The Jaw-Dropping Plane Transformation that Nobody Expected

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
  • 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several international restrictions forbade the South African Air Force from acquiring new aircraft, leaving it with an outdated fleet of fighters that were no match for the Soviet MIG-23, its African opponents boasted.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    Born from outdated Mirage IIIs, the Atlas Cheetah could easily travel at supersonic speeds, was as maneuverable as the feline that bore its name, and could strike hard and fast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 • 676

  • @SparkBerry
    @SparkBerry 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +171

    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 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @SparkBerry
      @SparkBerry 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @Raven3one
      @Raven3one 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @sebulba4864
      @sebulba4864 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @df3yt
      @df3yt 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@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 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +122

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

    • @andilengcobo9825
      @andilengcobo9825 25 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      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 24 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Usa sit behind anc

    • @PhansiKhongoloza
      @PhansiKhongoloza 23 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      ​@@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 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

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

    • @fredmeyer3353
      @fredmeyer3353 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      thales.....

  • @HadleeSimons
    @HadleeSimons 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

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

  • @erichpizer1
    @erichpizer1 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

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

  • @tokoloshi214
    @tokoloshi214 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +46

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

  • @MrSimplyfantabulous
    @MrSimplyfantabulous 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +183

    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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

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

    • @Harley2010SG
      @Harley2010SG 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

      SA mechanics are the best!

    • @RoboticPope
      @RoboticPope 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +24

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

    • @phillipzx3754
      @phillipzx3754 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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.

  • @deonkotzee6641
    @deonkotzee6641 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +27

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

    • @kgb2905
      @kgb2905 26 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

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

    • @krishorst4734
      @krishorst4734 25 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      its sad

  • @JustifyJustin
    @JustifyJustin 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +45

    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 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

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

    • @JustifyJustin
      @JustifyJustin 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      @majungasaurusaaaa Still has amazing engineers, Doctors etc.

    • @GaionSputro
      @GaionSputro 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@JustifyJustin Thanks to whites.

  • @andrewmorke
    @andrewmorke 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +37

    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.

    • @tyronrossouw44
      @tyronrossouw44 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thanks for sharing.

  • @zsifk3212
    @zsifk3212 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    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.

  • @louwvandermerwe178
    @louwvandermerwe178 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +64

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

    • @frednoname3714
      @frednoname3714 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @louwvandermerwe178
      @louwvandermerwe178 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @frednoname3714
      @frednoname3714 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@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 🥳

  • @fherot8200
    @fherot8200 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    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.

  • @andrewagner2035
    @andrewagner2035 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +18

    Greetings from Cape Town…

  • @thedeparted9113
    @thedeparted9113 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +88

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

    • @erniegouws7262
      @erniegouws7262 29 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

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

    • @geroutathat
      @geroutathat วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@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.

  • @chieftandriver703
    @chieftandriver703 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

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

    • @erniegouws7262
      @erniegouws7262 29 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      Well known for our unique corruption capabilities 😂😂😂

  • @chaz__
    @chaz__ 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +77

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

    • @StudSupreme
      @StudSupreme 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @pierrelightfoot2669
      @pierrelightfoot2669 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

      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 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @mrhassell
    @mrhassell 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 วันที่ผ่านมา

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

  • @GunniesLetsFlyVFR
    @GunniesLetsFlyVFR 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +22

    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 :)

  • @pieterreynders5607
    @pieterreynders5607 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +29

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

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

      So much for "freedom"

  • @theantheron85
    @theantheron85 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    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.

  • @csk4j
    @csk4j 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +30

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

    • @FrancoisMoolman
      @FrancoisMoolman 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

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

    • @klar7946
      @klar7946 27 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      It is..

    • @robingordon4700
      @robingordon4700 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Because the whites are no longer in control.

