Get ready for thrill of a lifetime at Africa’s biggest air, defence show
More than 120 000 people expected Latest military vehicles on display
ORE than 120 000 people are expected to flock to Waterkloof Air Base in Tshwane next weekend to see a truly spectacular air show and some of the world's best air and land defence equipment in action.
You will also be able to check out the capabilities of the latest military vehicles on display during two one-hour sessions on each day with eight challenging obstacles that will put vehicles though the toughest of tests.
Tanks, amphibious vehicles and personnel carriers will be put through their paces which will include water troughs, ditches, steps, steep inclines, out-of-phase cobbles and tight turning circles.
Billed as the largest exhibition of air, sea and land capabilities on the African Continent, the Africa African Aerospace and Defence Exhibition ( AAD 2012) takes place from Wednesday September 19 until Sunday September 23.
Put together with Armscor, the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries (AMC); Caasa (the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa) as well as the departments of Trade and Industry and Defence, the show consists of two district segments – special Trade Days which are not
Mopen to the public and then the big weekend events on September 22 and 23 which are open to all. On the special trade days – September 19 to 21 – some 20 000 people are expected over the three days preceding the weekend public event.
More than 116 VIPs from around the world have been invited - from defence ministers level up to service chief level. aviation, simulator, target shooting, first aid and investigating crime scenes will be part of the schedule.
Then there will be a Fun Fly Park. For the first time, in cooperation with the Aero Club of South Africa and Recreational Aviation Association of SA (RAASA), a dedicated area (Fun Fly Park) for light sports aircraft (LSA) types has been allocated.
This will cater for homebuilt and kit aircraft, microlights and gliders, which are regarded as LSA types having become very popular in South Africa.
Added to all this will be a a Mobility Track Demonstration where a specially designed ‘mobility track’ has been been built. This makes it possible for all exhibitors to present their vehicles on the mobility track demonstration during AAD2012 over the full five days (19 - 23 September).
The mobility demonstration track will be constructed on site at Waterkloof Air Force Base where exhibitors can demonstrate their vehicles.
The show, with its slogan "Rising to New Dimensions", features dynamic vehicle demonstration, flying & static displays and a world airshow from some of the biggest names in aviation and defence industry who will demonstrate WITH the large crowds expected during the weekend show days, strict rules need to be laid down and observed to make sure that the show is safe and great fun for everyone.
No firearms and pets will be allowed and open fires/gas braais will taboo. Also banned are knives or any other sharp items and no drugs will be allowed. No Glass bottles will be allowed and no laser devices their latest and crafts.
There will also be organised children's activities and attraction including a Fun Fly Park and Youth Development pro- will be allowed.
The event organisers ask that members of the public must remain within the demarcated public viewing areas. It's going to be a long and wonderful day, so you are encouraged to bring own chairs, sun umbrellas and sunscreen protection. And although picnic baskets are welcome you don't need to worry if you don't bring any - food stalls gram were youngsters can interact with high tech simulators and get all the information they want from role models on a future career in the world of aerospace and defence. and a beer garden will be there to fill the inner man, or woman.
But don't attempt to bring your own alcohol to the event as it is not allowed. However, if you feel like a tipple during the day, alcohol will be on sale at the event .
And if you run short of cash at the venue, ATMs are available throughout the event for your convenience.
Of course for the general public the two airshow days will be the most spectacular and an event to take the whole family to with gates opening from 6am with the actual air- show scheduled to start at 8am and continuing on during the day. Gates close on the two days at 5pm.
Defence buyers from around the world will be there on the trade days and the show's main aim is to provide the aerospace and defence industry with the opportunity to promote their products and services, with specific focus on Africa
There will be at least 93 civil and military static aircraft which have already been confirmed; seven hangers in use and National Pavillions for countries such as India, Russia, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Belgium, China, the US, UK, Romania, Pakistan and Brazil.
In addition to that, there are some 27 country exhibitors including Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Namibia, Netherlands, China, Malaysia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Bulgaria, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, Finland and the US.
Among the 15 top exhibitors are Armscor, BAE Systems, CSIR, DCD, Denel, Integrated Convoy Protection, Mercedes Benz, Paramount and the Thales Group.
Since Africa Aerospace & Defence inception in 2000, AAD has grown in leaps and bounds. The exhibition takes place on a biennial basis in September.
It is the largest defence and aviation exhibition on the African continent and attracts exhibitors showcasing the most advanced technologies in the global defence and general aviation environment.
Watch out for the special supplement on the show which will be published in this newspaper on Tuesday September 18.