Beechcraft Super King Air for maritime patrol

[Dave Homewood]

Not the current debate, but 1979!

In the June 1979 issue of NZ Wings there's an article about James Aviation, agents for Beechcraft then, trying to convince the Government to either purchase the Beechcraft Maritime Patrol 200T (a conversion of the Super King Air 200); or contract out the patrol of the 200 mile EEZ to them who'd fly the same aircraft with largely ex-RNZAF crews.

It's really amazing that 30 years ago someone was suggesting the sub-contracting of RNZAF work. It's also amazing that recently the Super King Air is again being considered for purchase to do this role (as is the Dash 8, another old type).

[beagle]

I can imagine the size of the computer sitting in it 30 years ago, no room for anyone else other than the pilot, weight effecting range.
Haven't heard any news lately regarding whats happening. Anybody know when the current contract expires.

[beagle]

Anybody heard anything more on the tender for the King Air replacement

[lesterpk]

Dont think a tender has been issued yet.

[Bruce]

Although not a direct King Air replacement, I was really impressed with the Casa CN235 at Whenuapai over the weekend. Would have been a great Andover replacement, and would fill a niche in the RNZAF inventory. Hopefully the "powers that be" have been paying attention to its capabilities during Skytrain.

[beagle]

It's called money.

[Radialicious]

Friends of mine who currently fly and maintain the SAAB340 liken the 'new' DHC-8 as a step backwards compared to the inovation and europeanisation of the new machine. They dont complain about the cost of all this..................