Beechcraft T-6C Military Trainer Demo Tours to New Zealand Air Force

28 Maret 2012

Beechcraft T-6C Military Trainer (photo : Hawker Beechcraft)

SHANGHAI – Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company (HBDC) today announced it has kicked off a two-week demonstration tour in New Zealand with its T-6C Texan II military trainer. The tour began this week at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) 75th Anniversary Air Show at RNZAF Base Ohakea, near Palmerston North.

“This is a great opportunity for us to show the world’s most versatile and capable integrated pilot training system to a broad range of interested prospects from New Zealand and the Pacific Region,” said Russ Bartlett, HBDC vice president, Business Development. “Our presence at the 75th Anniversary Air Show is excellent exposure of the robust capability, affordability and sustainability of the T-6C, which has already completed more than 15,700 miles on its journey to New Zealand.”

The T-6C was flown from HBDC’s headquarters in Wichita, Kan., to RNZAF Base Ohakea – a distance of 15,733 miles – in a total elapsed time of nearly 65 flight hours. The trip included stops in Canada, Greenland, Iceland, England, Italy, Greece, Egypt, UAE, India, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.

During the RNZAF 75th Anniversary Air Show, HBDC’s aerobatic demonstration team will perform single-ship, low-altitude aerobatics in a standard equipped T-6C military trainer. The team will also participate in the Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show on the South Island the following week.

The T-6C aerobatic team debuted in 2011 at the Avalon Air Show in Victoria, Australia. The team’s 2012 tour schedule will include performances at air shows such as Farnborough International Air Show, the Royal International Air Tattoo, the Atlantic Canada International Air Show and the Canada International Air Show. Its tour will also include U.S. demonstrations at Andrews (Md.) and McConnell (Kan.) Air Force Bases; Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (Calif.); Naval Air Station Pensacola (Fla.); as well as air shows in Oshkosh, Wis.; Columbia, Mo.; Fort Worth, Texas; Atlanta, Ga.; and Houston, Texas.

“Performing aerobatics in the T-6C is something that flows naturally from the typical training syllabus for the airplane because it is such a capable and versatile aircraft,” Bartlett said. “It allows us to demonstrate the aircraft’s handling and superior performance in a dramatic fashion.”

In addition to the hard-point wings, the T-6C features an integrated glass cockpit and the advanced Esterline CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite that greatly expands advanced training opportunities.

The systems are integrated with a Hands-On Throttle and Stick, providing the student pilot and instructor with a simpler interface to the digital cockpit. The CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite is the first in its class to incorporate a fully integrated and FAA-certified dual FMS/GPS navigation suite that meets the navigation performance standards required for current worldwide airspace equipment. The open architecture design of the Cockpit 4000 provides the flexibility to expand capabilities and continuously meet current and future training needs.

Deliveries of the T-6 began in 2000 after the aircraft was initially selected to fill the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System role for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. Since then, additional military programs worldwide, including NATO Flying Training Canada, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Israeli Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force and our newest customer, the Mexican Air Force, have chosen the T-6 as their primary trainer. To date, the company has delivered more than 740 T-6 aircraft.

(HawkerBeechcraft)

New Helicopters Take to the Air after Long Flight

17 Februari 2012

FIRST FLIGHT: The air force's two new NH90 helicopters had their first flights on Tuesday, since being delivered to Ohakea Air Force Base in December. (photo : NZDF)

The air force's new helicopters have had their first test flight since arriving in the country, but the results are being kept under wraps.

Defence spokesman Paul Stein confirmed two NH90s were taken for flights on Tuesday with staff from Nato Helicopter Industries (NHI) "to make sure all the controls and instruments and everything were working as they should since being shipped over from France".

Mr Stein said the results of the test flights could not be released yet due to "commercial sensitivity".
Two new NH90 helicopters were delivered to Ohakea Air Force Base on December 6 on board a Russian Antonov AN124 cargo aeroplane – one of the biggest aircraft in the world.

Six more NH90s were still to be delivered, with the Ministry of Defence hoping the next two could arrive as early as next month.

They will be delivered in three more shipments of two helicopters on board the Antonov, with each trip estimated to cost about $1.6 million, but could vary depending on fuel costs.

Nine NH90s were ordered in 2006 at a cost of $771m.

They will replace the air force's Vietnam War-era Iroquois helicopters that have been in service for more than 40 years.

They will be on display to the public at next month's Royal New Zealand Air Force's 75th Anniversary Air Show, along with a number of other aircraft from six different countries.

The French Armed Forces of New Caledonia, Singapore Air Force, Royal Air Force, Australian Air Force, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps will join with the New Zealand Air Force to perform air and ground displays at Ohakea on March 31.

