DCS World - Impalas hunting Hinds in South African Border Wars, Angola 1985.

In 1970s and 1980s, South Africa was involved in a series of wars which are usually known as South African Border Wars. One of them was the civil conflict in Angola. While Cuba and the Communist block supported the government forces, the opposing UNITA was getting support mostly from the Republic of South Africa. In 1985, government and Cuban forces launched an offensive which required their forward troops to be supplied by helicopters. In order to stop the choppers, South Africans selected an unlikely candidate - a locally produced light attack aircraft named Impala, developed from Italian Aermacchi MB-326 trainer. With pilots lacking training for this kind of a mission, and enemy MiG fighters controlling Angolan airspace, and powerful Mi-25 HInd helicopters escorting the transport Mi-8s, this mission was anything but routine.
As this video is made, MB-339 is still available as a free mod for DCS World. It is being developed as a commercial module and this version will stop receiving support. If you haven't tried it yet for free, go ahead and do so.
Sources:
- www.warinangola.com - SAAF Impalas shoot down Cuban Mi-25 Hinds
- en.topwar.ru/27444-ohota-na-k... - Hunting for the "Crocodile"
"Trouble with Tribals" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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/ showtime112
#MilitaryAviationHistory #DCSWorldHistoricalReenactment

[@pieterpienaar9820]

It's not my intention to rain on your parade, BUT.... I am one of the pilots who took part in this little caper and I must point out that the facts, as depicted in the video, have not been thoroughly researched. For instance, there was never a shot fired by a Mi-25 at any of our Impalas, as they never saw us coming. By the time that they'd realised what was happening, they were already on their way down. The Angolan government also never knew, as UNITA immediately claimed the kills - this was pre-arranged as the SAAF didn't want to let on that they were involved, to counter any possible escalation by the Angolans. I know this as I had many discussions long after the war with Angolan counterparts who were still under the impression that the choppers were lost to ground fire. Until they were told the real truth, that is.... There are quite a few other details that are incorrect but, as mentioned before, I don't want to be a party-pooper. If you want to know the real story of that first chopper kill, I strongly suggest that you try to obtain a copy of the book 'Bloodsong!', written by the brilliant author Jim Hooper. While you're at it, get a copy of Jim's book 'A Hundred Feet Over Hell' which tells of another war - in Vietnam - you will not be disappointed. Pine Pienaar

[@martinprinsloo5393]

Baie dankie vir u Kolonel Pine Pienaar, dit was toe ons nog 'n professionele Lugmag gehad het. Thank you Col. Pine Pienaar, that was when we still had a professional Airforce.

[@MrAlepedroza]

Sounds reasonable. I find it hard to believe an Impala could survive a head to head gun strafe against a flying tank and get away with minor damage, while still downing the Hind with only a short burst...unless the Impala was shooting 30 mm's in very rapid fire mode.

[@CPiGTi]

Thanks for your service Oom! You should get onto Aircrew Interview, I'm sure there are many people (including myself) that would love to hear your stories.

[@majbeardd1905]

Dankie vir U diens oom!!!

[@pieterpienaar9820]

@@MrAlepedroza The Impala Mk2 (MB326K) that we used had an internally mounted 30mm DEFA cannon

[@hennielouw6028]

I was based at Ondangwa during 1985 and 1986

[@carlcornelius7587]

Same time but at Oshakati.

[@iwazhere7077]

Thank you for your service, gentlemen 🫡

[@Loneranger670]

Same here. Was with 1 Parachute Battalion on fireforce and lunar operations amongst others. 👊🏻👊🏻

[@montys420-]

The Bush wars of Africa is a little known or spoken about part of history awesome 👌

[@showtime112]

I really like to go into some of these lesser know conflicts and turn people's attention to them. Thanks for commenting!

[@jaws848]

​@@showtime112another excelent video...im not bothered if its accurate or not because the MB-339 is one of my favorite aircraft and love seeing it kick ass so the video is a win for me.👍👍👍👍

[@showtime112]

@@jaws848 You are the kind of audience any creator wants 😁

[@jaws848]

@@showtime112 thank you for the kind words...much appreciated....is there an option of the Fouga Magister available on the software you use....thats also an aircraft im very partial to.👍👍👍

[@showtime112]

@@jaws848 Unfortunately, no. We can only hope that someone releases a mod someday.

[@debeerpaul]

Today were doing a training exercise. The Cubans have kindly supplied some of their best attack helicopters as fodder. Have fun and fly low. Remember the braai starts at 3pm.

[@tonyvanderhelm2934]

Braai = Barbeque

[@frednel4326]

Loved the impala and ex ratel gunner from that same war.. peace ✌

[@showtime112]

Thank you for your comment!

