Royal New Zealand Air Force

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
RNZAF Texans caried underwing fuel tanks on their delivery flights so they definitely have hardpoints. The tanks were returned as not needed - pretty sure none were retained.

T6C is capable of fairly rudamentary weaons delivery - basically eyeball aiming! The AT6 has the sensors & other systems required to make the a/c a 'decent' light attack / CAS aircraft.

Of course RNZAF has neither the weapons nor the desire (or need!) to use the T6C in this capacity. If they ever moved in that direction the AT6 would make more sense. But one has to ask what the 'trigger point' would be to see that requirement evolve.
Any trigger point would have to be very big and direct for our pollies to take any notice. Less than that and they would simply put their rose tinted glasses back on.
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
The RNZAF have eased the flying limitations on the NH-90s.
“We know now how the aircraft performed with one engine and we are working with the aircraft engine manufacturer to clarify the initial causes of the engine failure.

“Those investigations have given us confidence the aircraft can be operated safely following a similar engine failure. Therefore we have returned to normal flying operations, except where the aircraft is operating at its upper weight limits, and plan to return to full operations as soon as the engine manufacturer has determined the reasons for the initial failure.”
AVM Tony Davies, CAF RNZAF
That's good news.
 

40 deg south

Well-Known Member
https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/imdex-asia-saab-looks-asia-pacific-market-swordfis/

SAAB are touting increased offensive capability for their business jet-based MPA package at the IMDEX trade show in Singapore. Posted here because of an interesting comment in the last para - I hadn't thought about it but is is probably true.

And no, I'm not suggesting Swordfish is the likely winner for NZ's P-3C replacement capability, no matter how much SAAB pushes it.

Good coverage of IMDEX at Shepherd and Navy Recognition:

https://www.shephardmedia.com/show-news/imdex-asia-2017-show-news/

IMDEX Asia 2017 Online Show Daily News Report Coverage International Maritime Exposition Naval Defence Exhibition Gaylord USA Pictures Images Video Photos Salon Navy Web TV
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
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MrConservative

Super Moderator
Staff member
Stuff report on the US Coast Guard HC-130 currently in Auckland for exercises.

US Coastguard to the rescue in Auckland exercises | Stuff.co.nz

It's an -H model rather than a newer -J by the looks. No doubt the RNZAF will be paying it at least some attention vs the P-8/P-1
Interestingly enough the A400M's Northrop Grumman AN/APN-241E radar includes a high resolution SAR mapping mode. A400M are MCADS capable so as to biff ARK’s, SKAD’s, and Pribad 21’s out the backend. Useful adjunct to the FASC.

BTW you are aware that a particular platform for the FASC was formally chosen to move through the acquisition gateway on to the detailed and implementation business case stage.
 

htbrst

Active Member
BTW you are aware that a particular platform for the FASC was formally chosen to move through the acquisition gateway on to the detailed and implementation business case stage.
Quite right, my statement was missing :rolleyes::rolleyes: at the end - aware they are different beasts :)

Is there likely to be any outcomes from the business case analysis prior to the election?
 

MrConservative

Super Moderator
Staff member
Quite right, my statement was missing :rolleyes::rolleyes: at the end - aware they are different beasts :)

Is there likely to be any outcomes from the business case analysis prior to the election?
I cannot see any reason why there should not be other than political tactics. There are really no surprises in all of this with costs involved coming from the DWP16 well telegraphed and the GOTD want to present a business as usual - only game in town posture.
 

danonz

Member
Interestingly enough the A400M's Northrop Grumman AN/APN-241E radar includes a high resolution SAR mapping mode. A400M are MCADS capable so as to biff ARK’s, SKAD’s, and Pribad 21’s out the backend. Useful adjunct to the FASC.

BTW you are aware that a particular platform for the FASC was formally chosen to move through the acquisition gateway on to the detailed and implementation business case stage.

Do tell ? I'm assuming p8, if I am deciphering the abbreviations correctly ..
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Do tell ? I'm assuming p8, if I am deciphering the abbreviations correctly ..
Gidday cobber and welcome to the forum. Please read the rules and note that newbies aren't allowed to post one liners. Also please visit the Introduction Thread and introduce yourself to us.

Yes it is the P-8A that is progressing through the acquisition process. It will now be subject to, as Mr C states, a detailed and implementation business case stage. This does not mean acquisition approval and the case will be submitted to Cabinet who may or may not accept it. As an example, the C-17A acquisition didn't make it to the application for FMS acquisition approval stage.
 

Gibbo

Well-Known Member
Stuff report on the US Coast Guard HC-130 currently in Auckland for exercises.

US Coastguard to the rescue in Auckland exercises | Stuff.co.nz

It's an -H model rather than a newer -J by the looks. No doubt the RNZAF will be paying it at least some attention vs the P-8/P-1
As Ngatimozart has already replied the USCG HC-130 certainly isn't a player in the FASC project, however it is of interest nevertheless! The FAMC project includes a requirement that the platform chosen is capable of SAR tasking - and in that capacity it would be deployed more or less in the same manner as the HC-130.

Use of a FAMC platform in this way will relieve the FASC of some of these taskings and is no doubt a factor, no doubt influenced by cost, in the decision to go for no more than 4 FASC airframes.

