The RNZAF's new helicopter selection

[Dave Homewood]

There is a good online article here about the NH90 which the RNZAF has selected to replace the Iroquois.

www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/05/new-zealand-selects-nh90-helicopter/index.php

I didn't realise how new the aircraft type is, the first production batch only entering service last year. It is interesting that they have gone for something that's not more tried and tested like the Blackhawk. But good to see the latest technology will be onboard.

I was also interested to see the companies involved in producing this helicopter, including Westland and Fokker.

As the Air Force always likes to have a name as well as a number for its aircraft, I wonder what the RNZAF will name these choppers. Any suggestions?

[turboNZ]

What about calling it the "Newy".... ;D

TNZ
PS, The U.S. must be spewing about this selection !!

[Dave Homewood]

I would imagine that after the last deal we had with the US arms dealers that Labour embarassingly renegged on, they don't give a toss about NZ any more - hence the reason why we've gone elsewhere?

Mind you, it's a Nato helicopter design, so somewhere along the way you can guarantee the USA will be making some money.

[Bruce]

Nato aircraft seem to be taking on the names of birds of prey, (coincidently the same as Rolls Royce piston engines) recent helicopters in the Nato inventory are the EH101 Merlin and Bell 412 Griffon. Harrier, Eagle, Hawk and Falcon (even Kestral) are used by fast jets, so we may eventually see Peregrine, Condor or the like.
For a NZ name you would have a choice of Kahu (hawk) which has already been used or Karearea (Falcon) which is combresome. Perhaps Morepork! Going away from birds of prey I think Kereru (Wood Pidgeon) would be appropriate - Its big, Noisy in flight, Lifts a lot and tends to fly shorter distances. Mind you it also targeted by the natives!
The RNZAf hasnt always insisted on names for its aircraft - we've had the 727 and 757, and best of all, the Fairey IIIF Mark IIIM!

[Dave Homewood]

Actually, the Boeing 727 had two nicknames that I knew of in the RNZAF - the Boing (as in a bouncy sound) and the Vomet Comet, which was the much more common nickname). The 757 may well have inherited these titles I guess.

When the RNZAF bought the Aermacchi 339's they decided a name had to be given to them because we just don't like dealling with numbers. So it was officially titled the Macchi. I just wonder what they'll do with the NH90, if a name will be dubbed, or if one evolves.

Going back to your Morepork suggestion - the Ruru isn't a bad name. Though the owl has already been taken by another squadron...

One really cool bird of prey - the Kingfisher. Has that been used on a plane before?

A fw more suggestions - as we are not a fighting force as such, it doesn't have to be a native bird of prey. How about these?

The Fantail seems appropriate as it has a fan on its tail ;D
Then there is the...
Black Robin (cooler and friendlier than a Blackhawk )
Kotuku (the white heron)
Whio (the blue duck)
Tui
Kea (since they spend a lot of time in the mountains)
Pukeko
Takehe
Cormorant
Rifleman

Or a NZ bird introduced from elsewhere:
Magpie
Blackbird
Sparrow
Skylark
Starling
Swallow

[turboNZ]

Any word on what's happening with replacing the Bell 47G-Sioux's ?

[Dave Homewood]

That article indicates the decision is still pending on the Sioux replacement. I'm sure it has been made, but not released publicly.

Since the Iroquois isn't to be replaced for four years, there's not a huge hurry really. So long as the remaining Bell 47's keep flying that is.

[turboNZ]

Amazing to think a design that goes back to just before the Korean War is still in service with the RNZAF.
Just goes to show how good they really are !!

TNZ