[@Springbok295]

When the SADF/SAAF was a powerhouse.

[@andrewmorke]

Ja nee. Different time.

[@seanhaarhoff3726]

It's a pity what we have become.

[@SmokinLoon5150]

The SADF/SAAF was an awesome machine, it is quite sad what they've become. It is quite sad what South Africa as a whole has become.

[@GapeGang]

What happened?

[@andrewmorke]

@@GapeGang South African society has transformed a lot over the last 27 years. On the bright side, it transitioned from a racial-minority ruled state to a democratic republic and its people now enjoy equitable political rights. However, economically the country has been in a constant state of decline due to a variety of political and social reasons. Unemployment in SA is now worse than it was during America's Great Depression in the 1930s. The SA air force has been severely weakened to the extent that many bases have fallen into disrepair, it retains too few pilots, and a considerable proportion of its aircraft are unserviceable or mothballed.

[@sohrabroozbahani4700]

This is one of those far more interesting unsung wars of the recent history... actually I find it even more interesting than Falkland conflict TBH...

[@showtime112]

Well, it is certainly very unique. Falklands had perhaps more elements involved (navy units). But, it is definitely worth discovering.

[@lianvandenheever6387]

The world does not want to know about it as this could be an embarrasement to the west

[@TheRealNeill]

I was a technician on Macchis at 76SQN RAAF. They were like working on old Italian sports cars. I flew them a few times from the back seat and they handle beautifully. We had jets with Hornets painted on the side from training "kills".

[@showtime112]

Thanks for sharing that experience!

[@dougerrohmer]

The South African ones had A RR Viper engine, Italian airframe and I think some Yank hydraulics - so the mechanics needed BSW, metric and AF tools...

[@TheRealNeill]

@@dougerrohmer We had the Viper. I remember we needed both Imperial and Metric tools and where the engine joined the airframe it was sometimes a bit ambiguous :)

[@dougerrohmer]

@@TheRealNeill I think AF (American Fine) also came into it sometimes :-)

[@mbxx2]

I like how you're covering some of these lesser known conflicts, its very interesting.

[@showtime112]

I like to bring up some lesser known events. There's more to come :)

[@connorcolquhou5845]

You'll find a crap top of veterans if someone makes a video about the border war. My dad fought too actually.

[@martinprinsloo5393]

Thank you very much for telling one of the stories, from our forgotten war.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@zarakdurrani7584]

Solidarity with South African army, before it was ruined by the new government, holding back the red tide in Africa.

[@isrbillmeyer]

@J Jones Nice selfie. Looks like you took some of the medicine that you prescribed.

[@Amantla]

-=SAAF=-South African Air Force.... what an institution it was during this time...

[@pieterpretorius1014]

and now its an absolute disaster. the SADF was one of the best before the ANC (african national catastrophe) took control. now its just a rotten corps of what it used to be

[@raytherain4030]

Modern nazi air force.

[@AviViljoen]

@ Showtime112 I cannot imagine the amount of technical expertise you must have to be able to make a video such as this. I truly admire what you have done here. Well done, and thank you for uploading!

[@showtime112]

It's mostly a lot of trying and seeing what works 😁 Thanks for your positive comment!

[@jastafan6937]

never heard about that air attack before! major success for small training bird 6 kills with no loss! well done as usual great work lovin'it!

[@showtime112]

Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@ursus9104]

It’s very hard to spot an attacking jet from above, a short burst and they are up in the air again to perform a new attack.

[@gorka7824]

Very interesting New historical line addressed. One of the longest and most international wars on the african continent. And one that is not often talked about... great video!!

[@showtime112]

Thank you! It was very interesting going into this new territory! There will be more from it in the future as soon as some modules become available.

[@isrbillmeyer]

"One of the longest and most international wars" Spot on. The Communist World armed the Communists, the entire Western World with the exception Israel fully supported the Communists with propaganda, imposing sanctions and boycotts etc. And in many cases like with the Cubans other nations literally participated. If you have to take into account the number of nations involved in what we called the Total Onslaught to arm, train (and at times participate), fund and support insurgents and hostile nations surrounding South Africa it was (is) like a low intensity mini World War.

[@davidscheepers6033]

@@isrbillmeyer Yes indeed... a mini war on the border while engaged in a terrorist "struggle (against apartheid)" and "Peoples War (black-on-black against their own people)" within SA, ( I served in the SADF from 1971 to 1990).

[@isrbillmeyer]

@@davidscheepers6033 And by far the most "atrocities" was by the ANC on black people. But the world wanted Wakanda under a black Messiah.

[@jimsaintamour2]

Cool video on an obscure subject! Thanks for making videos about rare air combat!

[@showtime112]

I'm a sucker for obscure 20th century conflicts 😁 Thanks for commenting!

