Anyone who loves the roar of fighter jets and the whipping blades of attack helicopters will find thrill after thrill in this year’s display.
The SANDF has issued flight orders to the pilots of several impressive aircraft to set a course for Nasrec over the Easter weekend.
South Africa’s supersonic fighter jets, the Gripen and the Hawk, will do flyovers over the Main Arena as part of a simulation of drills used during an ambush.
In a display booming with simulated battlefield explosions and pyrotechnics, members of the SANDF will swing into action to extract wounded comrades from an ambush situation.
Mamba and Casspir armoured infantry vehicles will rush in the defence, joined by infantry fighting vehicle, the Ratel-90, firing blanks.
Hang onto your hats when the SA Air Force joins in, as Oryx, Rooivalk and other helicopters maneouvre above the crowds, offloading troops and defending those taking mock-fire on the ground.
The Rooivalk attack helicopter and the Gripen or Hawk fighter jet will demonstrate an air strike, as they provide cover from the sky to the airborne forces fast-roping down from a helicopter.
Then it’s mission accomplished as these heroes carry out a medical evacuation by cargo sling, and extraction of forces by helicopter.
This 45-minute airborne capability display is the highlight of a packed Easter weekend programme that includes:
- an audience-participation session with the troops as they demonstrate the intriguingly named “Budda Jigga”, the high-energy exercise programme used by the SANDF;
- precision drills by the SA Navy and SA Army;
- displays with motorbikes and trained dogs by the SA Army Specialised Infantry Capability (SAASIC);
- a gun run by the SA Navy;
- marching bands and a massed band performance; and
- an anti-hijack display by the Military Police.
The SANDF’s arena programme takes place every morning from 10h00 on Friday, 14 April 2017, to Monday, 17 April 2017. (This programme is subject to change at short notice due to availability of equipment, and depending on weather conditions.)
The four arms of the SANDF are also coming together to put on a massive joint exhibition of military equipment covering over 10,000m², complete with a massive lookout bridge from which to view the exhibition from on high, plus the Rooivalk and Oryx, a dive tank, and so much more. Come and explore on Terrace 1.
Considering the enthusiastic reactions of Rand Show visitors to the SANDF’s display and exhibition in previous years, this is one attraction you and your family shouldn’t miss.
There’s also more great entertainment to enjoy across the showgrounds. South Africa’s biggest consumer expo is the only show to offer attractions covering everything from sport, motoring and science and technology, to design, animals, gardening, health and beauty... there’s an entire day out for the whole family packed into each Rand Show ticket.
Visit www.randshow.co.za to find out about what’s on this year at the Rand Show.
When, where, how much?
The Rand Show runs from Friday, 14 April, to Sunday, 23 April 2017, from 9am to 7pm (last entry at 6pm), at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec (GPS – S26°14.484’ E27°58.510). There is ample secure paid parking at the venue, with visible policing.
Rand Show tickets at the gate cost R150 for adults, R50 for pensioners, R50 for 13-16 years, R20 for 6-12 years, and under six enter free. Midweek specials for Tuesday, 18, Wednesday, 19, and Thursday, 20 April, only are R75 for adults, and R20 for 13- to 16-year-olds. Open-air parking is R20 per car. Tickets are available at the gate or through Computicket. Tickets give access to a wide variety of entertainment attractions, but exclude rides on the helicopter and monorail, drifting, bagjumping, the fun fair, and refreshments and food.
About the Rand Show
Dates: Good Friday, 14 April, to Sunday, 23 April 2017
Show Hours: 09h00-19h00 Daily; 18h00 Last Entry
Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Cnr Rand Show & Nasrec Roads, Nasrec; (GPS - S26°14.484' E27°58.510')
Tickets: Available at the gates or through Computicket (www.computicket.com). Ticket prices available at www.randshow.co.za or www.computicket.com.
Parking: Open-air parking is available at R20 per car.
Spokesperson: Mr Craig Newman, Chairman - Dogan Exhibitions and Events (Pty) Ltd, Telephone: 011 494 1920, E-mail: az.oc.ertnecopxe@ngiarc.
For more information visit www.randshow.co.za or e-mail az.oc.wohsdnar@aidem.
