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Post by dutchkiwi on Feb 7, 2017 21:11:04 GMT 12
A bit off topic maybe, but I did read a while ago that RNZAF might take an option to buy a few more NH.90's in next years? I forget the source, but like to know if that was based on facts... or fiction?
Thanks. Rico (former KiwiRico)
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Post by gibbo on Feb 7, 2017 21:32:04 GMT 12
A bit off topic maybe, but I did read a while ago that RNZAF might take an option to buy a few more NH.90's in next years? I forget the source, but like to know if that was based on facts... or fiction? Thanks. Rico (former KiwiRico) A couple of extra 'special forces' options for NZSAS would be good capability boost for sure! However as far as your question about more options goes... while I can't answer that, the fact that no such suggestion has been made in the white paper or capability plans would suggest it is very unlikely.
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Post by dutchkiwi on Feb 8, 2017 8:27:13 GMT 12
Thanks Gibbo for reply. Are those 'white papers' mention only the possible new Transport aircraft (and P-3 replacement?) or anything more? Believe there was also some plans to have a trio more A-109's right?
Cheers from Holland.
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Post by flypro on Feb 8, 2017 16:46:26 GMT 12
With the navy due for a replacement multi-role vessel to replace the HMNZS Endeavour (tanker), an option is to replace the current I model Seasprites with a naval version of the NH90
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Post by gibbo on Feb 8, 2017 16:48:50 GMT 12
Thanks Gibbo for reply. Are those 'white papers' mention only the possible new Transport aircraft (and P-3 replacement?) or anything more? Believe there was also some plans to have a trio more A-109's right? Cheers from Holland. The white paper & capability plan can be found here... www.defence.govt.nz/ ...well worth a read. AFAIK the idea of 3 extra A-109 was mooted in the previous white paper but no further public discussion has occurred on the matter and the most recent white paper clealry indicates the fleet will remain at 5.
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Post by gibbo on Feb 8, 2017 16:55:14 GMT 12
With the navy due for a replacement multi-role vessel to replace the HMNZS Endeavour (tanker), an option is to replace the current I model Seasprites with a naval version of the NH90 I guess pretty much in the same vein as my response to the post by dutchkiwi... such an option is not in anyway broached in the white paper or capability plan so it is extremely unlikeky that such an option is even casually being considered at present. Given the SH-2Gi has only literally just entered servcie the question of it's replacement won't appear in any white papers for some years.
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Post by flypro on Feb 8, 2017 17:00:18 GMT 12
The I model Sprites are just a 'temporary' aircraft until a better option became available to use due to the existing tooling and knowledge of the Seasprite platform. It made sense to get these in the interim, although many may disagree.
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Post by gibbo on Feb 8, 2017 18:28:21 GMT 12
The I model Sprites are just a 'temporary' aircraft until a better option became available to use due to the existing tooling and knowledge of the Seasprite platform. It made sense to get these in the interim, although many may disagree. I'm not so sure temporary is the best word, the capability plan shows investments in the SH-2Gi out to 2023 which means they'll see a couple of years at least after that (to ensure a ROI) and the same doc has no 'SH-2Gi replacement' flagged in it's project timelines out to 2030. Their replacement will get 'flagged' early next decade but it certainly suggests to me we'll get the 13 years out to 2030 from the fleet. The latest APDR magazine (no charge, just register your email address & you're away!) has a very interesting 3 page article on NZ's SH-2Gi and concludes with a whole sub-section asking when will they be replaced - which concurs with the way I interpret the capability plan. It gives a good reasoning of why 2030 is quite achievable - but I'm happy to be corrected! www.asiapacificdefencereporter.com/
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Post by ErrolC on Feb 15, 2017 9:54:19 GMT 12
Capability update from Air Force News No. 3 Squadron’s NH90s have been stood up to operate on to ships at home and internationally after work on the HMNZS CANTERBURY late last year. This important development has vastly increased the countries they can travel to when they are needed for disaster response. No. 3 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander (WGCDR) Scott McKenzie, said the capability broadened the nature of the NH90s’ role within the New Zealand Defence Force. “We are able to transfer personnel and stores from ship to shore or reverse and we can also refuel on the ship,” WGCDR McKenzie said. “So that gives us a greater range and a greater capability, especially for HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) or earthquake response.” The NH90s would be able to perform the tasks regardless of whether the ship was moving, he said. “I think it’s a fantastic capability that can operate all around New Zealand and further afield, such as the Southwest Pacific and beyond.” The people who were involved in developing the capability from maintenance, supply, air crew – had done an enormous amount of work, he said. “We’ve also worked with the Australian Navy and No. 6 Squadron during the process. So we’ve had great support. It’s been a big team effort on the back of an intense period with earthquake recovery operations.” HMNZS CANTERBURY Commanding Officer Commander Simon Rooke said from a Navy point of view it significantly enhanced the capability that the CANTERBURY could deliver on behalf of the whole of the Defence Force. “Having the NH90s now being to operate from the ship opens up so many more capabilities for us, and for the navy it’s just a further extension of our jointery, given that we’ve had Air Force personnel within our naval flights for 50 years with the Wasps and now the Seasprites.” Until now the NH90s could be shipped, but they could operate only from the shore, CDR Rooke said. “Now we have integrated the NH90 capability, if we’re in a remote location they can come with us to that location and then they lodge ashore. More importantly, they can pick up fuel and transport cargo and people.” In the future the NH90s would also be able to operate from the HMNZS ENDEAVOUR replacement ship and the littoral off-shore support ship, CDR Rooke said. “It’s a great result for all of us and it came about after a great amount of hard work by a number of different parts of the organisation.” The embarked capability will be developed further later this year, in conjunction with Exercise SOUTHERN KATIPO on the South Island’s West Coast.