[@connorcolquhou5845]

My dad fought on the ground.

[@ricktow66lcc83]

Great video! Always like learning about the South African Border war of the 1980s.

[@showtime112]

Thanks, I'm glad you appreciate it.

[@andrewmorke]

1123, you did a wonderful job depicting this event. Superb work!

[@showtime112]

Thank you so much 😀

[@gerritgeldenhuys2763]

Nice to see this. I was in the artillery in Angola in 1987, just before our forces were pulled out for good.

[@showtime112]

Thanks for commenting! It seems that this video attracted a lot of veterans. I guess the conflict really isn't being given enough attention these days.

[@shroder2748]

Nice to see a DCS video based on the south African border war. I remember my father telling me stories of how he would be driving home with his uncle and 3 Mirages returning from a patrol flew over them faster than the speed of sound.

[@showtime112]

Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience!

[@waynemorgan8727]

As a military helo pilot during that era, I'm somewhat surprised that the Hinds and MI-17s were flying at that altitude. Starting in the 70s the US Army was training to fly at low altitudes and use terrain to make us difficult to spot from altitude as well as from the ground. I realize, though, that Soviet doctrine was different for the Hind mission than it was for our scouts and gunships.

[@showtime112]

I believe that they were flying higher in order to avoid small arms fire. Also, Angolan pilots supposedly had problems navigating, so perhaps it was easier for them to find their way a little higher.

[@Justowner]

@@showtime112 Wouldnt flying low limit the amount of time someone on the ground can shoot at you?

[@showtime112]

@@Justowner Helicopters are not that fast and I guess that would still leave plenty of time. But when your bullets can't reach a certain altitude at all, that's a different thing. But that's just my logic.

[@AKAtheA]

@@showtime112 the Hind can haul ass at 300+km/h when it needs to and small arms fire does pretty much nothing to it at realistic distance engagements (if anything, it gives the pilot a reason to do a combat turn and make you regret firing at him), it's the unarmored and slower Mi-17 that has to worry about small arms. Also as always, poor training and command is the most likely culprit here, the soviet advisors and pilot training would've definitely emphasized that low and fast is the way, even when it's not safe from the piloting perspective.

[@ulisesvelez5846]

the impalas carriet two(2)-(30-mm). cannons.

[@WilcoGroothand]

Never knew Cuban forces were involved in these wars. Intresting. Thx for telling.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@shaunspies1108]

Also Russians and East Germans.

[@ruanniemann2604]

The Cuban commander was executed by Castro after the conflict.

[@mtumeumrani376]

@@ruanniemann2604 why?

[@tonyvanderhelm2934]

@@ruanniemann2604 General Ronaldo Ochoa... supposedly for poaching wild animals but it was because he did not achieve Fidels orders in Africa

[@orneryokinawan4529]

Cool little plane. I've never heard of it.

[@showtime112]

It's not hugely famous but sometimes you need to draw people's attention to such things.

[@nicolaasfourie]

I still remember the day of the first action vividly. My commandant at Sector 20 Army Intelligence informed me of the downing of the Hinds.

[@showtime112]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@kostasrad5579]

Really love this side of military aviation history which was written in various places in lesser known incidents. Keep up the good work!

[@showtime112]

I intend to, thank you for your support!

[@PappaBear_yt]

Great video! It's cool that you show free modules too, not just commercial ones. 👍🏻👏 One day I hope to try them all, but until then I enjoy watching channels likr yours. Thank you for your work!

[@showtime112]

Thanks! Free mods are a great thing when done as well as this. Fingers crossed that you get a chance to try all this stuff soon!

[@hmmjedi]

Well done on a good video and well done on some of the forgotten wars...

[@showtime112]

Thank you for the comment! I kinda like doing these lesser known conflicts.

[@greatwhiteythe2nd804]

lol, I made that livery. Nice to see it's still getting some use... But I really wish one of the devs would make an Angolan map already! I've been harping on about it even longer than I've been waiting for that Bucc mod and Aviodev to finish the F-1. Besides the fact that I'm a Saffa and obviously bias, low-intensity conflicts just make way more sense for DCS World, and the border war was a perfect example. And considering our current aircraft and the fact that the F-1 and Flogger are on the way, there really isn't a better choice of theatre if you ask me... I mean, I've got a pretty powerful machine, but trying to run realistic war scenarios in the Middle East or Russia is just a recipe for liquifying your chip. I'd also really like to see some SADF vehicle assets like the G-6, Rooikat and Ratel. I actually almost got my hands on the 3Dmax files for the Armscor Arma mod, but sadly it was not to be. However, I am still hunting like a rabid dog for a Cheetah C manual, which is proving to be even more illusive than Big Foot in a skirt. I know several SAAF pilots and not one of them can manage to conjure it up either... Not even Denel couldn't help me and they built the bloody thing! It is nice to see the enthusiasm for the Border War growing though. That new War Game DLC has definitely drummed up a lot of interest, so I hope ED is paying attention... because I don't want to be scrolling through all the Bush War severs a decade from now, and they're still being run on the goddam Caucuses! My eyes can only bleed so much...

