The South African Air Force (SAAF) has taken the decision to ground its fleet of Cessna 208 Caravan light transport aircraft, citing both age and funding constraints as contributing factors.
These high-wing, single-engined aircraft have faithfully served with the SAAF’s 41 Squadron, based at Air Force Base Waterkloof, since 1988 when they were originally purchased and integrated into the South African Air Force’s inventory.
The SAAF confirms that the C-208 Cessna fleet has been grounded. This decision has indeed led to limited air exposure for aircrew. It is confirmed the SAAF is awaiting the placement of the product support contract for the Caravan Aircraft.
The Caravan is a single-engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional and utility aircraft. It typically seats nine passengers, with a one-person crew. The SAAF acquired the type in 1988. They were first operated with civilian registration (ZS-) numbers. The SAAF uses the type as a light transport, aerial surveillance and electronic warfare (EW) platform. In 2007 the SAAF awarded a contract on Aerosud and Denel under Project Koiler for a day/night reconnaissance system for the C208. The SAAF received 13 Caravans from 1988, but four have been lost in accidents.
The grounding of these aircraft doesn’t come as a surprise. Armscor, the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, had previously highlighted concerns regarding the ageing fleet when their maintenance contract concluded in December 2021. The Caravan fleet, consisting of eight aircraft, has reached the four-decade mark and now demands a “midlife upgrade” to modernize outdated avionics systems. Additionally, funding has become a significant issue, with provisions made for six aircraft, while additional funds are required for the remaining two. Armscor had stated that a new maintenance contract was expected to be awarded in April of the previous year.
Responding to an inquiry from a weekend newspaper, the Directorate Corporate Communication (DCC) of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed the grounding, emphasizing that this action had led to “limited exposure” for aircrew. Brigadier-General Andries Mahapa, representing the DCC, further explained that the SAAF is currently “awaiting placement of a product support contract” for these light transport aircraft. Mahapa recommended that further inquiries be directed to the Department of Defence (DoD) acquisition agency, Armscor, under the jurisdiction of Minister Thandi Modise.
To date, the maintenance contract for the Cessna 208s, which expired in December 2021, was awarded to Aircraft Maintenance and Work. The contract had been extended by three months, continuing until the end of March 2022.
A report by City Press revealed that 32 pilots from the AFB Waterkloof squadron have not flown for “more than two years due to Armscor’s failure to repair and maintain” the C-208s. The report quoted unnamed “military leaders” who criticized Armscor’s performance, suggesting that it had left the SAAF incapacitated. Additionally, concerns were raised about the contract awarded for the maintenance of SAAF equipment, even though it allegedly did not meet the prescribed requirements. The terms of the contract were reportedly altered, with the 30% localisation requirements, as per broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) regulations, being waived. This move was seen as a reversal of the transformation program of the DoD and the government.
Apparently, the Caravans have remained grounded since the beginning of the year, with no anticipated flights for the remainder of 2023, says a veteran pilot of 41 Squadron. SAAF pilots typically need to conduct at least one flight every three months to maintain their basic general flying currency. This does not include other operational-type currencies, such as weapons and night/display flying, each with its own set of requirements.
Similarly, in December 2021, the South African Air Force (SAAF) temporarily grounded all of its Gripen multirole fighter fleet as none were serviceable. According to the Department of Defence (DoD), this is due to a lack of funding for maintenance, as support contracts were not renewed in time.