Phil Goff signs new Helicopter deal!!

[Dave Homewood]

Prime News showed Phil Goff signing the deal today to buy the RNZAF's new NH90 Helicopters. Great news!!

[corsair67]

Dave, did they say how many they're going to fund, or is that a movable figure still?

[Dave Homewood]

I didn't hear a figure mentioned, but I'm sure they said $800 million was being spent I believe. Goff was full of smiles and quipped that it's not often he gets to sign away so much of the Finance Minister's budget in one go. Graham Lintott was also on there saying how capable they are as military helicopters due to their specialist weapons systems, which must have peed off Clark I hope...

[Dave Homewood]

Here's the story
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00548.htm

New Helicopters Represent Quantum Leap Forward
Monday, 31 July 2006, 2:32 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Defence
31st July 2006


New Helicopters Represent Quantum Leap Forward
Defence Minister, Phil Goff today signed a contract with NH Industries for the purchase of eight NH90 helicopters to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force's fleet of ageing Iroquois.

"These new helicopters represent a quantum leap forward in terms of capabilities from our present Vietnam war era Iroquois helicopters.

"They are a vital enabler for all three Defence Force Services, for military and peacekeeping operations, for police and counter-terrorism work and for civil emergencies in New Zealand and the Pacific.

"This purchase is the last of the core capability projects on the ten year Long Term Development Plan, regarded as necessary to avoid policy failure.

"Ten years in development, the NH-90 represents current state of the art technology. It will be the cornerstone of the Defence Force capability over the next 30 years.

"The acquisition of these aircraft is an integral part of our new modernized, joint focussed Defence Force that is equipped with greater mobility through Light Operational Vehicles (Pinzgauers) and Light Armoured Vehicles, which will all be deployable in the new Multi-Role Vessel, HMNZS Canterbury.

"Compared to the Iroquois, the NH90 can carry 19 rather than 8 passengers or 12 fully equipped troops as opposed to 5.

"At 260 kilometres an hour cruise speed, it is more than a third faster.

"Its maximum range is 800 kilometres rather than 330.

"It can lift up to 4,000 kilograms rather than 820.

"Militarily it is far more versatile in deploying soldiers into action and in dealing with complex counter-terrorism operations.

"For deployments and disaster relief in the Pacific, with long range tanks the NH-90s can self-deploy.

"They are capable of lifting Light Operational Vehicles off the multi-role vessel in situations where there are no port facilities and landing craft cannot be used.

"For civil disasters in New Zealand or elsewhere, such as floods, earthquakes, snow, cyclones or tsunamis, they can operate for extended periods and with large loads in all weathers, day and night, with significant flexibility.

"For search and rescue, they have much greater reach and are better able to recover people in extreme environmental conditions.

"For border control, they can operate at night over land or sea in support of land and maritime interdiction operations against drug, illegal migrant or terrorist threats.

"The new aircraft have the additional advantage of being interoperable with the Australian Air Force which is purchasing 46 NH-90s.
The NH-90 is likely to become the most widely used medium utility helicopter among our security partners.

"The total cost of the NH-90s is $771 million. More than forty percent of this cost includes logistics and support, which includes spare parts, project costs, training, software and equipment, as well as currency hedging.

"This cost will be met within the existing Long Term Development Plan in which $3.3 billion has been invested.

"The first aircraft will arrive in New Zealand in 2010 and the fleet will be fully in service by 2013," Mr Goff said.

NH90 Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the RNZAF need new helicopters?
The RNZAF Iroquois fleet has been in service for 40 years. The Iroquois no longer offers the load carrying capacity, self-protection, communications or navigation equipment required and available in a modern aircraft. The lack of capacity and capability increases the risk in military helicopter operations and limits the service the RNZAF helicopters can provide.

What is the NH90?
The NH90 is an advanced medium utility helicopter, capable of undertaking a wide variety of roles. It was developed to meet a European requirement to replace a range of aging helicopters. The NH90 is a product of more than 10 years of development and testing to meet stringent capability and low maintenance requirements.

Why was the NH90 chosen as the new helicopter?
The NH90 is a modern helicopter, which will form the cornerstone of the New Zealand Defence Force capability over the next 30 years. The helicopter incorporates new and sustainable technologies and will ensure greater compatibility with our security partners. The NH90 represents a substantial improvement on the Iroquois and will provide the NZDF with a contemporary, highly capable and deployable helicopter.

How many NH90 helicopters will the RNZAF get?
The Minister of Defence has signed a contract with NH Industries for the purchase of eight NH90 helicopters.