[@showtime112]

Cool livery, thanks for making it! As for the Angola map, I would buy it :) Seriously, there are quite a lot of areas that could be covered and that would find buyers. But I guess it takes a lot of time to complete. I have to admit that I haven't actually heard of the Buccaneer mod before. From what I can see, it seems to be stuck.

[@greatwhiteythe2nd804]

​@@showtime112 Yeah, it was called the Bana project. Looked really good too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppiuo6WLpZyEnsU As to a Southwest African map, I reckon it's pretty minial work compared to what we have at the moment. It's mostly flat, and very sparce. 90+% of the land mass is just bushveld, with the odd small town or village scatered hear and there. And that's exactly what I want. Not just for preformance sake, but from a mission editing stand point. Having loads of built up areas really complicates things. Nevermind trying to find vehicles in cities or dense forest is basically an exercise in futility. Likewise, open desert gives zero cover and seems to make things feel too easy. Especially with modern aircraft! But varying degrees of bush cover provides the best of both worlds. Angola was also the last hot war involving the USSR, and given the amount of Soviet era aircraft we have, and the fact that most of the Devs are Russian, you'd think it would feture pretty highly on their list... I dunno, maybe their still a little sore after getting their MiGs shot down :P Nevertheless, I think I'll go still go whinge about it on the forum again anyways...

[@zanderlabuschagne2368]

Someone is working on a Kfir C2/C7. Aiming and hoping to be official module, looking very good so far.

[@olegarioaboytes2491]

Realmente ¡adoro! Estás recreaciones de combates reales entre aeronaves de distintos tipos y/o épocas, felicitaciones, ¡gran trabajo de nuevo!

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for your positive comment! Keep watching!

[@jdsaldivar2109]

82ND AIRBORNE 1985!! I was still putting my Knees in the Breeze!!

[@showtime112]

Well, I learned a new phrase today :)

[@jdsaldivar2109]

@@showtime112 82ND AIRBORNE " I do what I can for my people!!" Ha!!

[@mazambaan]

Terrific......appreciate the effort. More please

[@showtime112]

Thanks. Just wait and more stuff will be there!

[@RedBravo65]

Very well done. Superb camera angles, solid storytelling.

[@showtime112]

Thanks! I just do what I would like to watch myself.

[@IMDunn-oy9cd]

Brandon's an awesome pilot!

[@louwbadenhorst2530]

Barries I was a armourer in she saaf . The impala had two 30mm cannons in front and no gunpods on the wings

[@showtime112]

That's not really Impala but a stand-in. Explained in the video.

[@Michaelkaraz]

Very good video (nice seeing our old flag)

[@showtime112]

Glad you liked it, thanks!

[@clayton56tube]

wow flight sims have gotten so realistic

[@showtime112]

True. But there's still a long way to go 😁

[@talkietoaster2585]

Heard you needed help so I came back to super-thanks one one of my fav videos. Your content has inspired me in my scale model endeavors. Thanks again Showtime!

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much, your support makes the future of the channel more certain! I'm glad the content inspired you to pursue a passion!

[@box8brewing829]

Beautiful history lesson! Keep up the great work.

[@showtime112]

Thank you! Will do!

[@osvaldobedregal1175]

Great video!

[@showtime112]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@christianpethukov8155]

Just found this video. Learned and was entertained too.

[@showtime112]

Thank you! Feel free to check other videos too.

[@justanormalgermanboy9269]

Your channel is way way to Underrated!!!

[@showtime112]

Glad you think so!

[@ulisesvelez5846]

the mb-339 is a tactical trainer. lead-in-fighter.

[@ricktow66lcc83]

Thanks

[@showtime112]

Thank you very much for your financial support!

[@sebastianoraffa2104]

Great video, congrats, it was great seeing the MB 339, but the SAAF never operated that, the Impala was actually the previous MB 326...anyways, thumbs up and salutes to the professionalism of the SAAF and the other services, in conducting their self defence war on and beyond their borders.

[@showtime112]

Thanks for your comment! The actual 326 was not available in DCS so approximating it with 339 was the only way it could be done.

[@UCUuBKhtCp18o0XNJBaip-4w]

Very cool video format.

[@showtime112]

Thanks! I do the kind of videos I would like to watch myself.