  • @reneegudjon3204
    @reneegudjon3204 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +23

    Beautiful jets. Win any beauty contest 😊

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thats all they would win 21C they are museum artifacts

    • @reneegudjon3204
      @reneegudjon3204 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

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

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @armablign
    @armablign 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +27

    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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      aka Elbit Systems

    • @korybeckwith834
      @korybeckwith834 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@korybeckwith834 Before 1978?
      What year, then?

  • @floycewhite6991
    @floycewhite6991 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +80

    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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      EVERYBODY’s interested in oil.

    • @angelcartagena2375
      @angelcartagena2375 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

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

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​​@@todaywefly4370not greenies 😂

    • @jackieeastom8758
      @jackieeastom8758 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Warmongers everyone!

  • @proveritate9312
    @proveritate9312 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

    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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

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

    • @proveritate9312
      @proveritate9312 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

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

    • @andrewmorke
      @andrewmorke 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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.

  • @deancameronkaiser
    @deancameronkaiser 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +55

    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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      We have drones ?

    • @deancameronkaiser
      @deancameronkaiser 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      We darn made the rest of the world be scared

  • @johanterblans8266
    @johanterblans8266 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +42

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

    • @johanschoeman869
      @johanschoeman869 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 29 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      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 29 วันที่ผ่านมา

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

    • @H4RedOctober
      @H4RedOctober 29 วันที่ผ่านมา +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 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@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...

  • @Gozar111
    @Gozar111 29 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    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.

  • @cameraman655
    @cameraman655 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Good on the SADF!

  • @ShawnKitchen
    @ShawnKitchen 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +45

    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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      It looks like Joe Isuzu has struck again🤭

    • @davekisor1486
      @davekisor1486 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Obviously an error

    • @wezob4569
      @wezob4569 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

    • @mornevanderwatt7965
      @mornevanderwatt7965 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Yeah, we had UFO's before the USA 😆

  • @robinwells8879
    @robinwells8879 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Necessity is the mother of invention!

  • @spheleleNgubane-wf4de
    @spheleleNgubane-wf4de 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

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

  • @jonathanwiggill8242
    @jonathanwiggill8242 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @MSimmonsAZ
    @MSimmonsAZ 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Namibia is a beautiful country

  • @GeorgeDeVoogd
    @GeorgeDeVoogd 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +25

    And now we cannot even keep the lights on.

    • @deancameronkaiser
      @deancameronkaiser 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

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

    • @mtrest4
      @mtrest4 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      💡

  • @Bob_Burton
    @Bob_Burton 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +35

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

    • @pigmoonk2545
      @pigmoonk2545 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      space plane

    • @Airtzel
      @Airtzel 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yeah, Elon Musk needs to take notes here

    • @vut_zarco
      @vut_zarco 22 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Could be 46 000' per minute. Sounds reasonable.

  • @falconiusazurius5572
    @falconiusazurius5572 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @Intothelight1981
    @Intothelight1981 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +50

    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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Running out of money didn't help.

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

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

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@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 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

      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.

  • @chippysteve4524
    @chippysteve4524 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @vrendus522
    @vrendus522 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow' informative & outstandingly interesting. Thanks, Dan

  • @MrMarcosema
    @MrMarcosema 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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

  • @michaelmartinez1345
    @michaelmartinez1345 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    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....

  • @H4RedOctober
    @H4RedOctober 29 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    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.

  • @justink1075
    @justink1075 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

  • @maestromecanico597
    @maestromecanico597 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    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.

  • @bj-th7ul
    @bj-th7ul 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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)

  • @coxsen999
    @coxsen999 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    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

  • @oneshotme
    @oneshotme 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

  • @martinstrumpfer1620
    @martinstrumpfer1620 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    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.

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

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

  • @FrankMoodyPhoto
    @FrankMoodyPhoto 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    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.

  • @iwannistsalkitzides2115
    @iwannistsalkitzides2115 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @talkietoaster2585
    @talkietoaster2585 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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!