(Stuff)

Upgraded New Zealand C-130s Undergo Operational Tests

09 Februari 2012

C130H cockpit after upgrade (photo : NZDF)

The Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) first pair of upgraded Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules aircraft are undergoing an operational test and evaluation process, while the remaining three are undergoing an extensive life estension programme (LEP).

The two upgraded aircraft are based at RNZAF Auckland for the evaluations and have already flown as far afield as Europe, the US, Antarctica, Australia, and Pacific Islands, said the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

"The final three aircraft are being modified at RNZAF Woodbourne under the management of a Ministry of Defence team led by Graeme Gilmore, a highly experience engineering manager and executive," said the NZDF. Work on the first of the three remaining aircraft commenced in April 2011 and should be completed in June 2012.

New Zealand's LEP for its 1960s era C-130s involves a number of major upgrades. It includes refurbishment of the centre wings, refurbishment or replacement of other structural components, rewiring work, and new avionics.

The aircraft also receive new flight management, autopilot, navigation and communications upgrades as well as a glass cockpit.

"This will ensure that the aircraft continue to comply with evolving air traffic control regulations worldwide," said the NZDF.

"Without this upgrade, the aircraft would be restricted in operation in various air traffic environments," it added.

Other benefits include improved airworthiness, easier supportability and improved self protection against new threats.

The Woodbourne team undertaking the work for the final three aircraft includes L-3 Systems, Safe Air, Aviation Labour Group, the RNZAF and other contractors. The first two were upgraded by L-3 Communications in the US.

(FlightGlobal)

NZ Joins US Network of Military Satellites

19 Januari 2012

New Zealand use satellite to improve communication (photo : World News)

The Defence Force is to join a United States network of nine military satellites to improve communications between New Zealand and overseas deployments.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says New Zealand joins Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in getting access to the network in return for partially paying for the ninth satellite.
Dr Coleman says that will cost New Zealand $83.2 million over the next 20 years, but will ensure better communications for military personnel deployed overseas.

The minister says until now, New Zealand has had to buy satellite bandwidth at spot prices which can involve premiums of up to 100% depending on demand.

(Radio New Zealand)

First of New NH90 Helicopters Arrive for RNZAF

06 Desember 2011

The RNZAF has taken delivery of its first - two new - NH90s helicopters arriving with an Antonov An-124 cargo plane. (all photos : RNZAF)

Two new NH90 helicopters will arrive at Ohakea at 9.30am, after being airlifted from France on board an Antonov AN 124 transport aircraft, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said today.

“These helicopters will provide a quantum leap in capability for the RNZAF,” said Dr Mapp. “The NH90s will give the NZDF better capability to conduct military, counter-terrorism, disaster relief, search and rescue, and other operations.

“The NH90s have over three times the power of the current Iroquois and can carry more than twice the payload further and faster.

“They have twin engines for better safety over water. They will also be able to operate from the HMNZ Canterbury which will add tremendously to her versatility,” said Dr Mapp.

“The Iroquois has been a fantastic workhorse for over 40 years. But they are overdue for replacement,” said Dr Mapp.

Six more NH90s will be progressively delivered from next year. Earlier this year the RNZAF received five new A109 helicopters to replace the old Sioux helicopters.

Dr Mapp said the new NH90s will complement the new direction that the NZDF is taking as a result of the White Paper.

“These helicopters are another step in the modernisation of the NZDF. The recently released Capability Plan details a range of new projects that will further the modernisation agenda.

“This includes new advanced training aircraft, upgrading or replace the Seasprite helicopters, a replacement for the Endeavour and new trucks,” said Dr Mapp.

(Beehive)

New A109 Helicopter Training Simulator for Air Force

24 November 2011

A109 helicopter training simulator (photo : Scoop/NZDF)

A new flight simulator complex was commissioned at Ohakea today by the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell.

“The A109 simulator and accompanying Virtual Interactive Procedure Trainer are critical components of the newly introduced integrated training system for future New Zealand Defence Force helicopter aircrew,” said Air Vice-Marshal Stockwell.

As a part of that training system the simulator will provide the Royal New Zealand Air Force with a cost effective means of training A109 aircrew and those destined to fly the NH90 and SH2G helicopters. The simulator provides significant financial savings as the operating cost of the simulator is approximately 10% of the A109 helicopter operating cost.

“The simulator cost EUR9.3M and it has an expected service life of at least 30 years. It will provide approximately 1400 hours of training per year but it has the capacity to provide in excess of twice this, if required. At the planned rate, the simulator will effectively pay for itself in less than five years,” said Air Vice-Marshal Stockwell.