[@OBCBTTB]

14:10 Of the all 6 Russian Helicopters shot down there was actually one survivor that lives still to this day. I'd imagine he managed to scarper out of there before the Impalas shot the only helicopter that managed to land. One or both of those transport helicopters was full of Russian officers by the way. My friend who flew Pumas in the SAAF, years later met up with the survivor in a civilian setting and they exchanged stories.

[@showtime112]

Thanks for contributing details!

[@hiredmurderer6228]

There was no russian losses. Yeah,your lies arent succesful when someone knows the history behind this.

[@showtime112]

@@hiredmurderer6228 He meant Russian built.

[@leviluvsspapi_zack9035]

My tutors husband was in this war he was ran me the highest medal of honor and he did it by going to everyone and taking them to safety when the where getting ambushed u can still see the Scars on his legs

[@kannah4394]

Awesome work

[@showtime112]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@lynndunkerley7008]

Excellent account of this action in a recently published book called The MiG Diaries. Mostly from a Cuban pilots point of view flying Mig 21’s and 23’s but also some SAAF accounts from Mirage pilots. Well balanced book.

[@martinsilva5051]

excellent video !, and story. In this same line I recommend you look for the actions of the mb339 in the Falklands, such as the pucara, and skyhawk. good job again!

[@showtime112]

Thanks for the comment. As for the Falklands, I will cover some missions flown there but only after the map gets released for DCS. They said it could be finished by the end of the year.

[@betelwoodworking9952]

The Impala's took off at Ondangwa air base in South West Africa(now Namibia) and proceed north to Amgola.

[@goodbarbenie5477]

Ahem ... Our fight was never in vein... We did a man's job....as the fight still goes on... Like a good Olde Rhodie... We never die, we may just fade a little...hah ... We just mellow...a little. Lika good Olde Brandy... Hahaa...

[@martinlagrange8821]

Its going to be even more fun after we get our Mirage F-1CZ and AZ sometime later this year - but I too am hugely enjoying my Impala Mk. III !

[@showtime112]

I'm looking forward to the Mirage. It's been a while since we've had a new jet in DCS. It's been all about helicopters and warbirds. I'm already working on some scenarios for the South African F1s.

[@edmundodantes6866]

Another great vídeo, your work and art are superb.

[@showtime112]

Thank you, I'm glad you like it!

[@thegrinch8161]

Did I ever love this video?, A mahoosive yes. What I liked most about this video was the triple aspect of the attacks and their conclusions so all in all a fantastic video description of the terrs as we called them in the bush a dead terr

[@showtime112]

Well, thank you! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it.

[@apflyingamer3623]

All I knew about this war was that Cubans fought against South Africans. there. I know a lot more now 😂

[@showtime112]

A lot was happening in Angola and other countries of the region. Glad I could help :)

[@frednel4326]

Cubans and Russian's wer helping swapo in Angola, I was a ratel main gunner myself in that war ✌

[@showtime112]

@@frednel4326 Thanks for sharing!

[@isrbillmeyer]

@J Jones Oh the expected way when the entire World teams up to spread propaganda and misinformation to force handover to a Communist Terrorist Organisation. All the wonderful elements like massive looting, rioting, blatant theft, illiterates in Government giving families massive tenders (we call them Tenderpreneurs) while infrastructure is falling apart, crime is rampant. "Freedom Fighters"... who poured in from every nation all over Africa to get away from their own hell-holes and then demand "reparations" because they were supposedly "oppressed". Only the ignorant and ideologically insane look at the "New South Africa" and think the outcome was great.

[@frednel4326]

@@isrbillmeyer well said thnx buddy 👍

[@jagdpanther2224]

First time I heard of Italian made combat aircrafts could shoot down enemy aircrafts out of the sky！ Incredible indeed 😄

[@showtime112]

They do have an aircraft industry. Not one of the most glamorous ones but it's still there.

[@harbomarbo4695]

your videos are very nice, and unique in a way, and your channel has a lot of potential.. it can be given as a suggestion taht you fill more historical background narrative or some facts about how specific planes are used, tactical differences etc, more deeply. Yet i know how difficult and time consuming it is and it may sound spoiled to ask it from ypou :d.. anyways, nice job and i hope you continue like that.

[@showtime112]

Your suggestion is noticed. But I have to say that I have recently been called a 'yammering twat' and told that I should be more like Growling Sidewinder because apparently, he doesn't talk much. Imagine that I introduce even more talking 🤣

[@harbomarbo4695]

@@showtime112 GS is just making dogfighting videos only in a very limited situation, like the comparison of 2 planes performances, nothing really telling about their combat use... you are displaying of examples of combat records in visual format, combining the game visuals as well. i dont think the talking or adding text i would be an issue for core followers.. What i mentioned was that maybe you can introduce more of your comments like for example why didnt angolan forces provide air cover for those helicopters, or what difficulties mirages could experience when trying to hunt down helicopters etx.. i think the video is quite informative though, it is just a spoiled wish from a military history enthusiast :DD

[@showtime112]

@@harbomarbo4695 You've got a point there.Details such as the ones you mention would paint a more accurate picture. Sometimes I remember some details I could have added after the video is finished. But they get discussed in the comments sometimes.

