|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 20, 2011 12:56:15 GMT 12
It's all part of the RNZAF's downsizing, isn't it?  |
|
|
|
Post by Calum on May 20, 2011 20:31:01 GMT 12
It's all part of the RNZAF's downsizing, isn't it? Good point Dave, shorter pilots must be cheaper  |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 20, 2011 21:32:26 GMT 12
They eat less. :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by Ykato on May 28, 2011 9:16:57 GMT 12
NZDF Video
|
|
|
|
Post by nige on May 28, 2011 11:13:56 GMT 12
What a beauty of a helicopter for the pilot's to fly!
In that video, we can all see that the AW109 will also be more than a trainer, it is also be a "genuine" part-Iroquois replacement too (and to which the official distinction goes to the NH-90, but the reality will be both types will fullfil the utility, troop-lift and govt agency support etc).
Life within 3 Sqn's gonna get a lot more competitive eh :-)
Poor 'ol 6 Sqn, they're gonna get two types of rivalries/adversaries to deal with now eh :-)
(The Bar's gonna get a good thrashing when the groups meet to debate which is the better (and more capable - in many ways) helicopter to operate) :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by strikemaster on May 28, 2011 16:51:06 GMT 12
That looks exciting. I'd love to see this flying alongside the UH1's, maybe when the NH90 arrives?
|
|
|
|
Post by machpants on May 29, 2011 18:34:37 GMT 12
^At 300kg? Last millennium's missile. They need to whack a Storm Shadow on them, they only weigh about 50kg IIRC.
Nice looking cab, and I love the cockpit. So small though, the crew look oversized when in their seats. Betcha it is lovely to fly, being that wee (like a gazelle).
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 29, 2011 18:45:10 GMT 12
It's bigger than the Sioux though, isn't it?
|
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Jun 2, 2011 17:54:01 GMT 12
Base staff get first look at Augusta helicopter EXCITING LAUNCH: The Augusta A109, which flew into the South Island for the first time yesterday, is pictured as Royal New Zealand Air Force members inspect it at Base Woodbourne, near Blenheim. Relevant offersBase Woodbourne got its first look yesterday at the training helicopter that will replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force's nearly 50-year-old fleet. Ohakea-based pilot flight lieutenant Cam Harvey and crew made a flying visit to the base, near Blenheim, to show off the new Westland-A109 Augusta aircraft. The RNZAF's plans to replace its training fleet of Bell 47G Sioux helicopters, bought in 1965, follows a decade of preparation. The air force has bought six of the Italian-made helicopters – including one for parts – at a cost of $139 million. The Augusta helicopters, along with the new hangar base at Ohakea in the Manawatu, will put the RNZAF "up there with the best in the world", Mr Harvey said. "It's a big statement, but we're certainly well equipped to deal with any aviation mission required of us. These are 10-fold better than the Siouxs – we have no doubt about that and it's been long overdue to replace them." The aircraft will be used mostly for training, but will also be called on for some search-and-rescue operations and other jobs. The fleet revamp marks the end of an era and means a new style of training will be adapted within the air force, Mr Harvey said. The larger Augusta aircraft meant that a pilot and two crew could train at the same time, he said. The aircraft is a lightweight, twin-engined helicopter with a "modern glass cockpit", which means computer screens and a retractable, wheeled undercarriage suited to military training and light-utility tasks. Despite the lightweight characteristics, it can carry up to 600 kilograms on its cargo hook and its winch can lift 270kg loads. Its top speed is 285 kilometres per hour. Base Woodbourne warrant officer John Bray said it was the first time the Augusta helicopter had landed in the South Island. "It's all about giving everyone the opportunity to have a good look at the modern-day technology. "The replacement process has certainly been a big leap forward for the RNZAF."  Looks like it has got inflatable floats fitted. Anyone agree.
|
|
|
|
Post by Calum on Jun 2, 2011 17:59:21 GMT 12
Yup they are floats
|
|
|
|
Post by mileater on Jun 6, 2011 19:43:20 GMT 12
Indeed they are floats. I had the ooportunity to walk around the aircraft on the day (I am standing behind the photog when this piccie was taken) and it is a considerable leap forward from that which it replaces  I still find it odd to see a helicopter taxiing to the ramp, though. Cheers, Allan |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2011 7:50:35 GMT 12
Great to see our newest investment out and about. I can't wait to see them at an airshow strutting their stuff (and to crawl all over it for the inevitable model), and hard at work around the country.
