Query re: the Orion replacement.

[kiwiruna]

Hi Guys,

I posted this question on the P3k2 Board but no replies I guess my query may have gotten lost in the clutter.

My query is this to replace the Orion are we looking at 2 separate types 1 looking like the P-8 and another some form of Civilian Maritime Surveillance type? I keep reading talk of two types just after a little clarification

Cheers

[chis73]

To the best of my knowledge, it is currently just 1 type - the official mantra is a "like for like" replacement. Currently the plan seems to be up to 4 P-8s to replace the 6 Orions and a move of 5 Sqn to Ohakea. Maybe the Hercules replacements will have an enhanced SAR role too. But who can say, the plan might change tomorrow. I don't think there is enough funding for a 2nd-tier type (no matter how useful that would be).

However, two of the 4 new King Air 350i being brought into service are supposed to have a short-range maritime surveillance role. As to what exactly that means I don't know. Will they actually have some sensors (radar or an EO ball), or will their 'maritime' function be just simulating the roles of air electronics operators? From what has been released so far, you can interpret it either way.

[sniffle]

The latest RNZAF Journal discusses this point, and notes that potential cost restraints may inhibit the purchase of two or more aircraft types to conduct surveillance of NZ's EEZ. As noted above, the new KA-350's may have some utility in surveillance too. www.airforce.mil.nz/about-us/who-we-are/apdc/default.htm

[fiftythree]

The current Minister of Defence would like a second ISR aircraft to cover roles that the P3 did well but allegedly the P8 won't be so good at. I hope they don't try to have C130s doing ISR work, our C130s are well and truly busy enough doing their core role of tactical air lift and they're not designed for ISR unless one of the specialist models was procured. The P8 is designed to work in tandem with the MQ-4C Triton UAV though, so if that was to cover NZ's maritime patrol requirements it might be something that is considered. I can't see the fearful public being too keen on UAVs though. The media is likely to hype up the spying rhetoric if Triton looked like a reality.

[thax]

The official release always stated that the promulgated cost included a yet to be determined 'complementary capability'. This may be any combination of aircraft, UAVs or satellite systems.

[beagle]

www.defence.govt.nz/publications/publication/defence-force-FASC-approval-to-purchase-the-boeing-p-8a-poseidon-aircraft