Royal New Zealand Air Force

ADMk2

Just a bloke
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
With more customers they would need more aircraft / facilities/instructors so your part of the capital/operational costs remains similar though scale would increase efficiency and if the ta/fa 50 solution was chosen you eliminate operational type conversion and the purchase costs and infrastructure would be common to both types . There is no doubt if we went down the ACF parth we would need significant help Again you need to decide do you want your money to boost someone else's economy or your own.
That depends entirely on their throughput capacity... Given they've had as many as 5 nations simultaneously putting students through, I seriously doubt additional RNZAF students would seriously impact on their program nor the cost...
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
There is no doubt if we went down the ACF parth we would need significant help Again you need to decide do you want your money to boost someone else's economy or your own.
Actually if we acquired our own LIFT capability, it would be a drain on our economy because it would always be a cost, plus it would be a significant draw down on the NZDF budget. Well that's the way I would see it.
 
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ADMk2

Just a bloke
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Actually if we acquired our own LIFT capability, it would be a drain on our economy because it would always be a cost, plus it would be a significant draw down on the NZDF budget. Well that's the way I would see it.
Me too. With new generation props overlapping the flight envelopes of trainer types to some degree and far better simulators, with extra courses available for advanced training at a vastly reduced cost, I don't see the point for what will always be a small force.

Other nations such as Hungary successfully operate viable frontline fighters without an AJT, so it definitely is possible.
 

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Me too. With new generation props overlapping the flight envelopes of trainer types to some degree and far better simulators, with extra courses available for advanced training at a vastly reduced cost, I don't see the point for what will always be a small force.

Other nations such as Hungary successfully operate viable frontline fighters without an AJT, so it definitely is possible.
yes agreed and if we went down the TA/FA 50 route I think it would not just be possible but probable. How ever any increase in the pilot numbers would require more T6's
 

MrConservative

Super Moderator
Staff member
Yes agreed and if we went down the TA/FA 50 route I think it would not just be possible but probable. How ever any increase in the pilot numbers would require more T6's.
If a KAI option with contracting into an overseas turnkey training package was indeed developed we would only require a variant of the FA-50 with the TA being surplus to requirements. A modest increase (3-4) in T-6 airframes and possibly another sim would likely be necessary.
 

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Just been looking again at posts 4536 and 4717 in regard to the FAMC and a summary of points was in order.
1. Defence is interested to explore any potential synergies between these projects (tactical/strategic)
2.No solution without a military component
FAMC MAY consist of more than one aircraft type

Strategic Attributes
Essential
Military component
VIP domestic and international
Certified
Upgrade path

Desirable
Antarctic ops
Large heavy cargo(NH90)
Enhanced payload/range
Self protection
SAR
Auster ops Is this meant to be "Austere ops"? Long time since RNZAF has flown Austers
AAR
ISR
It should be noted that the time frame for the strategic option is generous so there is plenty of time for changes.

Tactical Attributes
Essential
Certified
Upgrade path
Self protection
SAR
Austere ops

Desirable
Antarctic ops
Large heavy load (NH90)
Enhanced payload/range
ISR
AAR

There are others but these are the main ones. It should be noted there is a tighter time frame on the tactical aircraft, so I would not expect much change from the RFI

Rob, could you please check your spelling and insert hyperlinks when you reference posts that are more than a page back or are in another thread. The hyper links make it a lot easier for people to go back to the posts etc. Also it's a pain having to correct others mistakes all the time and spelling is basic. Misspelt words detract from the reading of posts. I was taught by nuns as a kid back in the 1960s. Sisters of Mercy they were and they showed no mercy. :lol
 
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ADMk2

Just a bloke
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Hungary uses the Hawk. It sends fighter pilots to Canada.
Correct. It uses the fighter pilot training system run by Canada, it doesn't operate Hawk lead-in fighter trainers itself, which is why I used it as an example of a country who successfully operates frontline jets without an indigenous LIFT, which is the discussion we were having here...
 

ADMk2

Just a bloke
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
yes agreed and if we went down the TA/FA 50 route I think it would not just be possible but probable. How ever any increase in the pilot numbers would require more T6's
It would yes. Any increase in pilot numbers and overall aviation capability whether it be an ACF or more MPA / Transport or even helicopter types would likely require an increase in basic flight training capability.

