Royal New Zealand Air Force

[swerve]

KC-390 engine is the IAE V2500. The first prototype was rolled out last October, & as of December 19th, first flight was scheduled for this month - so less than two weeks to go, unless it's delayed.

There's been a policy of using OTS equipment as far as possible, to simplify development & keep down costs.

 

[John Fedup]

AFAIK the KC-390 will be using jet vs. prop engines. Depending the engine selected, controlling avionics, location on the airframe, etc there could still be developmental issues. Remember, Embraer has experience designing/building small to mid-sized commercial airliners. While the KC-390 is approximately the same size as the larger Embraer airliners, the MTOW is ~30 tonnes/60% greater than the largest Embraer airliner, The potential impact of that much lifting capacity, and the fact that it is a military airlifter which the potential cargo weight distribution being significantly different from aboard commercial aviation, means that there is definite potential for some "speed bumps" to be hit on the developmental runway...

Given that first flight has not AFAIK been achieved, I suspect it will be a number of years before certification is sorted and production commences. I would not be surprised if Embraer is not ready to receive orders for the KC-390 until after the RNZAF needs to at least start taking delivery of their C-130H replacements, and possibly even later, when the RNZAF starts to reach IOC with the replacement airlifter(s).

-Cheers

If we look at the delivery results for recent clean sheet designed aircraft, your comment about late delivery for the KC390 is probably going to be correct but hopefully not. As per the previous comment, most of the KC390's components will be OTS. If Embraer is to have a chance on supplying the RNZAF with new transports, the KC390 development schedule can't deviate.

 

[40 deg south]

More A400M Delivery Delays Expected In 2015 | Defense content from Aviation Week

PARIS – Supplier woes are forcing Airbus Defense and Space to revise delivery plans for the A400M tactical transport aircraft this year.

Airbus is "taking a fresh look at the entire plane to make sure we’re coherent" and will announce a new schedule at the end of February in coordination with European procurement agency OCCA...

This won't hurt the C-17's chances.

Both the C-17 and C-130J has some introduction-into-service issues, so what the A400 is going through is pretty normal. But given the strong preference of the current government for proven in-service solutions, it may be a black mark against the A400 in the mind of the DefMin.

If it was a year or two further down the track towards regular in-service use, the NZ government would probably be a lot more confident in placing an order.

 

[John Fedup]

More A400M Delivery Delays Expected In 2015 | Defense content from Aviation Week



This won't hurt the C-17's chances.

Both the C-17 and C-130J has some introduction-into-service issues, so what the A400 is going through is pretty normal. But given the strong preference of the current government for proven in-service solutions, it may be a black mark against the A400 in the mind of the DefMin.

If it was a year or two further down the track towards regular in-service use, the NZ government would probably be a lot more confident in placing an order.

As others have mentioned, faster deliveries may be possible if some of the Euro partners reduce or delay their order numbers due to budget restraints. IMO, the C-17 offers better capability for dollars spent than the A400M, assuming the prices being quoted are correct. Perhaps some countries would be willing to subsidize a lower price for a A400 in order to get out of contractual obligations.

 

[Justin Case]

Hi,

This is my first comment, and I'm happy to participate.
The first flight of the KC-390 is expected to happen this last week of January.
If you want to see the aircraft roll out movie, please search for "ROLLOUT EMBRAER KC-390" on YouTube.

Cheers,

Justin Case

 

[htbrst]

And here is a photo of NZDF's well-wrapped Christmas present, as previously posted by htbrst on the Navy forum.

https://twitter.com/jackrs55

And here's what the look like now they are newly unwrapped - 3 X New Seasprites in the hanger with 4 of the old ones:

https://twitter.com/jackrs55/status/559480568073576449/photo/1

 

[RegR]

And here's what the look like now they are newly unwrapped - 3 X New Seasprites in the hanger with 4 of the old ones:

https://twitter.com/jackrs55/status/559480568073576449/photo/1

Getting there, actually like that colour scheme better than our current one, hopefully they keep it.

 

[ngatimozart]

I see that the first Cabinet meeting of the year was held today so I wonder if the C17 acquisition was discussed. I use the term acquisition loosely.

 

[kiwi in exile]

New coverage of an old story.
Review recommended after Air Force plane ran low on fuel in Antarctica - National - NZ Herald News
Helps in the argument for the C17 (or at least A400).

 

[htbrst]

New coverage of an old story.
Review recommended after Air Force plane ran low on fuel in Antarctica - National - NZ Herald News
Helps in the argument for the C17 (or at least A400).

