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Post by Naki on Feb 17, 2010 16:04:09 GMT 12
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00217.htmRNZAF’s new helicopter makes its first flight Wednesday, 17 February 2010, 11:57 am Press Release: New Zealand Government RNZAF’s new helicopter makes its first flight The first of the Air Force’s five new A109 helicopters has taken to the air in Italy. “This is part of the major renewal of the Air Force,” Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said today. “The A109s are a significant acquisition for the NZDF. This first flight brings them a step closer.” The A109 Light Utility Helicopter is the replacement for the NZDF’s current training helicopter, the Sioux. It is a major step up, with twin turbine engines, carrying three crew and up to five passengers, and with a winch. The existing Sioux date from the 1950s and are only useful as basic trainers. The A109s will be used for training NZDF pilots and helicopter crew for the Air Force’s new NH90s and the Navy’s Seasprites. They can also carry out a wide variety of light roles, such as moving small groups, carrying light loads and rescue work with the winch. “These helicopters will be the basis of training our people for helicopter operations. They will also complement the NH90s and Seasprites in other areas, both military and in support of other agencies,” Dr Mapp said. Manufacturer Agusta is scheduled to deliver the first A109 to the Air Force late this year. ENDS 
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Post by beagle on Feb 17, 2010 21:39:47 GMT 12
I take it from all the promo shots, computer composed, it will be in a med/dark grey one colour scheme
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Post by Bruce on Feb 17, 2010 21:46:13 GMT 12
I'm waiting until we see the first one in the service colour scheme before I start my 1/72 model....
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Post by beagle on Feb 18, 2010 7:30:11 GMT 12
it's been a few months since the NH-90 flew, I wonder if that has been painted yet
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Post by skyhawkdon on Feb 18, 2010 8:44:24 GMT 12
Some positive news on the MOD project front... good to see. There is much to be said about buying something new and "off the shelf".
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Post by beagle on Feb 18, 2010 11:27:47 GMT 12
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Post by obiwan27 on Feb 18, 2010 12:26:35 GMT 12
Cool, good to see some positive RNZAF news after the Hercules upgrade debacle.
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Post by SEAN on Feb 19, 2010 12:33:17 GMT 12
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Post by Kereru on Feb 19, 2010 13:15:29 GMT 12
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Post by skyhawkdon on Feb 19, 2010 14:58:29 GMT 12
True, but we were the launch customer for the CB variant so inherited all the engine and avionics development problems. Maybe "proven and already in service" with well established logistics and spares support as the NH-90 and A109 are (hopefully!). Some familiar faces from Ohakea in front of the first A109... Patch Nelson, Shawn Johnson and Mario. |
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Post by Naki on Feb 19, 2010 15:51:58 GMT 12
The 119 is basically a single engine version of the 109, so yes they are the same size |
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Post by Kereru on Feb 20, 2010 7:56:54 GMT 12
Thanks Paul, much appreciated.
Cheers
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Post by hardyakka on Feb 20, 2010 9:47:30 GMT 12
That is one sweet looking aircraft (for an "earth-repeller" anyway...).
Imagine being an RNZAF Johnny-new-wings just out of a CT-4 and being pointed at an A109 and told "Now you're going to learn to fly fling-wings in this thing".
I've flown in a civilian Bell 47 and loved it but this would be like learning to drive in a Ferrari... challenging but rewarding when you get it right.
Outstanding!
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Post by vs on Feb 21, 2010 8:20:45 GMT 12
Is the 109 a proper military helicopter, or just a civil helicopter with airforce paint on them.....surly 5 is a bit on the light side in terms of numbers!
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Post by Calum on Feb 21, 2010 9:41:21 GMT 12
Is the 109 a proper military helicopter, or just a civil helicopter with airforce paint on them.....surly 5 is a bit on the light side in terms of numbers! The A-109 LUH is the military version of the A-109E Power. Main differences are wired for weapons and ECM gear. I agree 5 is a bit light, especially when you consider there will only be 8 NH-90's |
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Post by corsair67 on Feb 21, 2010 11:14:32 GMT 12
I really can't see how the RNZAF will operate effectively with only five A109s and eight NH-90s, and I won't be surprised if they end up having to add some extra airframes at a later date.
I'd love to see the original documents that the RNZAF took to Govt with the number of helicopters they really wanted on it.
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Post by beagle on Feb 21, 2010 16:40:07 GMT 12
Is the 109 a proper military helicopter, or just a civil helicopter with airforce paint on them.....surly 5 is a bit on the light side in terms of numbers! I agree 5 is a bit light, especially when you consider there will only be 8 NH-90's As for your reference to the "only 8 NH-90" PAX UH-1H 9 NH-90 19 Troops lightly equiped UH-1H 7 NH-90 18 Troops Fully Equiped UH-1H 5 NH-90 12 So in reality we are getting the equvalent of say 18-19 UH-1H, around a 40% jump in capacity |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 21, 2010 18:03:16 GMT 12
I was thinking this morning, it might be worthwhile when the Iroquois fleet retires to perhaps transfer a handful of them over to the New Zealand Police, for use in SAR work, aerial searches, aerial photography and the myriad of other jobs the RNZAF does now for Police. The RNZAF could transfer maintenance staff to the unit too.
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Post by beagle on Feb 21, 2010 18:14:54 GMT 12
There goes the Police Holden Commodore budget if done Dave, so a response time to a burglary at your house would take hours instead of minutes as they would have had to replace the commodore with a raleigh 20 or maybe an old chopper complete with ye old chopper guard flags. remember them Dave.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 21, 2010 19:46:11 GMT 12
Well I was thinking in terms of how there will be less available aircraft to call on, and if the RNZAF are on an operation or exercise then maybe the police operations will suffer badly. They operate a couple of helicopters now, so why not add to their fleet? The police seem to have less problems getting funding for equipment than the NZDF does.
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