I'm am just not convinced that a LIFT such as the Hawk or T/A-50 is necessarily the best option for NZ.

I think the funds they would soak up would be better off spent on the frontline capability, particularly given the strategic imperative of getting this capability up and running quickly is what started this topic.
 

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Just been looking again at posts 4536 and 4717 in regard to the FAMC and a summary of points was in order.
1. Defence is interested to explore any potential synergies between these projects (tactical/strategic)
2.No solution without a military component
FAMC MAY consist of more than one aircraft type

Strategic Attributes
Essential
Military component
VIP domestic and international
Certified
Upgrade path

Desirable
Antarctic ops
Large heavy cargo(NH90)
Enhanced payload/range
Self protection
SAR
Auster ops Is this meant to be "Austere ops"? Long time since RNZAF has flown Austers
AAR
ISR
It should be noted that the time frame for the strategic option is generous so there is plenty of time for changes.

Tactical Attributes
Essential
Certified
Upgrade path
Self protection
SAR
Austere ops

Desirable
Antarctic ops
Large heavy load (NH90)
Enhanced payload/range
ISR
AAR

There are others but these are the main ones. It should be noted there is a tighter time frame on the tactical aircraft, so I would not expect much change from the RFI

Rob, could you please check your spelling and insert hyperlinks when you reference posts that are more than a page back or are in another thread. The hyper links make it a lot easier for people to go back to the posts etc. Also it's a pain having to correct others mistakes all the time and spelling is basic. Misspelt words detract from the reading of posts. I was taught by nuns as a kid back in the 1960s. Sisters of Mercy they were and they showed no mercy. :lol
yes sorry, did get the spelling wright second time around but missed the first one, how do you insert hyperlink's? and as for the auster, we still had them when I joined, sort of dates one. (one mistake out of all those words is not to bad for an old bugger who could never spell at school)
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
yes sorry, did get the spelling wright second time around but missed the first one, how do you insert hyperlink's? and as for the auster, we still had them when I joined, sort of dates one. (one mistake out of all those words is not to bad for an old bugger who could never spell at school)
Don't worry we Harvards, Devons, Dakotas & Bristol Frighteners, plus the No 4 BD & No 5 KD uniforms when I joined. :cool:

Ok visit this place and it has easy to follow instruction on how to use BB Code.

BB Code Guide

Sorry for the delay and mucking around with the post but I was having a few BB code and formatting issues when I was trying to do an explanation for you. Finally I remembered that the Webmaster had posted the links to the BB Guide ages ago. Duh.
 
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Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
It would yes. Any increase in pilot numbers and overall aviation capability whether it be an ACF or more MPA / Transport or even helicopter types would likely require an increase in basic flight training capability.

I'm am just not convinced that a LIFT such as the Hawk or T/A-50 is necessarily the best option for NZ.

I think the funds they would soak up would be better off spent on the frontline capability, particularly given the strategic imperative of getting this capability up and running quickly is what started this topic.
While without further study I would not say yes or know to a local LIFT program I think to get the ball rolling making use of overseas programs would be a must and to get a quick build up the use of experienced overseas pilots in senior roles would also be necessary. however using an overseas lift program you also have to make a decision about your operational type conversion so you may wind up paying two overseas countries.
 
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Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Don't worry we Harvards, Devons, Dakotas & Bristol Frighteners, plus the No 4 BD & No 5 KD uniforms when I joined. :cool:

Ok visit this place and it has easy to follow instruction on how to use BB Code.

