Post by ErrolC on Jul 6, 2010 16:54:51 GMT 12
www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/3889113/Aussie-Iroquois-to-become-tourist-attractions
Aussie Iroquois to become tourist attractions
By VICTORIA ROBINSON - Stuff
Last updated 14:03 06/07/2010
The Australian army's Iroquois helicopters will be recycled as tourist attractions, but there are currently no plans for New Zealand's choppers to go the same way.
Australia's Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, Greg Combet, announced today that eight of the country's Iroquois would be distributed to Australian towns to become national treasures.
They will be kept on public display for the benefit of "military enthusiasts and other visitors".
New Zealand Air Force spokesman, Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki, said he knows of no plans to adopt this idea in New Zealand.
"I have no idea what will happen to our Iroquois. We haven't even gone through the process of deciding yet."
Tamariki said the Air Force will begin replacing New Zealand's Iroquois in mid-late 2011.
"We still have to maintain capability. We don't just stop flying one set of aircraft and move onto another."
New Zealand currently operates 13 Iroquois.
One was lost in the crash that claimed the lives of three Air Force personnel in April this year.
The fleet will be replaced by nine European-designed NH90 helicopters.
The Australian Iroquois will go on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, as well as in Townsville, Point Cook, Darwin, Holsworthy, Oakey, Enoggera and Bandiana.
Five more Australian Iroquois will be used as training aids by the Australian Defence Force, and another two will be offered to sale to national returned services organisation.
Aussie Iroquois to become tourist attractions
By VICTORIA ROBINSON - Stuff
Last updated 14:03 06/07/2010
The Australian army's Iroquois helicopters will be recycled as tourist attractions, but there are currently no plans for New Zealand's choppers to go the same way.
Australia's Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, Greg Combet, announced today that eight of the country's Iroquois would be distributed to Australian towns to become national treasures.
They will be kept on public display for the benefit of "military enthusiasts and other visitors".
New Zealand Air Force spokesman, Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki, said he knows of no plans to adopt this idea in New Zealand.
"I have no idea what will happen to our Iroquois. We haven't even gone through the process of deciding yet."
Tamariki said the Air Force will begin replacing New Zealand's Iroquois in mid-late 2011.
"We still have to maintain capability. We don't just stop flying one set of aircraft and move onto another."
New Zealand currently operates 13 Iroquois.
One was lost in the crash that claimed the lives of three Air Force personnel in April this year.
The fleet will be replaced by nine European-designed NH90 helicopters.
The Australian Iroquois will go on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, as well as in Townsville, Point Cook, Darwin, Holsworthy, Oakey, Enoggera and Bandiana.
Five more Australian Iroquois will be used as training aids by the Australian Defence Force, and another two will be offered to sale to national returned services organisation.