What will be the role of the NH90?
The NH90 will be used for frontline military and civil operations. It has the capability to support ground operations, counter terrorism, disaster relief, search and rescue and counter-drug operations. Police, Customs, Maritime NZ, Civil Defence, Foreign Affairs and Trade and NZAID and the Department of Conservation all will be able to make effective use of the NH90.

Is the NH90 compatible with other Defence Equipment?
The NH90 can carry up to 12 fully equipped soldiers or up to 19 lightly equipped passengers and lift an Army Light Operational Vehicle. Up to four NH90S will be able to be transported aboard the new Navy, Multi Role Vessel. The NH90 can be deployed by C130 Hercules aircraft, or self-deploy to Australia and most of the Pacific Islands.

How much will they cost?
The fleet of eight NH90s will be acquired with a logistics and support package which includes a range of ongoing provisions for spare parts, project costs, training, software, publications support and equipment. The total cost of eight NH90s and the full support and logistics package is $771million. The support and logistics costs represent over a third of this total. The budget for the helicopter project has been allocated through the ten-year Defence Long Term Development Plan

The final cost of the aircraft reflects a number of factors including the downward movement of the New Zealand dollar over the last year.

It also reflects that purchase from a commercial provider, NHI, as distinct from a purchase from the United States military, involves costing spare parts and logistics as part of the upfront capital costs.

When military equipment is purchased from the United States military through foreign military sales arrangements, spare parts are purchased on an as required basis and funded out of operating budgets.

Where does the Budget come from?
In 2002 the Government identified the Helicopter Capability Project as one of a range of critical Defence projects. The Government allocated a lump sum to Defence for redevelopment and refocus of the Defence Force through the ten-year Defence Long Term Development Plan. The purchase can be managed within the existing defence acquisition programme.

What is the timeline for getting the new helicopters?
The first helicopter is expected in New Zealand by early 2010, with the fleet fully in service in 2013.

Where will the new fleet be manufactured?
The fleet will be manufactured in France.

Will the NH90 be interoperable with our security Partners?
The NH90 has the cabin-size, lift capacity, self protection systems and communications systems that will ensure the aircraft are fully interoperable with our security partners.

What other countries operate the NH90?
Australia has purchased 46 NH90 to replace its Blackhawk and Navy Seaking Helicopters. Sweden, Finland, Oman and NATO countries France, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal, Greece and Norway have also ordered the NH90 with other countries currently in negotiation with NH Industries.

How will the RNZAF transition from the Iroquois to the new NH90?
A transition plan, which will be updated as the Helicopter Project progresses, has been developed by the RNZAF. It takes into account the requirement to maintain an effective helicopter capability whilst also recruiting and training new and existing personnel. The Iroquois will be phased out by 2013

Where will the crews be trained?
Initial flying and maintenance training will be done overseas – once the helicopters have arrived in New Zealand, a domestic training programme will begin.

Where will the new helicopters operate from?
The NH90 will operate out of RNZAF Base Ohakea. New hangars that were already planned as part of the plan to consolidate air force operations at Ohakea will be sufficient for the new fleet.

ENDS

[Dave Homewood]

I was just thinking, with the purchase of these new helicopters, they will be the first French-designed aircraft the RNZAF has ever had.

And the first French-designed aircraft that the NZ military has owned since the Bleriot Monoplane "Brittannia".

Wouldn't it be great if the first one into service wasofficially dubbed "Brittannia" to mark this historic connection and commemorate Britannia's WWI service?

[xr6turbo1]

Well that a better result than I had expected, for a while it seemed like they wanted to buy fewer that eight but that many is a good result
Cant wait to see them

[flyjoe180]

This photo is now on the RNZAF website:



www.airforce.mil.nz/about-us/aircraft/nh90-helicopter.htm

Looks like it's a cross between a Merlin and a Seasprite?

[flyjoe180]

And then of course there's the obligatory opposition stab at the cost.

www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00552.htm

Helicopter cost blowout sets a record
Monday, 31 July 2006, 3:51 pm
Press Release: New Zealand National Party
Hon Murray McCully MP
National Party Defence Spokesman
31 July 2006
Helicopter cost blowout sets a record

Labour has set a record with the blowout in the cost of replacing the Air Force’s helicopter fleet, says National’s Defence spokesman, Murray McCully.

“Labour has dithered for so long that the cost has ballooned well beyond what was envisaged in Labour’s much-hyped Long Term Development Plan.

“Replacing the Iroquois and Sioux helicopters had a budget provision in the plan of between $400 million and $561 million.

“Now we hear the cost will be $771 million – just to replace the Iroquois. Adding a replacement for the Sioux trainers could well boost the cost even closer to the billion dollar mark.

“Labour has now set a record on defence blowouts worthy of the Guinness Book of Records.”

ENDS

[Dave Homewood]

Does anyone actually take McCully seriously though? He's like National's answer to the very unfortunate individual, George Hawkins...

