Chaos at Cassinga: South Africa's Border War Raid Behind Enemy Lines.
Valor Vignette
1,481 views
On May 4, 1978, the South African Defence Force (SADF) launched one of the most significant and controversial airborne operations of the South African Border War. Known as Operation Reindeer, the attack on the town of Cassinga, Angola, remains a focal point of debate in the histories of both South Africa and Namibia.
5 Comments
@nielsmichiels1939 3 months ago
I don't know why, but for some unfathomable reason i am absolutely interested in rhodesia and South african military history.
Maybe it's the weapon system nerd in me.
South african armor and transports are just design wise so futuristic.
I mean the americans copied lessons and design language from them massively in the jiwad era.
Maybe it's the weapon system nerd in me.
South african armor and transports are just design wise so futuristic.
I mean the americans copied lessons and design language from them massively in the jiwad era.
Chaos at Cassinga: South Africa's Border War Raid Behind Enemy Lines.
Valor Vignette
1,481 views
On May 4, 1978, the South African Defence Force (SADF) launched one of the most significant and controversial airborne operations of the South African Border War. Known as Operation Reindeer, the attack on the town of Cassinga, Angola, remains a focal point of debate in the histories of both South Africa and Namibia.
The confusion about the visual 'Warning' and 'Drop Points' distance-scales used by the C130/C160s came about due to initial Drop planning being done using photo-imagery from 20 February taken at 29000 feet, while updated target imagery dating from 7/8 April was shot at 19000 feet. This altitude, and date/time, is imprinted by the cameras, by the mission briefing, and in the mission report. While the difference was known to the JARIC PIs, it didn't transmit to the 28 Squadron nav planners.
The Canberras' 4-aircraft SEAD strike achieved operational surprise, which was not an accident. However, weapons release was made at ~1000 feet agl and just 300 knots airspeed instead of the briefed - and training - altitude of 500 feet and 360 knots. The difference? Many of the Alpha bomblets plopped deep into the sandy soil. You can simulate the difference by skipping stones on a calm pond. Low and fast, they bounce or skip as intended... several times. Throw your stones up higher and slower - they plop.