Royal New Zealand Air Force

[kiwi in exile]

Apparently the NH90 that had the lightening strike, NZ3301, is now back in the air. It had a flight test today after comprehensive ground testing. Also the 7th NH90 recently arrived.

Related news:
Compo for choppers - National - NZ Herald News

In contrast I was flicking through an Air Forces Monthly mag at a newsagent the other day. There was a 20 page feature on the nh90 including reviews of different customer nations experiences. The 2 page spread on the RNZAF nh90s stated that we were generally pretty pleased with how things were going. The person they interviewed (can't recall who, I was in a rush) stated that we were getting on better than other nations because our helos were from later in the production cycle, and we could learn from other nations experiences, etc. Also stated that we were exceeding some of our flying hours targets.

Re the plywood on the floors issue: the interviewee stated that was a non-issue for RNZAF because it was what they usually did for carrying loads in the Huey, although thay are now working on a new floor.

 

[ngatimozart]

Last week I emailed the Minister of Defence about when an announcement would be made regarding the Pilot Training Capability project. I received a reply yesterday from the Defence Private Secretary in his office. The reply is:

The Government will look to make a public announcement on the Pilot Training Capability project in early 2014.

So I guess we wait somewhat longer.

 

[t68]

Going off topic again for Nagti

Brazil have signed off on a deal for 36 Gripen NG and expect all aircraft by 2020,what the support entails I have no idea which if my figures are right would be in the vincinty of 2.3 Billion NZD or 383 million per year over 6 years that's just the up front costs cost

Two operational Squadrons and enough for an OCU






Saab wins Brazil jet deal after NSA spying sours Boeing bid | Reuters

Convert Brazilian Real to New Zealand Dollar | BRL to NZD Currency Converter

 

[ngatimozart]

Going off topic again for Nagti

Brazil have signed off on a deal for 36 Gripen NG and expect all aircraft by 2020,what the support entails I have no idea which if my figures are right would be in the vincinty of 2.3 Billion NZD or 383 million per year over 6 years that's just the up front costs cost

Two operational Squadrons and enough for an OCU




Saab wins Brazil jet deal after NSA spying sours Boeing bid | Reuters

Convert Brazilian Real to New Zealand Dollar | BRL to NZD Currency Converter

You tease you
Not a bad deal for 36 Gripen NG. There is also the offsets as well. From somewhere else on DT working out the full LCC multiply the aquisition or fly away costs by between 1.5 and 3 to get the LCC + aquisition.

Ahhh but 'tis a dream for us Kiwis. Where's me squirt bottle - I'll need at least two tots to numb the pain

 

[ngatimozart]

The RAF are utilising 3D printing technology to cut costs in their Tornado spares area. 3D printing to cut costs on RAF Tornado squadrons This could be a technology that the RNZAF could utilise in the future. It could've been helpful with the SH2G(NZ) Seasprite spares problems. It wouldn't've solved all the problems but would have alleviated some issues.

 

[Volkodav]

Saw that article and was thinking the same thing but not RNZAF. Basically you could look at any obsolescent / unsupported part and licence it from the OEM for 3-D printing. It would be a lot cheaper than either limited conventional production runs or huge stores holdings.

You could also go for fit forma and function but improve the part in other ways to improve performance and or durability etc.

 

[ngatimozart]

It has been posted on a well known Kiwi aviation enthusiasts site today that:

CAF has addressed the ATC National Aviation Course this afternoon and he said that tomorrow the RNZAF will sign a contract with Beechcraft to supply the T-6 Texan II, first 2 to be delivered in June 2014

I can't find another source so the Kiwi newsies haven't picked it up yet. Anyway if it is right then great news.

 

[htbrst]

It has been posted on a well known Kiwi aviation enthusiasts site today that:

I can't find another source so the Kiwi newsies haven't picked it up yet. Anyway if it is right then great news.