That RNZAF photo of the NH-90 looks excellent. Imagine what they'll look like in UN white and Orange Roughy dayglo too!

Do they still paint up the Antarctic season Iroquois in orange though? I haven't seen one in that scheme for years.

[steve]

About time they comitted to the deal...I'am sure that the numbers will be added to over time..
I looked at the RNZAF site and was diverted to the orion page. I note that armament is not mentioned at all and my impression is that anti submarine aspect has been suspended. The update project web page states that "arming" the orions was the subject of another project?
strange...

[phil]

admin said:

Do they still paint up the Antarctic season Iroquois in orange though? I haven't seen one in that scheme for years.

I'm not sure what you mean? We don't send Iroquois to Antartica anymore, did we used to?

As for arming the Orions, we are getting a replacement torpedo, but the precision strike capability is 'outside the long term development plan' ie when there is a change in our political climate.

[phil82]

An RNZAF Iroquois used to operate in Antarctica; painted very bright orange, hence "Orange Roughy".

[phil]

Oh, I thought the Orange roughy scheme was from Bougainville.

[Dave Homewood]

Crikey, no Orange Roughy any more? That was the coolest colour scheme ever. They usually sent one down permanently for the Antarctic summer for use by military and DSIR staff there, generally in support of Scott Base. It was taken down in a Hercules each year.

The first of the Orange Roughies was during the 1985-86 season, and was NZ3808. But there have been others and I recall seeing wockas in that scheme during my career up till 1993. I wonder when this got canned then?

They have also used our Iroquois (probably the Orange Roughie) there in conjunction with BBC and TVNZ film crews. David Attenborough was chauffered round the ice by a mate of mine from 3 Sqn in one back in the early 1990's.

You're correct that Orange Roughie scheme was resurrebted for the Bougainville operations, but it was first used on the ice.

I cannot find any photos of the ice Orange Roughie. Has anyone got any to share here?

[Dave Homewood]

Off track from the original thread, but it seems maybe a civilian firm has taken over where the Orange Roughie left off, with RNZAF help
antarcticsun.usap.gov/oldissues99-2000/99_1219/index.html

www.tamug.edu/labb/Projects/Weddell/McM2001/Sound/McMurdo_Sound.htm

mattandsara.com/ice/viewPhoto.cfm?pkPhotoID=137&startrow=46

[corsair67]

This article from 'stuff.co.nz' mentions that there apparently will be six light helicopters purchased by the end of this year.

Does this mean that the RNZAF will only be getting four???


Helicopters to cost $900m
01 August 2006
By HANK SCHOUTEN.

New helicopters for the Defence Force are set to cost about $900 million – $350 million more than the estimated cost four years ago.

Defence Minister Phil Goff yesterday signed a $771 million contract to buy eight NH90 helicopters to replace the air force's 14-strong fleet of 45-year-old Iroquois helicopters.

A related purchase of another six light-utility/training helicopters, set to be considered by Cabinet later this year, could cost another $120 million.

This makes it the most expensive defence project since the Government bought its two Anzac-class frigates in the early 1990s.

Mr Goff said the new NH90 helicopters supplied by Nato Helicopter Industries could fly faster, further and carry more than the Iroquois and would be the cornerstone of defence capabilities for the next 30 years.

They would be essential for battlefield and peacekeeping operations and a huge step forward for civil defence, police, customs and counter-terrorism work.

Each helicopter cost $50 million to $60 million – but the $771 million contract price included spares, logistic support, software and training.

Mr Goff denied this was a cost blowout. The original estimate of $400-$560 million for the project was made more than four years ago before these helicopters were off the production line.

Since then, the cost of military equipment had risen and the dollar had fallen against the euro.

"They are expensive but they will be the mainstay of our defence force for the next 30 years. Therefore I believe it's an important and valuable investment."

The NH90s will be delivered between 2010 and 2013. The Australian Defence Force has ordered 46 NH90s and a production line is being built in Australia. New Zealand's helicopters will be built in France.

Air force chief Graham Lintott said he was very pleased with the acquisition.

He said the new helicopters were very capable and had electronic warfare protections systems.

"We could operate this aircraft in Afghanistan where we couldn't fly the Iroquois because it is simply too dangerous," he said.

"We've got the best helicopter . . . it is new state-of-the-art technology and will provide a fantastic capability both militarily and in support of civil agencies for New Zealand."

[Calum]

The 400th NH90 Will Be For New Zealand


(Source: Agusta Westland; issued July 31, 2006)



AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that today Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Defence of New Zealand, and Mrs Gala Gonçalvès, General Manager of NHIndustries, signed the contract to supply 9 NH90 medium-lift helicopters to provide 8 operational helicopters to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The signing ceremony between New Zealand and NHIndustries took place in Wellington after a two-week final negotiation round-up.