One of the primary functions of the recently introduced A109LUH helicopters was as a training platform for NZDF NH90 and SH2G aircrew. AgustaWestland, suppliers of the A109 helicopters, also provided the Virtual Interactive Procedure Trainer and the Flight Simulator.

“The simulator is an excellent training platform as it allows high risk exercises (such as engine and other equipment failures) to be conducted safely rather than in the helicopter. It also allows flying training in bad weather and poor visibility conditions as we can simulate the external environment to suit our training requirements.”

“Both world class training devices will be housed at Ohakea and used for training NZDF helicopter pilots and crewmen. Approximately 50% of all A109 helicopter training will be conducted in the simulator, making significant training efficiencies and cost savings,” said Air Vice-Marshal Stockwell.

Virtual Interactive Procedures Trainer (VIPT)

This is a PC-based system that replicates the A109LUH cockpit using touch screens and allows training in the use of individual systems (e.g. autopilot) and of integrated systems (e.g. how the autopilot affects navigation and flight displays). The VIPT is capable of simulating all aspects of instrument flight using the aircraft’s automatic flight control system.

Flight Simulator

This is a full reproduction of the A109LUH cockpit within a cabin containing a semi-spherical screen and a visual system comprising seven projectors. The visual system displays an external view of the synthetic world on to a 220o x 60o screen. The simulator includes a six axis electro-pneumatic motion system, a seat vibration system and a sound system that models aircraft and environmental sounds. The simulator is capable of simulating flight by day and night, and is Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible. The control station allows the instructor to set and change weather and sea conditions, change the time of day, reposition the aircraft instantly, insert fixed or moving models (e.g. aircraft, vehicles, ships), and inject a wide range of malfunctions and emergencies.

(Scoop)

Last Mothballed Skyhawks Sold Off

16 November 2011

Decommissioned Skyhawks at Woodbourne Airbase. (photo : Stuff/Marlborough Express)

The Government may finally get some money out of the long-stalled sale of its mothballed air combat aircraft.

A US company, JDI Holdings, has bought the last eight of its mothballed Skyhawk fighter bombers for $7.9 million and says it is planning to use them for aerial displays and for US Defence Department contracts.

JDI has paid a $1m deposit but the deal, which includes spare engines and parts, depends on approval by the US government.

The other nine Skyhawks, which have been parked up since they were grounded and put up for sale a decade ago, have gone to museums.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said the last of its Aermacchi and Strikemaster jet trainers are also going to aviation museums around New Zealand.

''This is the resolution of what has been a long process,'' Mapp said. It is expected that JDI Holdings will take delivery of the planes within six months.

The price for the seven Skyhawks is well short of the $155m offered for all the jets by a US pilot training company which was never able to conclude the deal.

It is also less than $9.4m spent by the air force keeping the aircraft in storage since they were grounded in 2001 when the Government decided to disband its air combat wing, rather than buy new fighter jets.

Mapp said the jets were an important part of New Zealand's aviation history and they remaining aircraft would make fine museum exhibits.

The Aermacchis will go to six aviation museums, with a further three museums still to confirm their acceptance while some will stay at the RNZAF's ground training wing in Woodbourne and may be used as non-flying training aids.

(Stuff)

First Landing on HMNZS CANTERBURY for New Air Force Helicopter

02 November 2011

First time Air Force A109 lands on HMNZS CANTERBURY (photo : Fuseworks)

Last week the new Air Force helicopter, the A109, successfully completed its first integration trial with the Navy’s Multi-role Vessel, HMNZS CANTERBURY.

The aim of the trial was to test the A109 with the Ship in non-operational conditions including the ability for the aircraft to operate and be maintained on the Ship.

During the trial the helicopter was landed on the ship and then fully stowed in the ship’s hangar. The second stage of the trial saw the helicopter being removed from the hangar, prepared for flight and flown off the ship, which was tied-up alongside Devonport Naval Base throughout.

The trial was deemed a success with only minor issues to rectify. Further trials will be carried out before the helicopter is able to operate to and from the ship.

HMNZS CANTERBURY is the Navy’s sealift and amphibious support vessel. Depending on the mission type, CANTERBURY can transport a blend of A109 or Navy Seasprite helicopters in support of air and land operations and disaster relief. The ship will also carry the new NH90 helicopter when it comes into service.

