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RSA (Pre-1994): Atlas-Impala Jet Fighter Aeroplane

RSA (Pre-1994): Atlas-Impala Jet Fighter AeroplaneRSA (Pre-1994): Atlas-Impala Jet Fighter Aeroplane
Form: Circulat with attached loop.
By: ?
Date: 1974
Ref:  Laidlaw: 0232;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
31.8 mmCopper-Nickel12.6 gm$8

Edge: Plain.

Obverse: Atlas-Impala flying to the right over a map of South Africa with: "1974" below. Legend above: “ATLAS-IMPALA” and below: “1,000,000 URE/HRS”.

Reverse: Blank with cross hatching.

Notes: Soon after the Republic of South Africa was formed it became apparent that sanctions would make the procurement of new military aircraft and spare parts difficult. The Atlas Aircraft Company was formed and commenced manufacture of the Atlas-Impala in 1966. This small fighter aircraft was a local version, built under licence, of the Aermacchi MB-326K and saw extensive use in the border war in South West Africa and Angola. The medal was presumably made to commemorate the million flying hours mark reached in 1974.