SAAF Alouette II beat Gautrain in race battle of the machines

The South African Air Force (SAAF) recently conducted a series of air versus land races leading up to the highly anticipated SAAF Museum Air Show on May 4 in Pretoria.

One of the most thrilling races was between the SAAF Alouette II helicopter and the Gautrain, one of the fastest trains in the country.

The race covered a distance from Midrand Gautrain Station to Centurion station on April 30.

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As the excitement built up, locals and non-locals watched with bated breath as the two machines revved up for the challenge.

Despite the Gautrain’s top speed of 160km/h, it stood no chance against the sheer power and speed of the Alouette II helicopter.

In a race that tested the limits of both machines, the Alouette II emerged victorious, leaving the Gautrain trailing in its wake.
According to deputy chief of the air force, Major General Mayenzeke Matanda, the race was part of raising awareness for the show and showcasing the capabilities of the SAAF and SAAF Museum.

Matanda officiated the media briefing after the race, flanked by the CEO of Gautrain, Tshepo Kgobe.

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“Today[April 30] was all about raising awareness of our up-and-coming Air Show, which is held every year to showcase our capabilities as the South African Air Force, as well as the SA Air Forces’s Museum’s mission ‘Through aviation awareness we provide a service to maintain the national pride of the SA Air Force’,” said Matanda.

The theme for this year’s air show was ‘Flight through Time – Legends of the Skies’, to highlight the evolution of flight and showcase the SAAF’s capabilities.

“Our Air Show also plays a vital role in generating much-needed funds to repair and restore our aircraft and keep them flying. In this manner, we also strive to preserve static airplanes that we need for future generations.”

Moreover, he mentioned that, “The riveting and gripping air race, served as palette cleansing precursor to the much-awaited 04 May 2024 Air Show, the Africa Aerospace and Defence, the youth celebrations and an opportunity to test our systems was a huge success as you all witnessed a few hours ago, congratulations to the winner of the race, the SA Air Force, Free the Eagle.”

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