Still nothing on the News sites, but there is this on the US Embassy website flickr feed:

Beechcraft T6C contract signing

On January 24, 2014 at New Zealand Defence House in Wellington, New Zealand, Helene Quilter, Secretary of Defence and Russ Bartlett, President of Beechcraft Inc., of Wichita, Kansas signed a contract to replace the existing Beech King Air aircraft with the T-6 trainer aircraft. The first two new T-6 trainer aircraft are due to arrive in New Zealand later this year.

Beechcraft’s contract will support approximately 550 U.S. jobs including Beechcraft’s production and engineering positions in Wichita.

So thats semi-confirmed then I wonder how many


[ame="http://www.flickr.com/photos/us_embassy_newzealand/12110905095/in/photostream/"]Beechcraft T6C contract signing | Flickr - Photo Sharing![/ame]

 

[ngatimozart]

Still nothing on the News sites, but there is this on the US Embassy website flickr feed:

So thats semi-confirmed then I wonder how many

Beechcraft T6C contract signing | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Nice find mate. I have been looking at the DSCA site for some verification but haven't seen*any yet. But there has been a change to policy & NZ has same status as NATO for arms purchases. The link htbrst has posted is verification that NZ is obtaining the Beechcraft T6C. The model on the desk is painted black and appears to have squadron markings on the fuselage roundel. What is not known yet is are these leased like the King Airs or are we purchasing them. Also the blurb states that they are replacing the current King Airs which maybe incorrect.

 

[ngatimozart]

Seems someone at the US Embassy jumped the gun and the images on Flickr have been taken down. That well known Kiwi aviation forum has been rabbiting on about how many planes (11 so far according to the guy who runs it) and other possibilities without looking at the whole program. This buy as of yet undisclosed number and is part of the NZDF Pilot Training Capability Program which was presented in the 2011 Defence Capability Plan

Capabilities under approval
The NZDF pilot training system is a key enabler of airborne capability, training both fixed wing and rotary wing pilots. The Defence White Paper 2010 noted that the future NZDF pilot training capability needs to match the full range of operational demands made on aircrew. A project to deliver a new pilot training capability for the NZDF has been approved. A detailed business case is being developed to seek options for delivery from market. Particular emphasis will be placed on acquiring a replacement aircraft for the provision of advanced pilot training, and exploring opportunities for increased use of simulators. The new A109 helicopters will form part of the new pilot training capability by providing rotary wing training. Some multi engine pilot training capability will be provided via a separate aircraft. The pilot training capability project is expected to be delivered in 2014/15.
(NZDF Capability Plan, 2011, p33 of 40).
http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/downloads/pdf/general/defence capability plan.pdf

Of interest there and to me, is that the media haven't picked up on it yet, considering the amount of talk on that site about this and it is known that media monitor it. The T6C has wing hard points on it s that leads to interesting possibilities. https://www.beechcraft.com/military/military_trainers.aspx

 

[MrConservative]

Seems someone at the US Embassy jumped the gun and the images on Flickr have been taken down. That well known Kiwi aviation forum has been rabbiting on about how many planes (11 so far according to the guy who runs it) and other possibilities without looking at the whole program. This buy as of yet undisclosed number and is part of the NZDF Pilot Training Capability Program which was presented in the 2011 Defence Capability Plan

Of interest there and to me, is that the media haven't picked up on it yet, considering the amount of talk on that site about this and it is known that media monitor it. The T6C has wing hard points on it s that leads to interesting possibilities. https://www.beechcraft.com/military/military_trainers.aspx

The Prime Ministers State of the nation speech trumps all with respect to the Govt media planning. Rule - No Distractions!! Next week when silent T does his opposition whinge you may see something.

 

[ngatimozart]

The Prime Ministers State of the nation speech trumps all with respect to the Govt media planning. Rule - No Distractions!! Next week when silent T does his opposition whinge you may see something.

It's rumoured that Wednesday is the day for the big announcement. Yesterday all the pollies were sucking up to Māori at the Ratana Church Marae yesterday.

