Im not sure 1 C-17 is the way to go. Given the problems of avalibility etc of 1 aircraft I think NZ might be better off investing in C27j and hercs. Something that could be operated from NZ and yet still have significant operational importance and just lease aircraft when needed (or partnered with allies) for strategic lifting.
Its not ideal, but workable.
I was reading somewhere, I think on DT - I've had a few sleeps since then
, that the standard pallets the C130's use have to be turned sideways (Chinese we called it when I worked in freight forwarding years ago) to fit in the C27J because they are to wide to be loaded normally - aircraft too narrow. Hence it cuts down on number of pallets able to be carried, plus adds time to loading / unloading due to double handling on both evolutions.
I have also been cogitating upon what would be optimal for the RNZAF, not necessarily what the Nigels in Treasury would agree too, but what I think would be acceptable all around, if a really good case could be presented and the bean counters could see the long term economies.
The C17 is not really a goer because of practicalities, even if we had a water tight maintenance and temporary aircraft lease agreement with the ADF. Secondly, buying time on a ADF C17 may or may not be practical depending upon ADF operational requirements. The fact that the ADF have given the USG a letter requesting options for purchasing a 6th C17 suggests that the ADF are already having a lot of operational use of their 5 aircraft. Thirdly an ANZAC buy of a C17, whilst I did originally support it, is probably not a runner either because of differing national policies.
IMHO the force structure of RNZAF could be as follows. This is a holistic view.
5 (4) x A400M. Whilst there are issues with this aircraft at the moment these should be sorted out. The present C130H LEP has given maybe 10 years before replacement and in this time the A400M will have achieved IOC and be fully operation in Air Forces like the RAF, Luftwaffe, Armee de l' Air etc. The reason for 5 (4), is 4 (3) x operational aircraft and 1 cannibalised as spares. Late last year the German Government informed Airbus / EADS that it was reducing it's A400M order by 13 aircraft. So 13 slots are available, however it would be best to wait until the aircraft is IOC with other Air Forces and bugs worked out.
12 x C295 with 6 x transport and 4 as Maritime Patrol, 2 cannibalised for spares.
No C130s. The A400M / C295 combination would fill all of the roles that the C130 does at moment plus adds extra capability at either end of the scale. That is a strategic lift capacity and a battlefield tactical airlift capacity. I note on another forum it has been mentioned that the C130J has been having wing issues.
5 x P8 to replace P3K2 maybe 2020- 2025.
18 x AW159 Wildcats. 6 x flight decks at moment plus the Endeavour replacement which is to be a MRV. I am still arguing for a CAS helo role and the Wildcat is best on offer, because it is specifically designed to switch between Naval and Land use, with a 1/2 an hour to switch between roles. 18 helos would give 7 at sea, 8 ashore and 3 cannibalised as spares. The Wildcat is armed with 7.62mm MGs and I think that is a bit light. I would think a fixed 25mm Bushmaster, a fixed M2 Browning .50cal and 2 x MAG 58 door MGs would suit NZs purpose. The RNZN and NZ Army use both weapons and all 3 services use the MAG 58 so ammo, maintenance etc., would not be an issue. However whilst the firepower would be good, the weight could be an issue, but maybe not. My argument for this firepower is that NZDF does not have indigenous attack platforms (apart from P3K2s dropping 500lb bombs, 5 x sick Seasprites and MAG 58 door guns on helos), so we have to utilise what we have. The other weapons (missiles, torpedoes, depth charges etc.,), comms, data systems would have to be compatible with the ADF and USN, so that we are able to slot into their C4 & logistics train. IIRC the Wildcat goes IOC Feb 2012 with RN or the Pommy army. I will have to look it up again. Finally this gives NZDF a capability it never has had - CAS availability from an indigenous flight deck.
The 3 extra AW109s that have been ordered could be armoured and armed so as to enable training in the CAS role. There is an armed version of it being marketed.
I note that in June / July this year our illustrious and treasured Great Leader in Defence (Mapp), said that the NZG was looking at buying 6 x turboprop trainers for the RNZAF along the lines of the PC9, Tucano etc., to provide advanced training after the CT4E. IIRC I think 2013 was the year they were looking at. He also stated that were looking at CN235s but because the ADF hadn't decided what to buy as the Caribou replacement they can't (?) make a decision yet.
Possibly 2 x KC30 MRTTs. This would continue a capability that the B757s do at the moment plus the tanking capability. If this option was taken it would be best that the aircraft are to the same specs as those flown by the RAAF. The RAAF conversions (bar the first) are being down in Australia on standard Airbus A330 airframes, so maintenance and spares etc would not be a large issue because it is just across the ditch. Also this provides extra tanker support in the Pacific, which would be seen as a bonus both by the ADF and the USN / USAF.
I am bound to have left something out.
NM