[@hermawanarddy5778]

Great vid, keep up the good work guys

[@showtime112]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@dirklindsayfranke1753]

Great footage, Dankie Pine, goed gat geskop!!!

[@showtime112]

Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@pxy24x28]

Excellent video

[@showtime112]

Thanks for the comment!

[@valley6636]

Mb339 i see, great community mod :)

[@showtime112]

Yes, probably the best one after A-4. It will likely lose compatibility sometimes in the future with the commercial module being developed.

[@valley6636]

@@showtime112 What about the A-29B mod? I personally really like it

[@Gozar111]

You are obviously South African. Only we called them Impalas! 🇿🇦

[@showtime112]

I'll settle for an honorary South African 😁 Thanks for commenting!

[@droo74]

Those Impala pilots were seriously good! We did some training exercises with them in Lohatla, where my unit (10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment) would setup but fully camouflage (we thought so anyway!) our vehicles and they would do simulated attacks on us. Apparently they spotted every single one of us! 😅 Awesome seeing those Imps at tree-top level, flying under high power lines! 😎

[@showtime112]

Thanks for sharing your experience. They had to be pretty good because there was very little technology to help them as the aircraft itself was rather simple.

[@rhysgoodman7628]

The SAAF pilots in those days were definitely something else. Very unique and elite breed of pilots. My dad grew up on an SAAF airbase during the war, as his father was a ground crewman for Mirage F1s. My dad wanted to be a pilot, but his eyesight was insufficient. Now living in the states, I’m putting in my application to fly in the US Army.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

Very informative and well presented! I am curious about the cannon size and specifications for the Impala's gun pods. The Hind has a reputation for being able to take some damage but the Impalas seemed to chew them up pretty easily. Is this historically accurate?

[@showtime112]

Thank you for your comment! Impalas actually had two internal 30mm cannons. Here, they are represented by pods of the same caliber because it is an MB-339 pretending to be Impala. But generally, 30mm should be able to cause damage to the Hind. It is well armored but I think that mostly stops calibers up to 12,7 mm.

[@frednel4326]

Yes those 30 mm cannons and the not too fast but swift impala was more than a match for a hind or two and ripped them apart 👍

[@mariusgrobbelaar3214]

The Impala Mk 2 had twibuild in 30mm Defa canons

[@fransjacobs7603]

No not exactly, first it was not MB339's but MB 326KC and it had 2, 30mm cannons, same as the Mirage under the cockpit and they never flew with gun bots on the wings opperationally, and the choppers never returned shots, because they couldn't while falling to the ground and they never knew wat hit them. 30mm connons.

[@yvc9]

Nice work

[@showtime112]

Thanks for the comment!

[@alandope8733]

Nice great vid

[@showtime112]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@user-ez9en7vk2z]

Excellent video and well researched! 👍👍👍

[@showtime112]

Thanks, glad you think so!

[@alejandrocasalegno1657]

About the Mi-25.......the Mi-25 Vs AH-1J in the Iran-Iraq war will be superb!!!

[@showtime112]

I have to admit this is a hole in my knowledge 😁 Can you recommend some sources on that?

[@alejandrocasalegno1657]

@@showtime112 Cooper-Bishop "Iran-Iraq War in the Air" is a very good book- Are few details of helicopters combats but most of the reports talk about the Mi-24 shot down 10 Cobras against the lost of 7 Hinds, both destroy some others helicopters models in air combat too

[@bradleykiller31]

You should read the book Gunship Ace by Neal Ellis. Its about a mercenary gunship pilot who flew in several wars, mostly in Hinds.

[@showtime112]

I think I saw it somewhere, I'll check out if tome e-book format is available. Thanks for recommending it!

[@GiuseppeDidiano]

cool video

[@showtime112]

Thanks for the comment!

[@saairgunner5925]

Thanks for this excellent video. Which flight simulator did you use and where did you get the Impalas?

[@showtime112]

Thanks a lot! DCS World was used for the reenactment. The airplanes are not really Impalas but MB-339 was used as a stand-in (being the closest available airplane)

[@doubleugly1594]

Its wild how many people dont know about Cuba's role in the African conflicts and bush wars... super cool topic to simulate

[@showtime112]

That's right. And maybe even fewer people know about Cuban involvement on the Ethiopian side in the Ogaden War.