I still think 5 FASC airframes would give better lifetime availability & allow more operational flexibility but I suspect that 40 sqn is likely to pick-up more of the more 'basic' SAR taskings, with a little help from 42 sqn, whilst 5 sqn looks to play with real toys in a much more exclusive sandpit.

p.s. I should add that the HC-130 obviously is better equipped than your average heavy lifter with FLIR & Search radar etc etc, so yes 5 sqn will still get plenty of SAR work. 42 sqn it seems will be able to do more of the 'closer in' SAR and it seems will get systems to allow it to do so.
 
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MrConservative

Super Moderator
Staff member
I suspect that any strategic solution identified for the FAMC will also complement FASC with respect to ISR again allowing the main FASC platform to be used more at the sharp end.

It is the dual hat philosophy. Any particular platform chosen has to offer something else to enhance force capability and flexibility.
 

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
I suspect that any strategic solution identified for the FAMC will also complement FASC with respect to ISR again allowing the main FASC platform to be used more at the sharp end.

It is the dual hat philosophy. Any particular platform chosen has to offer something else to enhance force capability and flexibility.
I agree, to have the necessary numbers this would I think be the way to go.
Mr C where was the source for the statement that the FASC solution had been selected, as some were saying August/September and Japanese sources, that their final submissions would be in June.
 

MrConservative

Super Moderator
Staff member
I agree, to have the necessary numbers this would I think be the way to go.
Mr C where was the source for the statement that the FASC solution had been selected, as some were saying August/September and Japanese sources, that their final submissions would be in June.
As NG just posted above the FASC solution has not been selected yet. The P-8A has gone through to the next gateway in the formal acquisition process which is a significant step on the pathway. There are a number of links on this thread placed a few weeks ago including a US Congressional notification.
 

RegR

Well-Known Member
As Ngatimozart has already replied the USCG HC-130 certainly isn't a player in the FASC project, however it is of interest nevertheless! The FAMC project includes a requirement that the platform chosen is capable of SAR tasking - and in that capacity it would be deployed more or less in the same manner as the HC-130.

Use of a FAMC platform in this way will relieve the FASC of some of these taskings and is no doubt a factor, no doubt influenced by cost, in the decision to go for no more than 4 FASC airframes.

I still think 5 FASC airframes would give better lifetime availability & allow more operational flexibility but I suspect that 40 sqn is likely to pick-up more of the more 'basic' SAR taskings, with a little help from 42 sqn, whilst 5 sqn looks to play with real toys in a much more exclusive sandpit.

p.s. I should add that the HC-130 obviously is better equipped than your average heavy lifter with FLIR & Search radar etc etc, so yes 5 sqn will still get plenty of SAR work. 42 sqn it seems will be able to do more of the 'closer in' SAR and it seems will get systems to allow it to do so.
Does'nt the current C130 fleet allow for this SAR "option"? As in they CAN be made available for SAR duties when/if needed, does'nt mean they nesscessarily got anything above and beyond equipment wise per se bar some mk1 eyeballs and a patrol pattern. Not sure we will see too much of a change in this regard bar anything that comes with the platform as a bonus ie we will not turn transport aircraft into quasai SAR aircraft as standard and use them on a regular basis.

Much like any vessel in the navy can be a patrol vessel with varied results but does not then make them all a "patrol" vessel in the true sense. Possible envisaged abilities not added capabilities as such. Long range, endurance and a window could be considered SAR capable.

I think the visiting CG herc was just that, a visiting CG herc, here for the SAR conference and merely showing what they do. Alot of capabilities, civil and mil, have visited over the years to showcase their way of doing things but does not nesscessarily mean we are then getting them or even implementing their practices just always enlightening to see how other organisations conduct their buisness sometimes. The CG C130 is no where near what we need in terms of P3 replacement and whilst having some similarities in the SAR arena are very different beasts indeed in their overall job descriptions.
 

40 deg south

Well-Known Member
As NG just posted above the FASC solution has not been selected yet. The P-8A has gone through to the next gateway in the formal acquisition process which is a significant step on the pathway. There are a number of links on this thread placed a few weeks ago including a US Congressional notification.
Interesting. I haven't seen any official announcements from the programme. Do we know if the P-8 is the only aircraft to go through to the next stage?
 

MrConservative

Super Moderator
Staff member
Do we know if the P-8 is the only aircraft to go through to the next stage?
Frankly I would expect it is the only aircraft to go through to the next stage. Not surprised at all that it would be.

Seriously the fact that the GoNZ made a Request to the US State Department is not ever done lightly - not done on a jolly - not done to waste scarce staff time both stateside in the US and in NZ at the defence, legal and political level. This is not a fishing expedition for further facts - all that is known. It is a signal that there is a reasonably strong intention that the GoNZ wants to acquire the platform and requests permission to do so.

If there were any other manufacturers who went through the last gateway it is unusual that those suppliers would not have been lauding such an event for PR/Marketing purposes and it been recently a core part of G2G bi-laterals.

For example the Japanese would have had Bill from Dipton along for a photo op at Komeke if anything was going to happen on that front. Instead they took him to a sheep farm in Hokkaido. A point not lost on some of my mates in Japan on social media.
 
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