Developing the Rooivalk Mk2 would tick many vital boxes

THE South African Department of Defence is considering whether to restart the Rooivalk project, to develop an upgraded version of the strike helicopter for the South African Air Force and perhaps for export.

That will trigger noise, particularly from those who believe the Rooivalk was an unmitigated disaster. 

Objective analysis suggests otherwise, as has become clear from a recent study of the project commissioned by the Department of Public Enterprises to draw lessons for future major projects.