first flight scheduled for JAN 2009 ... getting closerThe first TNZA is scheduled to be delivered to the Crown in France in late 2009 and, in order to meet production schedules, the PCs have already begun manufacturing the TNZA fuselage modules. Once completed, the modules will be transported to Marignane for fuselage mating (circa April 2008) and for subsequent component and systems integration, testing and qualification prior to the delivery of the prototype aircraft.
Todays Manawatu Standard has the following article:RE the T/LUH -
I've heard rumblings that all training on the NH-90 could be outsourced and conducted in Germany long-term (i.e. not just for initial/conversion training). ...
Keeping this in mind, this could reduce the numbers of T/LUH which are required by the RNZAF. The number crunching and behind-the-scenes discussion regarding this may be a reason its taking so long to announce a winner.
There is even a possibility a RNZAF airframe may stay put in Germany to assist this training.
Depending on the details I like the idea, by outsourcing training this would lead to a higher availability of the LUH, which certainly be good news in for the NZDF. I would question why Germany with Australia being so close, however the inter service co-operation with Germany would have some fantastic benefits for NZPerhaps I shouldn't have been so pessimistic when you first floated that idea. Very interesting article there, and at least we will be able to draw upon the experience of the Germans over there which will be very positive for NZ (and no doubt get opportunities to interact with other Euro nations undergoing NH90 conversion and support etc).
Any thoughts yourself there htbrst on the issue? Anyone else with an opinion (I seen to be one of the few kiwis posting at the moment)? What happened to Marcus40, he always had some interesting things to say about aviation matters?
Yep totally agree - this is a fantastic approach to dealing with what is going to be a huge learning curve - full marks to NZDF for thinking outside the square & being proactive.Depending on the details I like the idea, by outsourcing training this would lead to a higher availability of the LUH, which certainly be good news in for the NZDF. I would question why Germany with Australia being so close, however the inter service co-operation with Germany would have some fantastic benefits for NZ
Totally agree, it also can't hurt to build more solid relationships with other countries using similar kit (in this case NH90, Iroquois and Orions)...such a relationship may also prove useful should we eventually go for the A400M :this is a fantastic approach to dealing with what is going to be a huge learning curve - full marks to NZDF for thinking outside the square & being proactive.
Full article here:...the first of two aircraft (NZ7571) has completed successful test flights at Mobile Aerospace Engineering in Mobile, Alabama.
Interesting link. I was also interested re the fitting of the MAG-58 MG to the Seasprites.From the NZ DEF Web site:
Full article here:
http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/20080627-afb757ftf.htm
Also, from memory, in the latest Airforce News, the first C-130H is due back in NZ in two to three months.
Also see the following - 3 SQN deploying to HMNZ Canterbury - wonder if the rotors removed or not .
http://www.airforce.mil.nz/operations/airforce-news/92/timely-test-no3-sqn.htm
Full article here:Defence Minister Phil Goff has welcomed the completion of the initial stage of the construction of New Zealand’s first NH90 helicopter being built in France.
Not sure why it would need a year .. but it does tie up for a 2010 delivery dateThe helicopter, which is the first of eight being built for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, will be ready for its test flight in about five months. It will then take a year for it to receive formal qualification
Hmmm what do you call Phalanx, AIM-9L and access to satellite imagery?hope to call on the uk's future carriers? (in view of its current ties with the uk and the fact that it was the only colony to offer any useful form os assistance in the falklands conflict).
im aware of the u.s's contribution to the flklands conflict but as far as i am aware the u.s hasnt been a colony of the united kingdom for several hundred years now.....unlike australia,canada and new zealand which still have the queen as their head of state :Hmmm what do you call Phalanx, AIM-9L and access to satellite imagery?
Currently the only air defense lies on the navy's Sea Sparrow and the army's Mistral missies. The air force's air combat group, the A-4s and AB.339s are awaiting a sale approval by the US to a US private pilot training company. Currently both aircraft are in storage in New Zealand.off topic, i realize but how exactly does new zealand propose to defend its interests in the event of a conflict???
im obviously talking about its air defence here and protection of its ground and sea resources.
would it rely on australias or the u.s's assistance or hope to call on the uk's future carriers? (in view of its current ties with the uk and the fact that it was the only colony to offer any useful form os assistance in the falklands conflict).
ican understand the reasoning behind the decision although i find it hard to agree with.the world is an ever changing beast and failing to plan for the future and failing to provide air cover for your country and its resources is a very big risk to take with your countries security.New Zealand is a small nation with a very large EEZ with few people, around 4 million. Luckily, they are distant from most nations, and the nations nearby are friendly.
New Zealand has defense arrangement with Australia, the Anzac Pact, along with a Five Powers arrangement including Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia. New Zealand has defense commitments with a few of the Pacific island states, former New Zealand dependencies.
Most likely any outside aggressor would most likely offend other nations nearby, New Zealand would not be alone. Australia and New Zealand would most likely operate in concert, along with the Five Powers and Pacific Forum states. France has dependencies in the South Pacific as well. While the US has dropped New Zealand from the Anzus Pact, the US is still friends with New Zealand. Australia and the US still maintains the defense cooperation treaty.