Bosbok 953 returns to the Western Cape skies - 10 July 2010

AM-3CM Bosbok number 953 (SA civilian register ZU-ADI) took to the sky again on Saturday afternoon after being officially unveiled at Stellenbosch Flying Club in the Cape Winelands.





Bosbok 953 was stripped down and meticulously repainted by her owners. She is sporting her original olive drab and dark earth colours, and all the correct stencilling has been applied including the SAAF 5 pointed castle emblem on the rear fuselage which was typical of the era in which she saw service.

During the aircraft's service with 42 Squadron (SAAF) the Bosbok was based at Potchefstroom, and was used in various roles in the operational area; including FAC, Reconnaissance, Telstar, Liaison and Casevac.

On Saturday the partnership of owners unanimously decided to name her "Lulu" in honour of Louise who kept the project rolling. After being unveiled she completed her first official flight after the refurbishment.



The flight was uneventful, and needless to say she made her owners very proud.



The bubbly flowed and an informal braai (barbeque) was enjoyed by all after the formalities and speeches.

Stellenbosch airfield is home to Bosbok 953 and an Auster AOP which dates back to the Korean War era.

Both of these aircraft where used in similar capacity while in service with the SAAF and both are flown and maintained today in their original authentic SAAF colour schemes.

Despite the cold wintry weather, Bosbok 953 is warming the hearts of this group of aviators as they get to fly her again after months of absence from the Cape skies.

AM-3CM Bosbok Stats:

Powerplant: 1 x 340 hp Piaggio-Lycoming GSO-480-B1B6
Speed: 260 kph, 161mph
Range: 990km, 615 miles
Seats: 1+1 or 1 + 2
Length: 8.73m, 28ft 8in
Span: 11.73m, 6ft 6in
Empty Weight: 1 080kg, 2,380lb
Max T/O Weight: 1 700kg, 3,750lb
Period of Service in the SAAF: 1973 - 1992

Armament: A centreline reconnaissance camera pod could be fitted to the fuselage below the cockpit; a Schermuly flare chute could be fitted in the rear of the cockpit of the aircraft which could be used for dispensing leaflets (PsyOps/Information warfare)or flares. 68mm marker/smoke rockets could be carried on rocket pods under the wing hard points.