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Post by kiwirico on Sept 6, 2010 3:44:34 GMT 12
It is interesting that the Air Force also wanted the Hawk to replace the Skyhawk back before Project Kahu was decided on. If things had been different we may have seen hawk trainers and attack aircraft together, a bit like the Vampire days. Very interesting to read, I think that should have been a mix of Hawk 100 series (trainers) and Hawk 200 series (single seat combat variant)! Nice option indeed! Also for logistic reassons a great buy if that happened back time Yep, the Argentine aircraft you mentioned was the IA.63 Pampa aircraft, a copy of the German/French Alpha Jet with one engine, and the size of the SIAI S.211. Still, I do like the Macchi MB339 very much, personally my favorite trainer at the moment... Still like to know if one of you guys knows any pilot who also flew in the CASA 101 and S.211 trainers.... any chance cheers
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Post by kiwirico on Sept 6, 2010 3:36:18 GMT 12
Interesting subject; I think that a mix of C-130J/C-130J-30 would be the best option. The RNZAF has a very long and good experience with the Hercules, and could that be for many more years when they choose such aircraft like the J model. Otherwise, a mixed fleet of C-130J-30 and EADS C-295 could be good as well (5 C-130J-30, four C-295 transport and two C-295MPA ;D ). The A-400 is a huge plane, but also very expensive... many future buyers already cancelled orders for this aircraft, like Germany recently announced to bring back the number of aircraft, which will not be good for the selling price. The Japanese Kawasaki C-2 is not the right aircraft, and I doubt if the Japanese law will allow the sale of aircraft abroad ( I think they forbid selling military hardware, right?).
For me; the C-130J-30 is the best option....
Cheers all, and good luck to all there in Christchurch... hope everybody is doing well. My thoughts are with you people.
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Post by kiwirico on Sept 5, 2010 19:43:31 GMT 12
From Memory at the time, the three main contenders were the Macchi 339, the Siai Machetti S211 and the Casa 101. Outside contenders were the BAe Hawk and the Dassault Alpha Jet. Interesting - all European types.... Thanks Bruce... I think by that time Europe was the main sources of jet trainers world wide Any more information about the evaluation of the CASA 101 Aviojet and SIAI S.211 welcome. Are there pictures/stories available from RNZAF test pilots who flew these types for evaluation against the lovely Macchi? A big hug from sunny Holland.
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Post by kiwirico on Sept 5, 2010 19:16:13 GMT 12
Hi guys, I would like to know which other type of jet trainers have been evaluated by the RNZAF before the Macchi MB.339C was chosen as the winner? Any information available and perhaps pictures of RNZAF crew evaluating the other types Thanks.
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Post by kiwirico on Sept 4, 2010 20:01:45 GMT 12
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Post by kiwirico on Sept 4, 2010 19:06:58 GMT 12
Well, I am not sure I can mention the name of the source, but actually he is flying in the Red Arrows team and born in NZ. He flew both Macchi and A-4. I met him this year at the Dutch Air Force Open Days in June and had a very nice chat with him. He told me about his time flying jet aircraft in New Zealand and of course the tragic moment that the NZ Govt. to withdraw the fighter squadrons. However, he told me that he is still in good relation with many RNZAF officers and he told that the RNZAF might return some new aircraft in near time, as he mentioned that Pilatus trainers are looked at for training, which should be (most likely) the PC-21. Also he told me that the fleet of Macchi's are in very good condition and he (personally) thinks that a number of them could be return to active duty in next years. He was well informed and very nice guy to meet... Hope that's enough to keep the hope high on this matter Cheers from Holland KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Sept 4, 2010 7:21:32 GMT 12
I had a beer with him on Friday night at the Ohakea O's mess (or more correctly, near him!) and he showed a good poker face when the topic of the shuffling at the top came up...! I asked about the state of the Macchis, and there is talk of possibly bring some back as an advanced trainer, along with possibly the PC-9 or 21, due to the shortcomings of the Kingair as an advanced trainer BUT as ususal it's all awaiting the outcomes of the politicians and their defence white paper. I also hear the rumour that the PC-21 was looked at as advanced trainer to supplement the King Airs in near future... truly hope those rumours will come true Cheers
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Post by kiwirico on Aug 5, 2010 5:18:00 GMT 12
Personally I'd prefer to see the Macchis back in 14Sqn colours - rather than PC-21 or Super Tucanos with no 14, thanks all the same! ;D Oh for sure you're right.... better to see those Macchi's again in their 14 Sqn colours..... but hé.... better a PC-21 .... then nothing Cheers all
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Post by kiwirico on Aug 4, 2010 19:29:33 GMT 12
HAHAH I wish it was the official list!!! at the moment its just my best educated guess at what is to come. and yea those super tucanos would look awesome in 14sqn colors but i think we could com up with something new!!! Okay.... well, if you are 80% right.... then we are all happy. Still miss the point of returning the Macchis back in the air I truly belief they will Cheers, KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Aug 4, 2010 19:27:16 GMT 12
The aircraft were: NZ3801 NZ3802 NZ3805 NZ3808 NZ3815 NZ3816 Thanks Gavin for your kind reply. The pictures are great and i enjoy them all..... Cheers, KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Aug 3, 2010 2:18:30 GMT 12
Well I was reading Flight International today and the article on NZ buying the Q300 or the CN335 was made to sound like it was a done deal............ so I am putting my money on the CN235. Yesterday I was also talking to someone in the NZDF.......... who shall remain nameless and they seemed very sure of more helos, so i guess if John Key likes them they also are in the bag. SO in a breakdown I am going to take a punt at what could be in the white paper see how close i am in a few months. 1) more A109's and have them armed with the possibilities of more NH90's later on if need be 8A109's and 10NH90's 2) light transport and medium range Marine Patrol Aircraft (CN235) x3 3) reduction of LAV force (army) 4) Replacement of the HMNZS Endeavor such as the MRV (navy) 5) basic/advanced trainer replacement with something along the lines of a PC-21 or Tucano for light attack role and pilot training. 6) an additional heavy transport aircraft (B757 or C-130) 7) High Readiness infantry company (army) 8) enhancement of combat capabilities in the army with advanced artillery and air defense 9) P3-K2's armed only time will tell anyone else care to share their predictions?? or comment. Hi Kwiscanfly (nice nick ;D ), is that list you published a official list or one that you think it might be? Thanks for reply Kiwiscanfly ..... P.s.. PC-21 or Super Tucano is 14Sqn colours..... would be very nice!!!