It will be interesting to see how they organise and resource the pilot training. The rotary wing pilot training is in place with the A109 Mako now. IIRC the first course is progressing through. We can assume that the T6Cs will be used for advanced pilot training, so that leaves the ab inito training and the multi engine pilot training (MEPT). IIRC the CT4 Airtrainer and King Air B200 leases expire in 2018. So I am just wondering that maybe the door is open for King Air 350s to do the MEPT, some transport and EEZ monitoring. If they intend it for EEZ monitoring they will need to give it more sensors than just the Mk1 Eyeball. They even used the Skyhawks for EEZ monitoring especially during navexs. Same with the Andovers, AerMacchis. Blunties etc. They had F27 Friendships as nav trainers and they also did EEZ monitoring as well. It was about being seen watching what's going on in the EEZ. Happens a lot less now.

 

[Gibbo]

The Prime Ministers State of the nation speech trumps all with respect to the Govt media planning. Rule - No Distractions!! Next week when silent T does his opposition whinge you may see something.

'Mr silent T'....LOL...nice, it took me a while but twigged eventually!

Yes media are very much more-occupied with election year shenanigans! They've probably forgotten we have an air force.

 

[Gibbo]

Seems someone at the US Embassy jumped the gun and the images on Flickr have been taken down. That well known Kiwi aviation forum has been rabbiting on about how many planes (11 so far according to the guy who runs it) and other possibilities without looking at the whole program. This buy as of yet undisclosed number and is part of the NZDF Pilot Training Capability Program which was presented in the 2011 Defence Capability Plan

Of interest there and to me, is that the media haven't picked up on it yet, considering the amount of talk on that site about this and it is known that media monitor it. The T6C has wing hard points on it s that leads to interesting possibilities. https://www.beechcraft.com/military/military_trainers.aspx

I'm picking that as the 'brochure' says the T6C hard-points are for delivery of weapons in a training environment only, not operationally. That's no doubt where the AT6 armed version comes in to play.

The only potential need NZ has for T6C weapon delivery is, I'd expect, JTAC training - but AFAIK that has never been discussed or raised as part of the project deliverables (not publicly anyway) - I'm happy to be corrected!

I wonder of Army has asked RNZAF about the T6C providing something informally!?! I'd like to think they are now....

I'd like to see a few sets of underwing tanks & gun pods so that at least we can bring the odd fishing boat to heel when required (ala NZ6206)

 

[MrConservative]

It's rumoured that Wednesday is the day for the big announcement. Yesterday all the pollies were sucking up to Māori at the Ratana Church Marae yesterday.

It will be interesting to see how they organise and resource the pilot training. The rotary wing pilot training is in place with the A109 Mako now. IIRC the first course is progressing through. We can assume that the T6Cs will be used for advanced pilot training, so that leaves the ab inito training and the multi engine pilot training (MEPT). IIRC the CT4 Airtrainer and King Air B200 leases expire in 2018. So I am just wondering that maybe the door is open for King Air 350s to do the MEPT, some transport and EEZ monitoring. If they intend it for EEZ monitoring they will need to give it more sensors than just the Mk1 Eyeball. They even used the Skyhawks for EEZ monitoring especially during navexs. Same with the Andovers, AerMacchis. Blunties etc. They had F27 Friendships as nav trainers and they also did EEZ monitoring as well. It was about being seen watching what's going on in the EEZ. Happens a lot less now.

Yes, Wednesday is most likely. Tuesday will be about hammering Labour after Silent T's speech. It has to get done by Friday as it will be Rhys Jones last working day as CDF and Thursday / Friday the PM is on the road. Wednesday all the principals Govt, MoD, NZDF will be at the Beehive. T-6C announcement and thank you to Gen Jones for your Service - the Presser about moving out on a high note - getting new aircraft, job done, all in good hands, future is bright, for the handover to Gen Keating blah, blah, blah ....

Yes, the initial T-6C's are for the advanced curriculum - so only a handful to start with. With simulator and the high sortie rate / annual flight hours they are capable of they really do not need airframe numbers like in the past. A future CT4 replacement for PTS/CFS will not see 1 to 1 replacement. I have heard all the rumours about 14Sqd colours, black paint scheme with silver diamonds, only getting 10 which will be shared between Squadrons PTS, CFS and a nominal 14Sqd. All of it may end up being true - however until it comes out of Dr Jono's mouth I am not worrying to much of any of that. At least the issue has been put to bed.