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Post by isc on Feb 15, 2017 17:47:20 GMT 12
Can the NH-90 sling a Monsoon bucket? We might have a job for them down here. isc
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Post by ErrolC on Feb 15, 2017 17:55:23 GMT 12
Bigger question is are crews trained in fighting fires. I assume not.
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Post by frankly on Feb 15, 2017 19:36:15 GMT 12
Bigger question is are crews trained in fighting fires. I assume not. Better question is why would you want to use the a 10-tonne machine for a task that the large pool of commercial 500s and squirrels does very well. SaveSave
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2017 20:50:01 GMT 12
Can A109's undersling a monsoon bucket?
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Post by isc on Feb 15, 2017 20:56:11 GMT 12
I think the fire crew from Burnham have been mobilised. One of the two brigades from our local volunteer fire station is in action on the port hills. isc
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Post by frankly on Feb 16, 2017 6:56:15 GMT 12
Can A109's undersling a monsoon bucket? Yes. I don't know if any were purchased however. This is probably one of those situations where people instinctively think Defence can provide helicopters, but don't ask if they're the best option for the job. I suspect that the limiting factor on rotary use in Christchurch is deconflicting airspace, not a shortage of helicopters with buckets. SaveSave
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Post by camtech on Feb 16, 2017 9:25:36 GMT 12
Can A109's undersling a monsoon bucket? Yes. I don't know if any were purchased however. This is probably one of those situations where people instinctively think Defence can provide helicopters, but don't ask if they're the best option for the job. I suspect that the limiting factor on rotary use in Christchurch is deconflicting airspace, not a shortage of helicopters with buckets. SaveSaveExactly - there are enough helicopters and fixed wing aircraft in operation - pilots would need swivel heads to keep watching for other flying missiles, long vertical strops with buckets on the end, besides the HT wires and masts in the area.
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Post by isc on Feb 16, 2017 19:45:33 GMT 12
There was a plea last night (I think) NO drones. isc
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Post by joey05 on Apr 18, 2017 13:08:32 GMT 12
Just heard on the radio that a NH90 has made an emergency landing in Cloudy Bay after engine failure over the Cook Straight. 9 POB, no injuries reported. Cannot find any other information as of yet!
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Post by suthg on Apr 18, 2017 13:23:54 GMT 12
Air Force NH90 suffers inflight engine failure A crew member working on the left engine which failed (supplied) An Air Force NH90 helicopter suffered serious engine failure while flying over Cook Strait and was forced to make an emergency landing at a small club airfield near Blenheim. The aircraft had nine people onboard and was returning to Ohakea Airbase near Bulls after performing at the Omaka Air Show on Sunday, Newshub understands. It was flying at a height of 1000ft (304.8 metres) around 4 nautical miles (7.4km) off the coast of Cloudy Bay when one of its two engines failed. The NH90 can fly on one engine, but it can't hover. It's understood the helicopter started to shudder and a fire warning activated in the cockpit. Crew made a controlled descent and landed at the recently-opened Cloudy Bay Airfield. Witnesses told Newshub it made a rolling landing like an aeroplane, rather than a vertical landing. Onboard was a pilot, a co-pilot, 2 loadmasters, and five other passengers as well as cargo. The NH90 is still on the ground at Cloudy Bay Airfield, and will need to be repaired onsite. Air Force personnel are protecting the chopper, and will monitor the site until a new engine is flown in. The New Zealand Defence Force has been contacted for comment. Newshub Link
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Post by beagle on Apr 18, 2017 17:29:55 GMT 12
Looks to be well confined if it is serious engine failure. usually ya hear of cowlings getting blown off or peppered with shrapnel etc. hope it turns out to be more on the mild side and is just some new parts required to be "S" again
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