Derated T-700's as per standard asfor it would only be predicated on us requiring an adjunct capability for vanilla GP taskings to alleviate the current ASW/ASuW variants.
Royal New Zealand Air Force
- Thread starter Lucasnz
- Start date
kiwipatriot69
Active Member
t68
Well-Known Member
No don't think so, if the the aircraft meets the critera selected by goverment that past incident should have no bearing if it's a competive process and multiply aircraft are evaluated in the initial stages.
Yep dead right as not only would you have to change the gearbox but the supporting structure would need to be beefed up and probably the rotors as well as aircraft usually don't have surplus structural capacity built in for weight reasons. This would need a significant re-design and testing program.
Cool thanks, it was something I thought worth asking and I am not a techy.
The golden rule is avoid bespoke hot-rodding as it always leads to increased costs. I would simply question whether the value proposition or operational difference of a gearbox upgrade to gain an extra 200bhp is even necessary for such a adjunct role besides the cost or time to do it.
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It wasn't hot rodding that I was looking at. I was thinking more of cost than anything else actually. I thought if there had to be a limited run for bespoke engines then it might be more expensive than say, transplanting the engines and gearbox from the MH60R/S, that was all. However if the airframe has to be strengthened and new rotors organised, plus all the required testing etc., then no. The extra 200SHP along with a new modernised rotor design would be advantageous in both speed and lift capabilities if it was spread over a large number (>70 - 100) of airframes, not 10 - 12.
As this is a reduction in power the changes would be minimal, probably no more than minor changes to the fuel control unit program. I remember reading somewhere that in the event of an engine out the remaining engine can then go to full rated power.
Simply reconditioned T-700's should do the job if we were to add another 4-5 airframes with an attrition spare. No missile or Torp integration, basic mounted MG, decent COTS search radar, standard digital cockpit installed, zero-rated airframe, new rotors - basically a 'UH-2G' cheap and cheerful, without drama.
Price might come out similar to a new A109 without having to marinise them
40 deg south
Well-Known Member
Ceta: EU and Canada sign long-delayed free trade deal - BBC News
Couldn't help notice this minor detail in the report on Canada and the EU signing a trade deal (congrats, incidentally). I hope the Canadian media are a little less hysterical about a routine delay than their NZ equivalents.
Couldn't help notice this minor detail in the report on Canada and the EU signing a trade deal (congrats, incidentally). I hope the Canadian media are a little less hysterical about a routine delay than their NZ equivalents.
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
I guess that will mean 6 fewer F-35s so junior can get a new 747-8.
The Ministry of Defence have issued a Notice of Information for a Aircrew Training Capability Industry Day. This project is for the lease of a fleet of King Air aircraft for seven years from September 2017. The requirement for the lease is to increase capability and to train air warfare officers.
Well, that came from nowhere. So much for PC-24s then. Are we about to be offered a 'special deal' on some RAAF B350s? They are reviewing their need for them at Townsville & East Sale now that the C-27J is coming on-line. Apparently the aircraft are also contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals (link). Should guarantee a good discount.
An extension was expected though 7 years is probably 2-3 years longer than assumed. I'd say that the lease extension is wise in that can be informed by the B757/C130 and P3 replacements.
Do not fret about the PC-24 which is only starting up commercial production and pre-order books are strong so production is busy anyway - once they get their plug and play Spectre NG version developed it will be great contender for a 2021 RFI and a 2024 IOC.
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A cancer causing particulate was found and the remedy was a thorough cleaning of the interior of the aircraft, using a process that isn't normally employed within RAAF. I have not read anywhere that RAAF is considering disposing of these aircraft for this reason and whilst yes, there was an initial plan to dispose of the aircraft, local community reaction in Townsville seems to be pushing Government towards retaining the capability until the armed UAV project comes online and the capability can replace the King Airs (geographically) in Townsville.
There is a discussion at the last Senate Estimates about it, but the above basically summarises it.
kiwipatriot69
Active Member
Is there any idea where the contamination came from in the first place?
No, a draft RFP is out and it has some restrictions on it. Sufficet to say as per my previous post regarding this, the operative word is lease. Without going into any detail the aircraft will be fitted for but not with maritime surveillance radar, AIS and EOS turret sensors. Those sensors will be acquired and the idea is to move them between aircraft as required - basically a plug and play arrangement.
It was Strontium Chromate which is a chemical compound often used in flares, pyrotechnics and as an anti-corrosive agent for various paint primers on aircraft alloys.
To me this suggests it came from airframe corrosion or perhaps from EWSP systems usage, but the exact source hasn't been revealed as far as I can tell.
RNZAF News a while back signalled AWO training moving 'home' in 2-3 years so that seems to fit with the tender details etc. Currently 4 airframes providing MEPT & light transport, so probably not overly busy - wonder if 4 frames is considered enough once AWO training & light MPA duties are added in... may see 42 sqn go back to 5 strong fleet.
What is intersting is the interior - whilst I imagine these days AWO training requires just a laptop on a table, I imagine console etc for MPA operator will be more substantial & possibly not so 'portable' - so might reduce ability to provide anything more than very light transport. We can't rule out another King Air type (ie: B350) being offered - that would help just a wee bit with providing that little extra space.
Wait & see I guess...