I think it is still all on for the B350ER ordered with a range of MM packages to cover a broad range of roles post 2018 and the Beechcraft/NZDF tie up and investment in this project will bear this out.

 

[htbrst]

Brief details on the order have finally made it into the media via an Associated Press wire so no actual NZ media input as yet, but there is a full release on the beehive (NZ parliament) website about the package signed up for, including confirming price and numbers to be purchased (11):

beehive.govt.nz - New pilot training capability contract awarded

“The $154 million package includes ground simulators, classroom and computer based training packages to complement practical flying experience in turbo-prop T-6C aircraft. The T-6C has a proven track record in service with other militaries, and meets the NZDF’s performance and safety standards.

“The new system is expected to be operational for the first trainee intake in early 2016. It is estimated it will produce up to 15 graduate pilots and 12 Qualifying Flying Instructors per year over the next 30 years.”

Eleven Beechcraft T-6C aircraft will be assembled in Wichita, Kansas. Flight simulators and other ground based training devices will be installed at Ohakea by CAE Simulation (USA) as a subcontractor to Beechcraft. Maintenance and support for the aircraft and simulators will include subcontract support from CAE Australia and New Zealand based Safe Air Limited for the next 30 years. Around 21 new jobs with Safe Air Limited are expected to be created in Ohakea.

 

[ngatimozart]

Brief details on the order have finally made it into the media via an Associated Press wire so no actual NZ media input as yet, but there is a full release on the beehive (NZ parliament) website about the package signed up for, including confirming price and numbers to be purchased (11):

beehive.govt.nz - New pilot training capability contract awarded

Hmm, so what do the pilots do there multi engine training on? It's ok for the helo pilots because they can do it on the AW109 Mako when they do their fling wing training. What about the bods going onto the C130s and P3s? Will that be done on the squadrons then?

 

[Volkodav]

Hmm, so what do the pilots do there multi engine training on? It's ok for the helo pilots because they can do it on the AW109 Mako when they do their fling wing training. What about the bods going onto the C130s and P3s? Will that be done on the squadrons then?

Well there will be some spare Kingairs once the Spartans arrive down under, maybe NZ could do a deal. I cant remember whether they were leased or bought outright though.

 

[ngatimozart]

Well there will be some spare Kingairs once the Spartans arrive down under, maybe NZ could do a deal. I cant remember whether they were leased or bought outright though.

Thanks for the kind offer, but no thanks. I am left wondering whether or not there is more to come, maybe not in this program but possibly a tie in to the NZDF Air Transport Project which is due this year. It will not define aircraft per se, but is to inform the 2015 DWP. The DWP will set the reasoning and background for the air transport capabilities to come so I would think RFIs will be issued shortly thereafter. However there is one fly in that particular ointment and that is the 2014 General Election.

 

[Gibbo]

Brief details on the order have finally made it into the media via an Associated Press wire so no actual NZ media input as yet, but there is a full release on the beehive (NZ parliament) website about the package signed up for, including confirming price and numbers to be purchased (11):

beehive.govt.nz - New pilot training capability contract awarded

Nice buy!:dance So the 2016 date must be for the first advanced course!?!

I guess there's SOP's to be written; instructors to train; and a training curriculum to develop - but given the platform is in use in large numbers I guess a lot of that can be done relatively quickly in consultation with other users.

I was expecting 5-6 for the advanced training, based on how many B200's currently perform this role & the addition in the T6C case of simulators, so surprised by the number. Kind of reflects the number of airframes in the previous 14sqn incarnation, so it would certainly seem to back up rumours of 14 sqn being reformed! Looks like 3 sqn will need to move the Hueys out of their hangar ASAP after the nod is given to retire the fleet (this year isn't it!?!).

Would I be right in thinking that the larger fleet allows for the basic training curriculum to move the T6C + simulators!?! I guess by the time they're comfortable with the platform in the advanced phase they can prep a plan for the basic phase & that should coincide with 2018 & the CT4E lease ending.

p.s. yes... black is the new livery apparently!