(RNZAF)

HNLMS Tromp (F803)

The Royal Netherlands Navy ship, HNLMS Tromp (F803), arrives at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. The Air Defense and Command Frigate has a crew of approximately 170. The crew is scheduled to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial and visit various sites throughout Oahu. It is scheduled to sail back to the Netherlands following a circumnavigation around the world. This is the first Dutch navy ship to visit Hawaii in more than 50 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist David Rush)

HNLMS Jacob Van Heemskerck (F 812)

The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Jacob Van Heemskerck (F 812) sails past Manhattan while taking part in a "Parade of Ships." Heemskerck is currently taking part in NATO Standing Naval Force Atlantic (SNFL) 2004 exercises. SNFL is a permanent peacetime multinational naval squadron composed of destroyers and frigates from the navies of various NATO nations. The exercises are designed to test readiness, improve communication and diplomacy between member countries and promote interoperability between navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Steven J. Weber)

New Era in RNZAF Advanced Pilot Training Signalled

03 Oktober 2011





RNZAF Beechcraft King Air B200 (photo : NZFF)



The Minister of Defence, Wayne Mapp, has announced moves to develop a new advanced pilot training capability for the RNZAF. This will include new advanced trainer aircraft.



“In future pilots will train on fast and manoeuvrable aircraft which provide much more rigorous and realistic training. This will prepare them effectively for the demanding military flying they will be called upon to perform in service,” said Dr Mapp.



“The upgraded P3 Orion and C-130 Hercules aircraft and the NH90 helicopter are frontline military aircraft that are routinely flown well beyond normal civil parameters.



“Currently advanced pilot training is done using King Air B200s. These twin-engine civilian planes are limited in the power, manoeuvrability and cockpit visibility needed for training at this level.





Comparison with Australia and Canada (photo : Beehive)



“They are also not equipped with the modern generation electronic instruments, communications and situational awareness aids that are important features of our new and upgraded aircraft and helicopters.”



Dr Mapp said last year’s Defence White Paper was clear that pilot training needs to match the full range of operational demands made on aircrew.



“A Request for Information from industry has been released today, covering provision of suitable aircraft as well as different training options including the use of simulators.”



“The Government is open to either leasing or purchasing aircraft, and innovative ways of managing the support and operation of new aircraft. We will be encouraging industry to work with the RNZAF to introduce this new training capability as quickly as possible.



“The project exemplifies the Government’s openness to working with industry to develop innovative solutions that deliver better services more efficiently.”



Dr Mapp noted the King Air fleet would still be needed for multi-engine and continuation training and utility transport tasks. A project to upgrade or replace the current King Airs, for which the lease expires at the end of June next year, is underway.



(Beehive)



See Also :



Defence Capability Plan launched

03 Oktober 2011



The Minister of Defence, Wayne Mapp, today launched the new Defence Capability Plan.



“This plan sets out how Defence will carry out the Defence White Paper strategies over the next decade,” said Dr Mapp.



“It will guide our decisions on shaping frontline units and on the equipment and capability they will have. It takes into account affordability, resources and defence priorities”.



“The plan is not just a list of projects and equipment. Capability for the Defence Force is about transporting and sustaining a deployable Defence Force here and overseas. It is about using modern technology to give the entire defence force a common operating picture. And it is about ensuring our men and women in uniform are equipped to meet all the challenges they face, from combat through to disaster relief.”



The plan includes new projects covering the next decade, including upgrading or replacing the Seasprite helicopters, a systems upgrade for the ANZAC frigates, a Special Forces Battle Training facility, and a land transport capability programme.



“An important project is a new pilot training capability, including finding advanced training aircraft to replace the current King Air B200s,” said Dr Mapp.



There are also plans for network-enabled systems which are interoperable across the Defence Force and multinationally.



Dr Mapp said the plan signals good opportunities for local industry.



“Industry is a key partner in delivering new and upgraded equipment, and in maintaining it. We already work closely with a number of companies, and there will be many more opportunities for industry, particularly in infrastructure and information technology projects.”



He said the projects in the Capability Plan could be funded for the next ten years from accumulated depreciation, with no need for extra capital. Any increase in costs would be met by reallocating existing resources within Defence.

(The Defence Capability Plan can be found at http://www.defence.govt.nz/pdfs/reports-publications/defence-capability-plan-2011.pdf).



(Beehive)

HMNZS Canterbury (L 421)

HMNZS Canterbury and Republic of Vanuatu Ship (RVS)Tukoro rafts up to resupply the patrol boat during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMNZS Canterbury (L 421)

HMNZS Canterbury off the Northern Coast of New Caledonia during Exercise Croix Du Sud. Exercise Croix Du Sud, held in the vicinity of Northern New Caledonia. (Photo: Australia DoD)