The actual report can be found here:

http://www.taic.org.nz/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=cEgLLLGBvM0=&tabid=36&mid=613&language=en-US

It does have some relevant information to a C-17 Purchase:

The C-17 would still have a "point of safe return" threshold ala C-130 and 757; at 20-30 minutes out from Pegasus. This is quite a lot closer to Antartica than the C-130 or 757.

The C-130 now carries a heavier fuel load vs past seasons to increase the time available to turn around. This presumably reduces payload

The C-17 has a lower minimum cloud base allowed (1500 feet) before a turnaround is forced vs the 757 and C-130 at 2000 feet

 

[Justin Case]

Hi,

This is my first comment, and I'm happy to participate.
The first flight of the KC-390 is expected to happen this last week of January.
If you want to see the aircraft roll out movie, please search for "ROLLOUT EMBRAER KC-390" on YouTube.

Cheers,

Justin Case

The KC-390, Embraer’s clean-sheet aerial refueling tanker, flew for the first time on 3 February from an airfield in São José dos Campos, Brazil.

ww.flightglobal.com/news/articles/embraer-kc-390-takes-maiden-flight-408635/

ww.youtube.com/watch?v=z9PyzEbU8AI

 

[40 deg south]

http://www.airforce.mil.nz/downloads/pdf/airforce-news/afn166.pdf

Latest Air Force news is out.

 

[40 deg south]

A few snippets from FlightGlobal that may be of interest.

Germany calls a halt to NH90 flights over safety fears - 2/9/2015 - Flight Global

Germany has slapped a self-imposed temporary grounding order on its army’s fleet of NH Industries (NHI) NH90 helicopters following the discovery of a “design flaw” with the aircraft’s electrical system.

Berlin says that all routine flights of its 10.6t rotorcraft have been “temporarily suspended” after Airbus Helicopters, which assembles the German troop transport helicopters at its Donauwörth facility, identified a fault with the NH90’s overhead control panel....

However, Airbus Helicopters insists that the restriction is not required and that the helicopter is safe to fly: “Industry has assessed there is no short-term airworthiness issue and therefore recommends to continue flights. NHI is launching a modification in order to improve [the] design.”

It's one bloody thing after another with the NH90. No word on a flight suspension in NZ. RNZAF certainly seems to be pulling ahead of the pack in introducing the NH90 to service.

Malaysia's first A400M gets airborne - 2/3/2015 - Flight Global
The first Asian customer for the A400M inches closer to delivery. If anyone wants to look at the likely costs to NZ of the A400, presumably Malaysia (4 aircraft plus spares and support) would be a good case study.

Airbus military aircraft head quits over A400M delays - 1/29/2015 - Flight Global
Meanwhile, the Airbus CEO is losing patience with the pace of certification and production ramp-up. Previous head of programme has been awarded the DCM.

 

[40 deg south]

Asia Pacific Defence Reporter : APDR February 2015, Page 1

While doing a look around the magazines, I noticed that the Aussie magazine Asia Pacific Defence Reporter has a new issue out. You need to register to view this publication by providing an email address, but there is no subscription charge.

The current issue has four pages on the introduction of the T6C to RNZAF service, which some will find interesting.

In the write-up of Australia's own project to acquire a new pilot training system (Air 5426), there is a noticeable degree of envy at how quickly NZ has been able to evaluate, buy and introduce a new training aircraft and system. Australia's project isn't expected to see a new trainer in service before 2018.

 

[ngatimozart]

Asia Pacific Defence Reporter : APDR February 2015, Page 1

While doing a look around the magazines, I noticed that the Aussie magazine Asia Pacific Defence Reporter has a new issue out. You need to register to view this publication by providing an email address, but there is no subscription charge.

The current issue has four pages on the introduction of the T6C to RNZAF service, which some will find interesting.

In the write-up of Australia's own project to acquire a new pilot training system (Air 5426), there is a noticeable degree of envy at how quickly NZ has been able to evaluate, buy and introduce a new training aircraft and system. Australia's project isn't expected to see a new trainer in service before 2018.

I read that, interesting article. On other things. I see that IAI are developing a MPA based on the Bombardier Global 5000 business jet. Now this look likes it could be a good contender if it goes ahead. It definitely has longer legs than the P8 and besides ASW, ASuW, SAR that the traditional MPAs undertake it does ISR, some ELINT and EW plus SATCOM Link 16, Datacom etc. Whilst there are issues surrounding torpedoes at high altitude (cold temps) it would tick a lot of boxes in the NZ categories if IAI go ahead with it. The base aircraft flyaway cost before conversion is a lot cheaper than the B737 and the aircraft theoretically would be cheaper to own and operate.