[@tonyvanderhelm2934]

also East German and Russians were involved ...some even captured.

[@Fercyful]

Amazing edition and information! Thanks for cover other conflicts too. Please did u use the DCS track replay system for record the video? Always when I try to use it is very buggy and have super weird unit behaviours. Thanks again

[@showtime112]

Thank you for your comment! Yes, I use the track replay. And it sometimes acts weirdly. I tend to separate everything into smaller segments (which is also necessary to replicate historical details). This seems to help because longer missions are probably more prone to corruption. Also sometimes even when it gets corrupt, if you just let it play to a certain point without changing camera view, it seems to work. Like it skips some crucial point which breaks it or something.

[@Fercyful]

@@showtime112 Thank you very much for the advice! I will try that next time. Hope someday they will fix the track system cos the idea behind is great.

[@oveidasinclair982]

That looks like a good flight sim, I have to check that out

[@showtime112]

Just go ahead, basic package is free to play. Two airplanes, two maps. Plus a few good free mods such as A-4 or this MB-339.

[@dfgiuy22]

It's awesome man. Brought joystick, pedals and throttle unit. Going to upgrade my pc. Not looking back!

[@showtime112]

@@dfgiuy22 You are looking at hours and hours of great fun. And maybe a little frustration but it wouldn't be fun if it was too easy :)

[@stephenmunckton5766]

@@showtime112 Where does one download the MG-339 and the livery. also the terrain

[@showtime112]

@@stephenmunckton5766 Mb-339 can be downloaded here: forums.eagle.ru/topic/209209-mb-339apan-by-frecce-tricolori-virtuali-new-version/

[@alainchampot6421]

I think that Angolan helicopter pilots were flying so high because air to air threat was very unlikely, and because UNITA wasn't yet equipped with stinger missiles at this stage of the war, it was then a safer way to stay away from small weapon fires. About this paticular episode, I've been told that this helicopter supply mission had been revealed to South African Forces by an Angolan informer... At least, one of the Angolan pilots ( this one who force landed) survived from this dreadfull attack. Incidently, about what we can see about the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian air force helicopters also seem to fly relatively high in combat areas. ( but not as high as these Angolan helicopters in any case)

[@aries-3536]

Lead this 2, "our escorts gone" 2 this is Lead "BUGGA" . 2 this is Lead "EJECT - EJECT" Love this video......

[@showtime112]

Thanks for commenting!

[@navrhy3075]

Subscribed.

[@showtime112]

I appreciate it, thanks!

[@SimplyRed66]

The then SAAF A10 intruder done its job👊💪😁

[@jameslesch7917]

Weird looking Impala, never seen one like that. Must be an advanced Mk.22

[@showtime112]

This is actually Mb-339 standing in for Impala. The only way to make this video.

[@danbeasley6135]

Bad day to be a Hind pilot...... Fish, meet barrel.

[@victormikecharlie1596]

Nice shoot

[@showtime112]

Thank you for your comment!

[@louislochner5713]

As always, loving the content - well researched and factually correct. Keep it up 👍🏼

[@showtime112]

Thank you, your feedback is appreciated!

[@shanevermij4780]

The reason the Angolan pilots followed land mark was as a result of them being unable to fly using instramentation in there Russia aircraft, they where assisted by Russian pilots who could not train them to fly with instraments.

[@SarelSmit-mc9sb]

This part of Angola had very few terrain features for navigation, mostly it was rivers and water pans, (shona) that was in use for navigation. In this instance the Angolan army was advancing in the Unita forces. Maps, navigational aid and TACAN was almost none existing. Furthermore, the Angolan and Cuban pilots was dependent on Cuban radar for flight vectors since the actual location of the Angolan brigade was not static. All this meant flying allong the river at a hight to be visible for the ground radar.

[@kalaharimine]

Plus Dassault Mirage F1 and the Atlas Cheetah, a modification of the Mirage III like the IAI Kfir.

[@showtime112]

I was gonna mention Cheetah but it came in 1986. so it wasn't yet around during this event.

[@amrenderkumarsingh9461]

@@showtime112 what is cheetah bro

[@andrewmorke]

@@amrenderkumarsingh9461 Cheetah is an upgraded version of Mirage III similar to Israeli Kfir C7. New radar, updated 9k50 engine, avionics, canards, etc.

[@amrenderkumarsingh9461]

@@andrewmorke ok thanks bro

[@bennyfrancis8767]

It's an Aermacchi, but wrong Aermacchi 😕. Still very nice to watch. Thanx.

[@showtime112]

They haven't developed the right one. Thanks for the comment!