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Post by kiwirico on Aug 3, 2010 2:10:35 GMT 12
What a awesome bueatiful picture from those six-ship Huey flight... would be a super great sound to hear them on take-off. Comes to my next question; does any one know all the sex serials from those choppers Just for my serial data-base. Cheers all here, KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Jun 21, 2010 5:53:29 GMT 12
I agree that the best thing is to bring back the Macchi's into service to re-start training the pilots on flying jet aircraft. perhaps a lease construction of a few RAAF F/A-18's could be a option untill the Government has the money for buying 12 F/A-18F Super Hornets.... and work together with RAAF Hope that one day the RNZAF will be a serious AF again Cheers, KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Aug 13, 2009 23:17:45 GMT 12
Thanks all for the reply, I hope to see at least one of the Macchi flying when I come to Ohakea in December. Also I am happy that those are not stored inside white latex...... sure I will give them a big hug.
Cheers,
KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Aug 4, 2009 18:22:05 GMT 12
Thanks for the message Dave, of course I know this is a healthy debate..... I do understand your argument about giving away aircraft 9or any arms) for free to close allies, we do in Holland (and Europe) the same way, although not fighter aircraft so be honoust.
However, my idea was to show what are the possibilties to get rid off the Skyhawks if sale to US in not going to happen; of course I would love to see those birds flying, prefer in military use, and when not then as a semi-military or civilian. However, i think that they are to end in some museum accross NZ, the rest will finally scrapped! Another idea could be some for the training school at Woodbourne.
As I have Argentine blood in myself, I perhaps reacted a little too emotional, sorry. You are right about rugby..... but hey..... we play good soccer (smile).
Let's hope that the Skyhawks will have a bright and better future then now......
Cheers my friend.
KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Aug 4, 2009 6:56:56 GMT 12
So you think that NZ should have give away its Skyhawks to the Philippines as a "nice gesture"?? What? Why? According to Wikipedia: The Philippines' GDP is US$173.2 billion per year (2008 figure) New Zealand's GDP is US$115.709 billion per year I think it would be a nicer gesture if they gave us a fleet of aeroplanes. As for Argentina, I don't think any deal with that country would be looked on favourably, and I seriously doubt it was about the low monetary offers alone. Sorry if I sound agressive ;D, it's not my wish to make enemies here among the Kiwi's! Just my frustration abouth things going on with the retired fleet of aircraft..... however..... Your comment about Argentina is obviously a lack of knowledge, as the Argentine Navy did have briefly informed the NZ Government on their interest to buy the fleet (if my memory serves me well they spoke about 14 aircraft) back in 2004 as replacement for the ageing MB.326GB fleet in Argentine Navy. However, the price that NZ asking for the aircraft was too high, and not negotiable (according to my sources). It has of course nothing to do with Britain, Malvinas/Falklands or what so ever....... And this part is not from Wikipedia About the Philippines.... which aircraft would you see at NZ...... most aircraft are grounded and in bad shape (perhaps the new F.260 trainers are of interest.......). Who knows what future brings. No hard feelings people, just continue our interest.... right. Cheers, KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Aug 3, 2009 23:38:59 GMT 12
The A4 skyhawk that got water inside its cockpit was taken out of the cage and all its Avionics were fired up and its Radar also fired up and was put into Stand-by Mode (?), all Hydralics were plumped and they could've started the Skyhawk up there and then. A mate who works on the Skyhawks reckons that they do not need a hell of a lot to get them going and that they are in excellent condition even after all these years Perhaps you are right, but the NZ Government is a sick government..... after all those years they could make a nice gesture to for sample the Philippines to donate them! Perhaps it sound strange, but the NZ Government could show it's interest to support it's allies in the region, and had no money wasted by years of negociations with US company's who have interest (or not)...... and keep these birds in store is also time and money consumming. I really dislike the NZ way of thinking in this matter; back in 2004 the Argentine Navy had some interest (and talk) with NZ about the Macchi MB.339's...... but the NZ refused to lower the price asked for those aircraft. Now, 5 years later they are still inside a hangar I am sorry to say, but NZ Government way of thinking is very stupid! Cheers all KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Jul 30, 2009 19:21:55 GMT 12
One Iroquois, painted now as 3817, although it used to be 3800 I think. It is/was actually an attrition airframe. Not sure how many Sioux, but at least one. You are right, just one Sioux in service as instructional airframe; NZ3707. Cheers, KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Jul 29, 2009 20:05:29 GMT 12
GREAT news mikek, good to hear that the Woodbourne branch will get new airframes! On the other side, what will happen to the Devons? Hope they will be preserved around NZ.
Cheers,
KiwiRico
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Post by kiwirico on Jul 29, 2009 20:03:39 GMT 12
Thanks baz62 for answer, I hope to see this beauty.
Cheers.
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