolizzard
    @gekolizzard ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Contrast the SADF then with the SANDF of today..no contest. Nowadays the muppet’s run out of ammo.

  • @cavemanbum
    @cavemanbum ปีที่แล้ว +10

    5:06 - 46,000 feet per SECOND? Wow, that's pretty impressive.

    • @andrewmorke
      @andrewmorke ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That would be a massive surprise to any of its engineers or pilots.

  • @thedevilinthecircuit1414
    @thedevilinthecircuit1414 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Rate of climb 46,000 feet per second = *ludicrous speed* !!!

  • @stevenvendetta
    @stevenvendetta ปีที่แล้ว +2

    If I'm not mistaken one of the Cheetahs were used to test systems for the Atlas Carver

  • @jeremyjansen1932
    @jeremyjansen1932 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    So trots op die jet!!!!

    • @piet8803
      @piet8803 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Dis lekker om te sien hoeveel van ons Suid Afrikaners al die video gesien het in so kort tyd. Ons land het sy probleme, maar ons bly trots en die mense is wonderlik. Politiek in SA is en was ons probleem.

  • @Nothanksjustlooking130
    @Nothanksjustlooking130 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So glad they drew that big red circle around the plane, I never would have guessed what in the picture the vid was about

    • @thecurrentmoment
      @thecurrentmoment ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Same, at first glance I thought it was a video about surveying vegetation while at high speed, which is something I am particularly interested in, but the red circle cleared it up for me

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn ปีที่แล้ว +1

      These utubes errors happen every time its deliberate to ferment comments boost subs

  • @mohammedsaysrashid3587
    @mohammedsaysrashid3587 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is a wonderful video about Cheater ( upgraded Mirage 3) versions... by Israel 🇮🇱 and South Africa 🇿🇦 technologies capabilities. Approaches to Cheater R...as most progressive reconnaissance and fighters aircraft....thank you ( Dark skies) channel for sharing ... sometimes, international sanctions create opposition reflection resumes

  • @goonerfromjhb
    @goonerfromjhb 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    South Africa also had some top notch pilots with a proud history dating back to WW2 and even the Korean War.

  • @greatwhiteythe2nd804
    @greatwhiteythe2nd804 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

    "Rate of climb of 46000 feet per second" Jasis! That is quite a fast Cheetah...

  • @muddyboots1881
    @muddyboots1881 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I would say $35M for a dozen aircraft is the bargain of the year

  • @rynopot
    @rynopot 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Your information is incorrect. the Cheetah C did not arrive first - rather it was the last of the Cheetah versions. It was first the trainer version D. Then the first version of the one seater came, the Cheetah E. And eventually the upgraded Cheetah C was deployed.
    There was the Cheetah B - looks like the D - but you can Google that. Like you should've done in the first place of the entire type

    • @francoistheron9200
      @francoistheron9200 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Also 46000 feet per minute is definitely incorrect 😂

  • @davidwhite7767
    @davidwhite7767 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Did the Cheetah ever get an air to air refuel. Don't ever recall seeing tankers, either at Grootfontein or Wonderboom

  • @sparky4878
    @sparky4878 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    A rate of climb of 46,000’ per second? I think that should be per minute.

  • @sinclairmarcus
    @sinclairmarcus ปีที่แล้ว

    Great content really interesting

  • @AnttiBrax
    @AnttiBrax ปีที่แล้ว +3

    UN: Arms embargo on South-Africa, ok?
    IAI: The what?

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn ปีที่แล้ว +3

      🇮🇱 plays by its own rules 😂

    • @kehindebamgbopa3037
      @kehindebamgbopa3037 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Reason why it's got SA govt heading to the world court with genocide allegations ATM

  • @Raven3one
    @Raven3one 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ah yes the Mirage 3cz. what a beautiful aircraft.

  • @aaron042671
    @aaron042671 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    South Africa sure turned into a utopian society.

  • @FrancoisMoolman
    @FrancoisMoolman 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What we were fighting against was exactly that what happened when the ANC took over. History has shown that our fears were well founded.

  • @dannywlm63
    @dannywlm63 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Does South Africa still have an airforce?

    • @MrSimonw58
      @MrSimonw58 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Previously known as Gupta airways

    • @deancameronkaiser
      @deancameronkaiser ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Somewhat lol but yeah the old regime had things under control. As for the current one I can't confirm that we actually have an air force or even a military anymore.

    • @GeorgeDeVoogd
      @GeorgeDeVoogd ปีที่แล้ว +13

      We use the SAAB grippen fighters and rooivalk attack helicopter. Sadly, due to blind stupidity, bad governance, uncontrolled corruption, and insane incompetence, the fact that our arms manufacture is bankrupt along with everything else, most of these no longer fly. So, no, South Africa no longer has an airforce.

    • @deancameronkaiser
      @deancameronkaiser ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GeorgeDeVoogd we can just say due to corruption that's why our air force and military is up to shit.

    • @Shadow__133
      @Shadow__133 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@deancameronkaiserOr a country 😂

  • @waynewhelan3069
    @waynewhelan3069 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    At 5 bminutes. Climb rate of 46,000 feet per second. Thats an😁 impressive 31,000 mph