  • @desertgerbil7589
    @desertgerbil7589 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

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

  • @Nlangkirby135
    @Nlangkirby135 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

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

  • @wb7sff
    @wb7sff 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

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

  • @Boss-Possum
    @Boss-Possum 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

  • @CabbageBloke
    @CabbageBloke 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @glennllewellyn7369
    @glennllewellyn7369 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

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

  • @stefansmeda3737
    @stefansmeda3737 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

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

  • @tommygun333
    @tommygun333 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

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

  • @lordsqueak
    @lordsqueak 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    A video about Draken International would be interesting

  • @hyltonswemmer4824
    @hyltonswemmer4824 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

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

  • @madmaximus2836
    @madmaximus2836 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @jeremyjansen1932
    @jeremyjansen1932 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

    So trots op die jet!!!!

    • @piet8803
      @piet8803 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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.

  • @muddyboots1881
    @muddyboots1881 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

  • @fightingfalcon1986
    @fightingfalcon1986 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Also in early 2000s the Chilean Air Force bought a few Cheetah fighters to use them as spares source for the Mirage 5 and 50 in Chilean service before the introduction of the current F-16 fighters between 2006 and 2007.

  • @cavemanbum
    @cavemanbum 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

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

    • @andrewmorke
      @andrewmorke 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @moydodir79
    @moydodir79 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +26

    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 :)

    • @robertmasseyiii3720
      @robertmasseyiii3720 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      😂

    • @johncraig1431
      @johncraig1431 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Yes I was just thinking that. 46,000ft. Per second??

    • @vladimirmihnev9702
      @vladimirmihnev9702 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      LMAO so it's a space fighter 😂

    • @vladimirmihnev9702
      @vladimirmihnev9702 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Orbital speed, no the, it varies depending on height over sea level.

    • @robertmasseyiii3720
      @robertmasseyiii3720 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I want that alien tech for my vehicle right now!

  • @neilleonardo961
    @neilleonardo961 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

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

    • @mtrest4
      @mtrest4 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Its all history now sth africa failed state sad

    • @pierrelightfoot2669
      @pierrelightfoot2669 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

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

  • @thedevilinthecircuit1414
    @thedevilinthecircuit1414 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

  • @stevenvendetta
    @stevenvendetta 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

  • @sparky4878
    @sparky4878 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

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

  • @aaron042671
    @aaron042671 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    South Africa sure turned into a utopian society.

  • @gekolizzard
    @gekolizzard 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

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

  • @BGI-Pacific
    @BGI-Pacific 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    It was so much safer before apartheid ended.

  • @sinclairmarcus
    @sinclairmarcus 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great content really interesting

  • @DrivermanO
    @DrivermanO 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Didn't the South Africans have 16 Buccaneers?

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I think so ground attack role maybe delivering nukes but its history now

    • @Frog13799
      @Frog13799 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Yes, 24 squadron

  • @st3f1na
    @st3f1na 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @ondmon818
    @ondmon818 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    great channel but can i ask why does the thumbnail for the video have to have a ridiculous arrow or circle around the item of interest?

  • @sneb1224
    @sneb1224 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

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

  • @davidwhite7767
    @davidwhite7767 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

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

  • @lescrooge
    @lescrooge 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    My Country, sadly

  • @btbd2785
    @btbd2785 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @kgb2905
      @kgb2905 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Do not forget THE CHUBBY LANDMINE DETECTOR

    • @PhansiKhongoloza
      @PhansiKhongoloza 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

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

  • @Nothanksjustlooking130
    @Nothanksjustlooking130 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @No1harris_98
    @No1harris_98 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Dark skies never fails to make my ass and spread my day.

  • @mohammedsaysrashid3587
    @mohammedsaysrashid3587 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +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

  • @rynopot
    @rynopot 29 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Okay, the Afrikaans "skool" which you translated to Skull - is actually School. So it is today 85 Combat Flying School - from 89 Combat flying School.

