Just because we have been doing it that way for 65 years doesn't mean that it is effective or efficient. Using tthat logic one could argue that the army could still use the No 4 Mk 1* rifle because they have been using the Lee Enfield bolt action for years and there's nothing wrong with it. While we're at it we'll stay with the WW2 battle dress uniform as well.
Well obviously it is, it's what they just did and considering they just penned the deal for new C-130s is what they will do for the next 50+ years again, so someone at least in the know is using the logic...
Out of interest, what is the difference in distance from Hobart-Wilkins compared to Christchurch-McMurdo? The RAAF flew a C-130J fitted with external fuel tanks last year to Wilkins. They indicated that it could in the future carry a larger load than the test load it took down. Cheers. Hercules on ice: RAAF C-130J flight to Antarctica
It's 2100nm to Pegasus Field from Christchurch. From memory I think the actual distance is 2080nm. So the Christchurch - McMurdo distance is 300nm longer. Of course the RNZAF also has significant institutional knowledge about operating on the ice given it's long history of operating there.
`On both C130 E and H the external tanks were a standard fit from new. The question will be will they make them available to the J's when we get them. I would not think that they would remain on during normal operations as they do increase the fuel burn significantly and the J without them goes further than an H anyway. During major servicing's back in the late 60's early 70's I was involved in the removal and refitting of the external tanks and from memory it took a couple of days including a fare amount of swearing.
@Rob c I am shocked, mortified even that you would subject the ears of impressionable young baggies to such uncouth language. I suppose that you introduced them to the demon drink, and the pursuit of loose women as well. Shocking, shocking indeed.
The RAAF generally flies their C-130J's without external tanks. They've only been fitted to a couple over the last couple of years mainly for trials. Cheers New tanks add to C-130J Hercules' fuel capacity | Royal Australian Air Force
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
I would countenance a lot of caution about that article. There is nothing to suggest that the current government will increase the size of the P-8A fleet. We have a Minister of Defence who is continually MIA and a government that is somewhat allergic to defence spending. They love to talk the talk when there is a photo op involved.REPORT: Maritime surveillance, tactical airlift to drive NZ defence spending - APDR
Driven by the requirement to expand maritime surveillance and tactical airlift competence, New Zealand’s defence budget is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.76 percent from US$2.9 billion in 2021 to US$3.3 billion in 2026,
The current issue of the Asia Pacific Defence reporter has an article that NZ defence spending will be focused on Maritime Patrol and Transport. To that end the reporter has made a comment that the Air Force is expanding its fleet of P8A patrol aircraft. Is this just bad journalism on the part of the reporter or is something actually happening that this journalist knows that n0 one else does including the air force. The article is quoting some data from an organisation Rouble, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData,
I think that journalist has probably got 'expanding' and 'acquiring' confused. Words are hard.REPORT: Maritime surveillance, tactical airlift to drive NZ defence spending - APDR
Driven by the requirement to expand maritime surveillance and tactical airlift competence, New Zealand’s defence budget is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.76 percent from US$2.9 billion in 2021 to US$3.3 billion in 2026,
The current issue of the Asia Pacific Defence reporter has an article that NZ defence spending will be focused on Maritime Patrol and Transport. To that end the reporter has made a comment that the Air Force is expanding its fleet of P8A patrol aircraft. Is this just bad journalism on the part of the reporter or is something actually happening that this journalist knows that n0 one else does including the air force. The article is quoting some data from an organisation Rouble, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData,
This would be great but wont happen. Normal government criteria for the NZ Armed forces is for them to do the impossible with very little and if the crap hits the fan carry on and do miracles with almost nothing. Sadly that's the way NZ governments work in regard to Defence, however I would love to be proved wrong on this.
Some miracles are impossible even for miracle makers... ;-)
You been raiding the stokers hidden squirt supply again? Of did they convince you to go on a dungy run with them?
Yeah nothing but a shallow puff-piece highlighting a few obvious priorities in the last DCP which we have been told to expect to be revised some this year... largely deferment from what press have reported. There's no way an increased P8A fleet will happen... they have the 'EMAC' project that would complement the P8A to enable the latter to focus on more sharp-end taskings by (EMAC) taking over the more civvy based roles (SAR, fishery patrols etc). However I suspect the EMAC project will be deferred first.
