SWIFTER THAN EAGLES: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE 1912-1982

Abstract

South African pioneers in the airSince time immemmorial, nation has waged war upon nation, both by land and by sea, yet it is only during this century that the air has evolved into a major theatre of war. Riding on the flood tide of a technology stimulated by two World Wars and the ever present need to remain prepared for the eventuality of an armed conflict, military aviation has, in a few short years, developed from relatively primitive beginnings into a highly effective and sophisticated weapon indispensable to a modern defence force. To a greater extent, he who controls the skies also controls the rest of the battlefield.

Keywords

• military aviation
• South African War of 1899-1902
• heavier-than-air aircraft
• Voisin biplane
• African Aviation Syndicate
• Bleriot monoplane
• South African Aviation Corps
• Defence Act of 1912