  • @royalordinance
    @royalordinance 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That snafu was clever,because here i am commenting more than 4 words. (FOUR)

  • @thehark6247
    @thehark6247 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

    YOU ALL KNOW WHAT HE MEANT, PER MINUTE, GIVE IT A REST ALREADY

    • @CabbageBloke
      @CabbageBloke 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Shows lack of quality control over his over his own content.

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      ​​​@@CabbageBlokeits deliberate every utube this guy does has them to create a lasting image and generate viewer interaction to boost subs ok

    • @TonyA4766
      @TonyA4766 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Nah…it’s funny!!

    • @andrewdutoit9571
      @andrewdutoit9571 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@CabbageBlokeIf it bothers you, go read Readers Digest.

  • @AnttiBrax
    @AnttiBrax 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      🇮🇱 plays by its own rules 😂

    • @kehindebamgbopa3037
      @kehindebamgbopa3037 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @anastassiosmaragos7380
    @anastassiosmaragos7380 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    sorry i have to comment. the mirage f1 and mirage 3 could infact take on the mig 23 many times over the issue saaf had was the technical parts needed for maintenance and airworthiness. So here in fact enters Israel which passed on tech info to saaf from the kfir and then the saaf improved upon those specifications.

    • @tonynz9954
      @tonynz9954 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      The problem the Mirage F1's had was not enough fuel to hang around for a long dogfight. The M,ig 23's did not have far to travel compared to the SAAF jetfighters. The Argies had the same problem with fuel capacity verses distance to travel.

  • @ayre123none6
    @ayre123none6 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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

  • @martynissitt2693
    @martynissitt2693 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Rate of climb 46,000 ft per second is pretty impressive 👍😂

  • @chrisrossouw2230
    @chrisrossouw2230 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    They were fitted with MIG engines!!!

    • @patrickporter6536
      @patrickporter6536 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      No. 2 Mirage F1s were fitted with Russian engines. No such thing as a MIG engine.

  • @Upemm
    @Upemm 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Only two Grippens flying now I believe.

    • @marcg1686
      @marcg1686 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      And SAAF pilots going to Cuba for training.🤦

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​​​@@marcg1686 sth afrikan embassy gave us material to distribute when tambo TuTu were in australia necklacing winnie australian govt wanted whites out in sth afrika we lost the fight now every white nation except ex soviet bloc 👽 migrationreplacing white race sth afrika elec not guaranteed 24/ 7 its sad

    • @piet8803
      @piet8803 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@marcg1686 They love their commie friends. I may be wrong, but I think the army gets their medical training there as well. Cuba needs the money.

    • @Upemm
      @Upemm 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@marcg1686 I don’t know what they are going to fly , most aircraft are out of service for lack of parts and can’t afford the mechanics to fix them when they might be able to pay for the parts. Very sad state of affairs.

    • @marcg1686
      @marcg1686 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      ​@@UpemmSad indeed. I remember a SAAF officer interviewed by Air Forces Monthly at the time the SAAF was looking for a replacement for the Cheetah/F1 fleet saying that they were bowled over by how expensive 4th generation fighters were compared to the Mirage 3. I've often wondered if purchasing additional Mirage 3 and 5 airframes and doing complete rebuilds wouldn't have been preferable. And perhaps uprating the Atar engines.

  • @pork_friedrice
    @pork_friedrice 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

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

  • @dannywlm63
    @dannywlm63 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Does South Africa still have an airforce?

    • @MrSimonw58
      @MrSimonw58 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Previously known as Gupta airways

    • @deancameronkaiser
      @deancameronkaiser 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +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 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      @@deancameronkaiserOr a country 😂

  • @dhroman4564
    @dhroman4564 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    46,000 ft./sec. climb rate is impressive.

  • @carlstaude8576
    @carlstaude8576 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    We lost against comunism and the apartheid never ahould have been there but as citizens what could we do??? We fpught black and white together as comrades but politics interfeared again as usuall. Ex SA was an amazing country !!! We had the strongest ARMY AND AIRFORCE IN AFRICA!!!!!