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Post by phil on May 26, 2007 21:32:08 GMT 12
How many Sioux are currently in service? When I was at Wigram there were just three left. Is it still three? Five.
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Post by beagle on May 27, 2007 21:52:05 GMT 12
I supposse with Phil Geoff Off overseas at the moment, a public announcement will not be made till he gets back. I am really hoping it is more than 6 frames.
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rocco
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 71
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Post by rocco on Jun 16, 2007 9:20:11 GMT 12
The story below was in Trans Tasman this week. It's the second prediction they have made (the first was the EC635).
As far as I know, the tender document stipulated a twin engine chopper, so it appears they're either guessing, or wrote A119 instead of A109.
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Augusta Westland In Line For Chopper Contract Italy’s Agusta Westland A119 Koala helicopter is the front-runner to replace the RNZAF’s 40-year-old Bell Sioux helicopter. Recommendations are due with the Minister of Defence Phil Goff shortly to go to Cabinet for final approval. Goff says up to $100m has been set aside in the Defence capital plan for the new machines which are due in service later next year. Five or six may be ordered depending on price. The Italian company, which bought British company Westland three years ago, is also involved in the new NH90 medium lift helicopter on order for the RNZAF. The A119 would serve in the dual role of training and light transport, carrying up to seven passengers. Air force officers say the turbine-powered machine is ideally rated to produce pilots for the NH90, likely to be the most sophisticated aircraft flown by the RNZAF.
ENDS --
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rocco
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 71
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Post by rocco on Jul 18, 2007 11:32:45 GMT 12
It looks like 8 aircraft will be purchased: "Procurement decisions, such as the current tender for the supply of eight new training and light-utility helicopters, are made on the basis of the perceived current and future needs of the Defence Force, in conjunction with consideration of budgetary constraints. Some of us are not convinced that these decisions are being considered adequately by the defence agencies, and will monitor future equipment purchases." www.parliament.nz/NR/rdonlyres/768888ED-C30D-4770-8C72-30ECC79F775A/57858/DBSCH_SCR_3814_5182.pdf
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Post by Bruce on Jul 18, 2007 12:55:23 GMT 12
I hope they get the Augusta - at least there is a model kit available for that one!
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Post by beagle on Jul 19, 2007 5:56:22 GMT 12
Yes I just read that too. I supposse 8 is better than 6, but i do not hope they are intending to get more of the cheaper 119 against less of the 109. I am sure there has been some errors here somewhere as they are are wanting twin engine, non skid, etc and the A109 is the only item that suits. I am just wondering if they are just waiting to see how the aussie ones perform after aperiod of a few months before actually signing the dotted line. The dollar rate at the moment makes it a good time to buy.
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Post by phil on Jul 19, 2007 9:52:07 GMT 12
The A109 doesn't come with such a nice winch though....!
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Post by conman on Jul 19, 2007 12:40:37 GMT 12
Good news about the number, will need them to make up for the fact that only 8 NH90 are ordered, I wonder if they will be in naval config such as the Swedish Hkp15B, if the intention is to use them for Seasprite training plus possible Canterbury deployments.
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Post by Naki on Jul 19, 2007 13:04:24 GMT 12
or for use on the OPVs
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Post by corsair67 on Jul 19, 2007 13:36:52 GMT 12
Come on; what ever happened to good old Kiwi ingenuity? ;D
Could a better winch be fitted without too much fiddling around?
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Post by Bruce on Jul 19, 2007 13:49:20 GMT 12
Come on; what ever happened to good old Kiwi ingenuity? ;D Could a better winch be fitted without too much fiddling around? Super Cheap has some good ones on sale!
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Post by phil on Jul 19, 2007 14:59:12 GMT 12
Nope, it all needs to be certified for the type. Very expensive business.
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Post by corsair67 on Jul 19, 2007 15:09:32 GMT 12
Ah yes, well as soon as you mention the word "certification" there's an instant $100 000 on the account already.
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Post by phil on Jul 19, 2007 17:39:22 GMT 12
Come on; what ever happened to good old Kiwi ingenuity? ;D Could a better winch be fitted without too much fiddling around? Super Cheap has some good ones on sale! Fancy being winched 250 feet on one of those? No? Me neither.
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Post by Calum on Jul 21, 2007 13:44:55 GMT 12
The A109 doesn't come with such a nice winch though....! Ours have one A 600lber IIRC
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Post by beagle on Jul 25, 2007 22:43:21 GMT 12
still no news ? have checked the paper and net each day seeing if any announcement has been made. Are they waiting for the dollar to go to 90 cents or something. just looking at the aussie one in the image, smaller than I thought or is he typical of aussie flyboys and overweight from excess drinking. cheap crap chemical beer
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 28, 2007 11:20:41 GMT 12
The NZ dollar is dropping rapidly - have they missed their chance for a cheap deal?
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Post by corsair67 on Jul 28, 2007 23:20:15 GMT 12
Beags, I didn't know Lion Red was available here! ;D
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Post by Calum on Jul 29, 2007 10:55:14 GMT 12
The worst thing is that Aussie Beer is cheaper in NZ than it is here Seriously though the cockpit looks qite small formt he outside and if you're a big bloke it's snug (but not small) when you're in it. Especially when you're wearing all the safety gear.
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Post by FlyNavy on Jul 29, 2007 12:40:47 GMT 12
Calum, What kind of flotation devices will this helo have (if any) please? I would assume it will go to larger ships occasionally for deck landing practice like the utility helos from the past (Iroquois and whatnots). Phil.
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