BB Code Guide

Sorry for the delay and mucking around with the post but I was having a few BB code and formatting issues when I was trying to do an explanation for you. Finally I remembered that the Webmaster had posted the links to the BB Guide ages ago. Duh.
Thanks, booked marked that. The aircraft you mentioned bring back memories. I flew in all those many times , but the Bristol Vibrator ( frighteners)has the distinction of providing me with both my worst air force flight and probably my best The worst was the return from Dunedin after a flypast for the Queens arrival by 75 (vampires) in the mid 60's It was a week before the change to winter uniform and the flight was in the rain at 8000ft Now for the younger set the Vibrator built in cold draft through te fount door seals,the cabin leaked , the heaters in those day's didn't work and the aircraft was very slow.So we spent several hours in freezing draft , being sprayed with a fine spay of water and in summer uniform. When we arrived at OH, mildly hypothermic we had to unload the aircraft before drying off and changing. ( the attitude then was,You are military so harden up). The best was after 5 of us went to Auckland to fix a Skyhawk which had dropped in with engine problems. and we had a lot of gear due to needing to remove the engine to fix the problem then refit it. The flight home was in mid summer and the pilot ask if we would like to do some sight seeing. So after leaving the Auckland TMA we drop down to low level and spent the rest of the flight lying in the front door glazed section while the pilot explored all the valleys and sights at very low altitude. back to Ohakea.
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Thanks, booked marked that. The aircraft you mentioned bring back memories. I flew in all those many times , but the Bristol Vibrator ( frighteners)has the distinction of providing me with both my worst air force flight and probably my best The worst was the return from Dunedin after a flypast for the Queens arrival by 75 (vampires) in the mid 60's It was a week before the change to winter uniform and the flight was in the rain at 8000ft Now for the younger set the Vibrator built in cold draft through te fount door seals,the cabin leaked , the heaters in those day's didn't work and the aircraft was very slow.So we spent several hours in freezing draft , being sprayed with a fine spay of water and in summer uniform. When we arrived at OH, mildly hypothermic we had to unload the aircraft before drying off and changing. ( the attitude then was,You are military so harden up). The best was after 5 of us went to Auckland to fix a Skyhawk which had dropped in with engine problems. and we had a lot of gear due to needing to remove the engine to fix the problem then refit it. The flight home was in mid summer and the pilot ask if we would like to do some sight seeing. So after leaving the Auckland TMA we drop down to low level and spent the rest of the flight lying in the front door glazed section while the pilot explored all the valleys and sights at very low altitude. back to Ohakea.
It was the only aircraft where I automatically carried my raincoat on with me knowing that I'd most likely have to wear it inside the aircraft :rotfl It was always interesting flying into Wellington on them. When just about all other aircraft were grounded ye olde frightener would trundle in over the thresh hold without a care in the world.
 

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
It was the only aircraft where I automatically carried my raincoat on with me knowing that I'd most likely have to wear it inside the aircraft :rotfl It was always interesting flying into Wellington on them. When just about all other aircraft were grounded ye olde frightener would trundle in over the thresh hold without a care in the world.
Then do a two step or a waltz down the runway before settling down and sedately trundling in a stately fashion to a holt and exiting the runway.
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Plane breakdown forces John Key to cancel first day of trip to India - National - NZ Herald News

Not a good look but kind good anyway in that it may speed up the process in getting a replacement.
No but it happens regardless of the aircraft. From tonights TVNZ news it looks like it is 71 and four days ago (Thursday) 72 did a return trip to McMurdo with pax and freight, so I'll presume that 72 will be on it's way to Townsville with techos and spare parts. That flight with pax to Pegasus field also means that NZDF air safety authority must have made a final determination after the flight they had with the whiteout and the Cabinet Minister onboard at the time.
 

40 deg south

Well-Known Member
That flight with pax to Pegasus field also means that NZDF air safety authority must have made a final determination after the flight they had with the whiteout and the Cabinet Minister onboard at the time.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/nz-d...support-mission-to-antartica/1129381137099031

I'd understood from NZDF media releases last season that the Boeings were only being used to return people from the ice, with southbound trips either by C-130 or US C-17.

Clearly that is not the procedure this season.
 

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Plane breakdown forces John Key to cancel first day of trip to India - National - NZ Herald News

Not a good look but kind good anyway in that it may speed up the process in getting a replacement.
Aircraft are complex pieces of machinery and do have problems from time to time. Ever Air NZ has had the odd problem with the brand new 787's, my understanding is that the 757 has a very good reliability record, but as we only have 2, so one unserviceability represents 50% of the fleet therefore appears significant. I remember us having to do a recovery of one of our C130's from Indonesia in 1969 or 70 after a significant fault. I think it was either 04 or 05 so it was only a couple of years old.
 
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kiwipatriot69

Active Member
Was this the same aircraft that experienced the whiteout over Antarctica,and couldn't land? And when did they go through the refit, do they have a similar life left as the Hercs do, more so?
 
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