This is a link to an article on the RUSI Defence Systems page about the Kawasaki P1, which I've posted for info more than anything else. Finally, this appeared on the Navy Recognition site last month and looks at the possibility of an MPA based on the Airbus A321 neo LR. As the article points out Airbus would be able to build an ITAR free MPA and they also have the systems operating in other aircraft. Theoretically the should be able to offer a cheaper aircraft than the Kawasaki P1 or the Boeing P8. However Airbus have not yet made any statements regarding such an aircraft.

 

[swerve]

Airbus offered an MPA based on the original A320 family (IIRC A319 or A320*) some time ago, but had no takers, & didn't want to spend on it without a customer.

Airbus has a good track record in this area. The CN-235 & C-295 MPAs have been successful adaptations, & Airbus Military has successfully integrated various sensors & weapons into FITS, on those types & on its P-3 upgrades.

BUT - a high-end MPA based on A320 would be more complex than what it's done so far. And who is going to be the launch customer? France is content with upgraded & refurbished Atlantiques at the moment, the UK is very wary of anything that isn't OTS after having had its fingers very expensively burnt, Italy favours P-8, & Germany isn't in the market yet, being happy with modernised P-3s for the time being. It might be a future option for France & Germany, but that will be too late for the UK.

I like the look of P-1, but I can't see the RAF buying it.

As for a re-engined version with UK sensors - a BR710 engined version would need new nacelles (BR710 is longer, slimmer & heavier than IHI F7-10). Nobody knows how easy it'd be to integrate new sensors into the Japanese combat system, & fitting a new combat system is not something I'd want to get into in this country, given the record of past attempts.


*Ah, I see the article mentions that.

 

[MrConservative]

I agree Swerve - I cannot see the P-1 doing much UK, CAN or NZ business now that the business has been done with the US and the Oz. It is all pointing to the P-8 or in the very least its baby brother for the feyes club.

I have wondered if Abe will offer it to the Taiwanese just to rile up the ChiCom.

 

[RegR]

I just heard a RAAF C17 is flying into Wellington to sway the beans with a sales pitch. They should send a LAV, HMEE and MHOV over from Trentham to really put into perspective.

 

[Reaver]

Australian C17 visiting Wellington
Monday, 16 February 2015, 12:04 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government

Australian C17 visiting Wellington

A Royal Australian Air Force C17 Globemaster aircraft will deliver almost 50 tonnes of sandstone to Wellington today to progress construction of the Australian World War One memorial to be located in Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

The memorial will feature 15 sandstone columns, symbolic of the country’s Red Centre, surrounded by eucalyptus trees representing the Australian landscape.

Australia’s A$5 million memorial is a reciprocal gesture to the New Zealand memorial built on ANZAC Parade in Canberra and is funded by the Australian Government.

The Australian Air Force C17 will land at Wellington around 1.35pm this afternoon.

At the invitation of the Australian Defence Force, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee and members of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee will visit the aircraft before departing for a return flight to the New Zealand Air Force base at Woodbourne, where they will view the C-130 Hercules restoration programme.

“This is a timely opportunity, and I appreciate the Australian Air Force giving us a chance to learn more about and experience the C17,” Mr Brownlee says.

The Ministry of Defence is in the process of receiving price and availability information on the C17 from the United States Government as part of its long term review of airlift capability.

“Consideration of New Zealand’s continuing engagement in the Antarctic, and our ability to respond to natural disasters and provide humanitarian aid in the Pacific, means options for future airlift capability need to be explored,” Mr Brownlee says.

“The need for replacement airlift capability has been long anticipated and is foreshadowed in the Defence Mid Point Rebalancing Review.

“While there is no commitment to purchase any C17s, it seems sensible to view the Australian aircraft while it is in the capital.

“To experience a potential replacement aircraft first-hand with a cross-party delegation was too useful an opportunity to miss.

“While the C17 may not prove to be the best solution for New Zealand, we owe it to ourselves to look at it seriously while we can,” Mr Brownlee says.

ends

 

[htbrst]

A Royal Australian Air Force C17 Globemaster aircraft will deliver almost 50 tonnes of sandstone to Wellington today to progress construction of the Australian World War One memorial to be located in Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

Nothing like lifting 50 tonnes of rock onto a fairly small runway to demonstrate what its capable of :

Not a bad idea to immediately fly the beancounters in for a look at the C-130 to see just how little they can carry in comparison.