But that still doesn't solve our strategic air transport issues does it? We still need to move gear that doesn't fit in C130s either because it's to big or heavy or both. And I'm putting the ice flights to one side. Methinks big Gerry might be doing a bit of dissembling at the moment.
There are still options out there if one looks hard enough, but the only real option open to RNZAF is A400M.
Well that's another issue and again I don't think a single C17 is the best soloution for that particular problem plus I'm positive the C130 replacement in 5+ years will address that regardless of any reason we want to pull the plan (or part thereof) forward.
With Japan lifting export restrictions the Kawasaki C-2 could be an option,
Is having only one C-17 less viable than having only one B757? Assuming support issues could be worked out with Australia, a single C-17 may still be an option. I guess if NZ doesn't opt for the last whitetail then Australia will likely grab it before someone in the RCAF figures out they should.
RNZAF has 2 B757s so at least it has a back up on a task (as per the Royals visit when both were actually used 'just in case') plus the 'transporter' fleet is the primary NZ air transport whereas the boeings are the secondary as in the C130s can cover the 757s if required (albeit slower and less graceful) but the 757s cannot cover off all C130 tasks so really not the same comparison. They actually are 2 different beasts regardless of some suggesting C17 taking on the B757 role.Is having only one C-17 less viable than having only one B757? Assuming support issues could be worked out with Australia, a single C-17 may still be an option. I guess if NZ doesn't opt for the last whitetail then Australia will likely grab it before someone in the RCAF figures out they should.
Sorry, was not aware NZ had two B757s, An orphan acquisition is an issue but perhaps OZ can help out their neighbour with the support issue. Canada does get a significant amount of amount of help from our larger neighbour but our neighbour is a superpower and it is a significant benefit to their security. It is also the reason why our electorate takes nation defence with a grain of salt.
A single C17 with a Kiwi Roundel is a non-starter logistically and planning wise, RNZAF if they need it will continue to have access to RAAF C17, for NZ to have a viable capabilty they need in my opinion a minimum of 3 airframes, RAAF nearly got caught out when we only had 4 aircraft and 1 airframe was due back in the US for heavy maintenance, for this reason alone a single airframe is not an option if you work it hard with no backstop.
While not ideal I wouldn't rate it an impossibility, I'm sure if you plan it right a RAAF C-17 could be made available when heavy maintenance is required - similar to the current arrangement when they need a C-17 - after all the RNZAF "only" has 2 757's and there are no others in the immediate region to leverage any savings in support costs (spares etc)
C295 can be seen as the Andover replacement for the smaller regional work ( was there ever a program implemented for there replacement can't find anything concrete) and should been seen in a different light, C295 can be seen as both a tactical/MPA asset(OceanSentry)
Only way I can see a single airframe getting up if you embedded it as part of No. 36 Squadron RAAF and once your single airframe goes off to heavy maintenance pilots and crew rotate along remaining airframes with their RAAF counterparts
On paper the C2 looks the goods but I have tried to go with aircraft that would have multiple end users or large end user for they should be able to keep the logistical spares inventory on a more global scale and readily avalible in a mature supply chain, on second thought should that also rule out the Europeans?
True, but the European supply chain is a long way away, in comparison to Japan which is in our region. The other advantage (besides much better performance) of the C-2 ( once they get it perfect) is that it is considerable cheaper.
It's not ideological it's about mature systems and the C2 isn't even operating with any Air Force yet yet so the NZG won't look at it. That's part of the problem with the A400M from the ministers POV but it is operating with Air Forces now. There is to much risk associated with the C2 for the NZG.
Valid point - However the RNZAF won't be replacing the Hercules until after 2020 correct? By which point it should have been operating with the JSDF for at least a couple of years.
What capability advantage does it have over the A400M? I don't see any really and in fact I see it the other way around. Maybe looked at yeas but by then it will be far to late because the Air Mobility Study finishes at the end of this year and the first C130 is due to be retired in 2018.
A NgatiM states, it'll have to be a well proven platform (a factor that also includes support & spares availability) before NZ Govt is prepared to look at it - the fact it's Japanese is irrelevant.
The C2 can carry its full load(37,600 kg) to 6500km