So pretty!
|
|
|
|
Post by jimtheeagle on Jul 5, 2011 4:02:48 GMT 12
Not sure if this one has appeared here yet. From Finmeccannica's 2011 photo CD picked up at the Paris Air Show. Note to NHI - that indeed is a very nice photo of an MRH-90 in RNZAF colours on the side of your pavillion and the back of your brochure. Why isn't it on your website given that you don't actually produce a photo CD? (Disclaimer: well, I haven't found it, but will post it if I do.) JT Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by stereoimage on Jul 7, 2011 1:15:19 GMT 12
Hi all Here is an article I wrote about the A109 (and P3K2) for the latest Kiwiflyer magazine. It may not have any information you don't already know but some of you might find it interesting... I got all the information for this article from interviewing Pilots, ground crew and project managers at the welcoming ceremony that was held at the new HTU/3Sqn facilty. Very fancy new setup they have there! dl.dropbox.com/u/13446952/P3K2A109.pdfI would recommend checking out the whole magazine, its very good! Hopefully you all get it already anyway:) My 2c worth is that given the resources the RNZAF has, both these and the new NH90 were excellent choices. If only we could afford to add another tier of AW101 CSAR & LRSAR helicopters on top! 5 would do nicely thanks... haha A few years ago I spoke to a German Bundesheer pilot who flies both the NH90 & the UH-1 (they operate them side by side), and in his words each NH-90 was worth at least 3 UH-1's, when taking capability & availability into account. Probably financially too... Cheers Chris |
|
|
|
Post by davekiwi on Jul 7, 2011 14:50:16 GMT 12
Quote: "Built by AgustaWestland
in Italy, the A109
LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) is the
first new operational aircraft that the
Royal New Zealand Air Force has taken delivery of since
1970"
hmm - what about the Macchi's then ? They were "new" in the early '90s, although "operational" --> meaning not "training" ? Is this what you mean ?
|
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Jul 7, 2011 21:47:28 GMT 12
Hi all Here is an article I wrote about the A109 (and P3K2) for the latest Kiwiflyer magazine. It may not have any information you don't already know but some of you might find it interesting... I got all the information for this article from interviewing Pilots, ground crew and project managers at the welcoming ceremony that was held at the new HTU/3Sqn facilty. Very fancy new setup they have there! dl.dropbox.com/u/13446952/P3K2A109.pdfI would recommend checking out the whole magazine, its very good! Hopefully you all get it already anyway:) Cheers Chris Yeah read all that and noticed that yes they have not refitted the MAD in the tail. So from that I take it they will not be able to detect subs anymore  No more Fincastle wins. |
|
|
|
Post by stereoimage on Jul 8, 2011 10:46:24 GMT 12
davekiwi: Yes mate, thats what they said. I think the Macchi's were never to be deployed operationally, and only used for training. The A109 will be used for a whole swathe of operational roles beagle: Apparently other modern technologies have superseded the Magnetic Anomaly Detector, so the P3K-2 still has all its ASW capabilities onboard. They wouldn't elaborate as to what those technologies were though...
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 8, 2011 11:43:38 GMT 12
Don't forget that the RNZAF PR machine has been trained to forget we ever had combat jets, even operational trainers like the Macchis. "Don't mention the war(planes)"
As to point two = binoculars? ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by stereoimage on Jul 9, 2011 14:12:21 GMT 12
Haha yeah they actually list the "mk1 Eyeball" on the P3K2 sensor list One of the other reporters got 'the eye' for asking how long the Sioux would spend in plastic before they were turned into jungle gyms... haha |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 9, 2011 14:20:24 GMT 12
Do playgrounds still have jungle gyms in this PC don't-let-kids-have fun-or they-might-get-hurt world?
If they do, I'll be they have a more PC name now. Endangered Rainforest Gyms?
|
|
I still find it odd to see a helicopter taxiing to the ramp, though.