[@mariusz5004]

Looks more like MB-339s than Impala/MB326 :)

[@showtime112]

That's because it is a MB-339. The reason is explained clearly in the video.

[@naumanahmadtariq8717]

Looks like the helis were on a suicide mission. Flying at high altitudes flying ducks

[@showtime112]

Not really on a suicide mission. The Impalas were not really expected.

[@mehlcarelse4319]

Would like to see a dogfight between Mig 23 (Floggerg) and the Mirage F1AZ's from the SAAF. Mixed reports coming in from all over so no one really knows which was the better dogfighting aircraft.

[@showtime112]

I would say Mirage but a lot depends on other factors. Both of these aircraft are being developed for DCS World so it will be possible to reenact their actual confrontation from these wars.

[@andrewmorke]

Some important considerations: The F1AZ was a ground attack variant with an austere radar set. The F1AZ's stable-mate, the F1CZ, carried the Cyrano IV radar, which was decent but less capable than the MiG-23MF's radar. South African F1 pilots were at a severe disadvantage where missiles were concerned -- Floggers carried the BVR AA-7 and the all-aspect AA-8, whereas the SAAF Mirages had the old French Matra R.550 and the locally made V3B (short range, tail-chase-only). The SAAF employed clever tactics to deal with the Flogger, and ordered the very capable Israeli Python III as an emergency measure towards the end of the 1980s. Meanwhile, the local arms industry was feverishly working on producing a new fighter called the Carver, and advanced missiles such as the Darter IR and Darter MRAAM.

[@FC-cd9oh]

@@andrewmorke Great info thanks and all true (ex Kentron-ite)

[@mattwright1101]

Such a obscure subject

[@showtime112]

Generally, the South African Border Wars are poorly known in the West. One of my objectives here was to draw attention to them.

[@mattwright1101]

@@showtime112 carry on with the great work!

[@Tony-ow3if]

Unfortunately the New South Africa will be having their own Hines in the near future. ( and Migs & Sukhois ) 🙈

[@ericfermin8347]

Is there a horizontal asymptote or not, I can't tell.

[@shwarz442]

Seguo con grande interesse questo canale per l'ottimo lavoro di narrazione degli eventi esposti nel filmato! 😘👍🍀🤩😊☺️🤗

[@showtime112]

I'm glad to hear it, thank you!

[@shwarz442]

​@@showtime112grazie a voi per l'eccellente lavoro! 👍🍀🤩

[@oomgawie9175]

Ons vir jou Zuid Afrika

[@proheathen]

Glory and honor to the SAAF SADF who kicked comunist asses all the way long with inferior weaponry but superior training and smart unconventional military tactical high command leadership 🇿🇦🤝🇪🇨

[@amorosogombe9650]

You'd think the Cubans would start sending mig escorts after the first few times.

[@showtime112]

There actually was escort but it failed to do anything. The second time, Impala pilots saw a MiG-23 but they were able to escape. MiG-21s and 23s had problems detecting and engaging targets at extremely low altitude.

[@colincrafford]

@@showtime112 Also the Mig 21 burned too much fuel at low altitude and the 21's deficit was small fuel tanks.

[@showtime112]

@@colincrafford Sure. That thing was not made to loiter.

[@ulisesvelez5846]

the sadf was efective agaiinst fapla and their cuban allias.

[@showtime112]

Yup, they shot down a few MiGs too. When Mirage F1 mod is released, I'm looking forward to cover that too.

[@raketize]

I was wondering if modern 4th gen airplane radar would be able to pick up impala location even with low alt flight?

[@showtime112]

Fourth generation radars would have probably been able to detect them.

[@raketize]

@@showtime112 good thing there no mig 29 in area :) would have been shaky adventure otherwise

[@showtime112]

@@raketize That was a few year before they started exporting them. But it would have been a game changer, certainly.

[@reticentsimmer]

@Showtime112 Did you have any trouble using MB-339 with the DCS replay? I once tried to record a video with the MB-339 but the replay was corrupted.

[@showtime112]

In this case, it worked well. But reply tracks often get corrupted, I don't think any module is an exception there. That's a general DCS problem and who knows when they are going to fix it.

[@reticentsimmer]

@@showtime112 Actually when it happened to me I asked in the MB-339 forum on ED and I got the reply that this was an issue with the module and that it was on their bug fixing list. However, the devs later formed their commercial venture and I am not aware of any new updates to the freeware module since then.

[@showtime112]

@@reticentsimmer It could be that some modules are more prone to this. But personally, I think I have experienced replay track problems with all of them (i.e. all that I own). As for MB-339, I think the free mod isn't developed anymore.

[@reticentsimmer]

@@showtime112 Yes, that's a pity. I hope they bring out the payware version soon. I'm sure it will have a good reception.