The medium-size twin-engine NH90 ordered by New Zealand is the Tactical Transport Version (TTH) of this benchmark helicopter. The NH90 fleet and the Initial Support will be provided by the consortium NH Industries, the European industrial joint venture between AgustaWestland (32%), Eurocopter (62.5%), and Stork Fokker (5.5%).

The TTH Variant for New Zealand is basically equipped, as any other NH90, with full glass cockpit, advanced Fly-by-Wire Flight Control System providing Hands-Off flight capability together with state-of-the-art Communication, Navigation and Mission Equipment.

The NH90 is an extremely capable helicopter featuring a modern damage tolerant design, a large cabin volume with 2 wide sliding cabin doors and a rear ramp. The NH90’s full-composite airframe, is corrosion free in any environment and maximizes survivability and life. The NH90 can carry 16 to 20 equipped troops and its versatility makes it the best choice for any type of tactical transport and utility mission.

Following its commitment to the building of a modern, sustainable, well-equipped Defence Force, the Government of New-Zealand confirms today last years NH90 selection. New Zealand considers the NH90 fleet, operated by the RNZAF, as a national asset to perform the assigned military tasks, including Peace Keeping operations but also to provide valuable support to operations in conjunction with other national agencies for Disaster Relief, Search & Rescue, Emergency Medical Service, Police operations, Fisheries Surveillance, Counter Terrorism, Pollution Control and Customs operations.

The new NH90 helicopters ordered today will replace in due time the ageing Iroquois fleet.

The NH90 is the biggest helicopter programme ever launched by Europe, with firm orders now reaching 400 units to equip and modernize the Armed Forces of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Oman, Australia and New Zealand while several other Defence Forces are focusing on the NH90 both in Transport and Naval configurations. (ends)



NH90 Success Story Continues with New Zealand: Confirmation of Eurocopter’s Leadership in Military Transport Helicopters


(Source: Eurocopter; issued July 31, 2006)



The government of New-Zealand announced today a firm order for nine NH90 to provide eight operational helicopters to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

The NH90 has been selected by New-Zealand in April 2005 as the replacement helicopter for the RNZAF ageing Iroquois. A signing ceremony took place in Wellington with Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Defence of New-Zealand, in the presence of Philippe Harache, Eurocopter’s Senior Executive Vice President.

This additional order for the NH90 comes a few weeks after Australia officially announced an additional contract of 34 MRH90. The NH90 program, led by Eurocopter, now totals 400 firm orders confirming its status of biggest helicopter program ever launched by Europe. The NH90 has been selected by 12 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Oman, Australia and New-Zealand. Due to its multi-role capability, the NH90 is able to fulfil a large variety of missions and has been selected for Army, Air Force, Navy and SAR services.

At the ceremony, Philippe Harache declared: "this additional order confirms once again the superiority of the NH90 in its class. We are very proud to supply the government of New-Zealand with military helicopters for the first time ever, given that Eurocopter has been the main supplier of civil helicopters for many years in this country."

The NH90 fleet operated by the RNZAF will perform military tasks, including Peace Keeping operations, but will also provide valuable support to operations conducted in conjunction with other national agencies for Disaster Relief, Search & Rescue, Emergency Medical Service, Police operations, Fisheries Surveillance, Counter Terrorism, Pollution Control and Customs operations.

The medium-size twin-engine NH90 ordered by New-Zealand is the Tactical Transport Version (TTH). The TTH Variant for New-Zealand is basically equipped, as any other NH90, with full glass cockpit, advanced Fly-by-Wire Flight Control System with state-of-the-art Communication, Navigation and Mission Equipment.

The NH90 is an extremely capable helicopter featuring a modern damage tolerant design, a large cabin volume with two wide sliding cabin doors and a rear ramp. The NH90’s full-composite airframe is corrosion free in any environment, which maximizes survivability and life cycle. The NH90 can carry between 16 and 20 equipped servicemen. It is fully interoperable with NATO and Coalition forces.


Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 13,000 people. In 2005, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.2 billion euros, orders for 401 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 16 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. More than 9,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 139 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

[Calum]

9 is certainily more than I thought they'd order

[Dave Homewood]

Wow, overnight the order has gone from 8 to 9 aircraft. I wonder which is right. I hope it is the nine figure. It makes sense what these latest articles say, 9 bought to keep 8 operational as one will be in deep maintainence at any given time I expect.

[steve]

Strange...surely you purchase either eight or nine flying machines regardless of maintainece...is one a simulator of soughts ? Maybe translation misunerstanding ...let find out!