|
Post by beagle on Jan 24, 2014 17:58:54 GMT 12
My question is: how many CT-4s will go into private hands in NZ? Draken wil buy the ones that won't go to Wigram and Motat
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 24, 2014 19:15:17 GMT 12
Great news, but now the serious questions start, what colour scheme will they be in?? Probably the boring old 'one grey fits all' scheme. But here are some other options... Airtrainer Scheme Skyhawk Scheme? Macchi Scheme Alternate scheme Raspberry Ripple?
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 24, 2014 19:42:52 GMT 12
Guess what, I have been pointed to this on the US Embassy's website. Here is a link to the signing today. www.flickr.com/photos/us_embassy_newzealand/12111284674/in/photostream/The link may not work for you but copy and paste it into a browser and you get it. Photos of them signing the deal today. The caption says: "Beechcraft T6C contract signing On January 24, 2014 at New Zealand Defence House in Wellington, New Zealand, Helene Quilter, Secretary of Defence and Russ Bartlett, President of Beechcraft Inc., of Wichita, Kansas signed a contract to replace the existing Beech King Air aircraft with the T-6 trainer aircraft. The first two new T-6 trainer aircraft are due to arrive in New Zealand later this year. Beechcraft’s contract will support approximately 550 U.S. jobs including Beechcraft’s production and engineering positions in Wichita." Note the colour scheme (14 Sqn markings apparently!) and I'm told there will be 11 aircraft, all flying.
|
|
|
Post by vs on Jan 24, 2014 19:51:23 GMT 12
I would have thought there would be a need to keep the King Air as a multi engine trainer and light transport. Not a very long lead in time.
|
|
|
Post by suthg on Jan 24, 2014 19:52:08 GMT 12
Thanks Dave - images came through when clicked on link on android phone without logging in to Flickr. Great news - heard it here first! Mind you, I haven't seen the news tonight...
Sent from my GT-I9300T using proboards
|
|
|
Post by suthg on Jan 24, 2014 19:55:13 GMT 12
I would have thought there would be a need to keep the King Air as a multi engine trainer and light transport. Not a very long lead in time. Perhaps planning to use CTC for twin engine training initially and then replacement Beechcraft after that? Sent from my GT-I9300T using proboards
|
|
|
Post by baronbeeza on Jan 24, 2014 20:00:31 GMT 12
Given the wording and accuracy of that caption I have no doubt some of it is true. Whoever wrote it had no idea so may have been a genuine reporter. Pretty in black...
I think, reading between the lines, that the King Air aircraft will be about for a while yet.
Is there any reason our local media have remained silent on this one ?
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 24, 2014 20:08:29 GMT 12
It would have been written by an embassy staff member, hence the cluelessness. The King Airs will be staying for multi-engine conversion and VIP work. It's the Airtrainers and PTS that are disappearing.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 24, 2014 20:09:41 GMT 12
"Is there any reason our local media have remained silent on this one ?"
Probably because it's good news, or maybe because they are all too busy following the annual political brown nosing at Ratana Pa today.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 24, 2014 20:12:59 GMT 12
So what do you reckon chaps and chapesses? I like the Raspberry Ripple scheme. What say you?
|
|
|
Post by phil82 on Jan 24, 2014 20:49:58 GMT 12
It would have been written by an embassy staff member, hence the cluelessness. The King Airs will be staying for multi-engine conversion and VIP work. It's the Airtrainers and PTS that are disappearing. It will definitely be innovative and a world first if they manage to conduct muti-engine training on a single-engined aircraft!
|
|
|
Post by baronbeeza on Jan 24, 2014 20:58:35 GMT 12
That all makes more sense. I don't mind the black, it seems to be flavour of the month. Indeed I posted some Tomahawk pics earlier today with the black tail I had been wondering about.
I liked the RAAF fanta livery also but that is now dated. Raspberry ripple, best left for the icecream. The machine looks quite sporty in the yellow, would love to have a go at flying one.
Interesting about the Airtrainer as well, seeing as the RNZAF don't actually own them would there be provision for an example to go to the museum ?
|
|
|
Post by vs on Jan 24, 2014 21:04:13 GMT 12
I think I like the black……maybe they could go for something totally new?
|
|
|
Post by baronbeeza on Jan 24, 2014 21:18:58 GMT 12
How does your black one look Dave ?
|
|
|
Post by lumpy on Jan 24, 2014 21:28:36 GMT 12
Could be just the Bourbon talking , but I like the Macchi scheme . Perhaps lacks the visibility for a trainer ( and maybe formation flying ) but looks like an " airforce " plane should . ( to joe public anyway )
|
|
|
Post by bobajob on Jan 24, 2014 21:39:19 GMT 12
If they bolt a couple together at the wing tips they could train two u/t pilots for their twin engine ratings at once.....
|
|
|
Post by hamfists on Jan 24, 2014 22:32:10 GMT 12
A lot of aircraft for ab-initio training..imagine 1st solo with turbine..glass cockpit..1200+ shp incl associated torque and retracts..
Does anyone know if they're T-6's or AT-6B's
Oh..re-read T-6C..can be used for more than just "training"
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 24, 2014 22:42:29 GMT 12
The Embassy link says T-6C
|
|
|
Post by Radialicious on Jan 25, 2014 1:18:01 GMT 12
I wonder if the end of the Airtrainer era signals the end of the Red Checkers as we know them or a whole new beginning. I'm sure the T-6 would add a new dimension to the team and what they could achieve. It will be interesting though, to see what the bean counters and the defence budget can spend on a team of thirsty turboprops. The cracker-stackers and S & S guys will no doubt be excited with the return of the ejection seat to their trades. Personally, I'm with Barnsey regards the reformation of No. 14 Squadron. I don't see why this machine can't be a new part of the history of PTS and CFS. It's a pilot trainer... Years ago, I tipped my hat to my mates who's first solo was in the 300hp CT-4E. It was grunty and demanding, but a completely basic machine to learn to fly in. The T-6 and it's powerplant, technology, escape systems etc will make for quite an ab initio trainer.
I'm in Sydney tonight as I write this and am First Officer to a very proud Captain whose daughter was an extremely successful pilot in the RNZAF. She instructed students on my wings course and later flew with the Red Checkers. It's funny how the world turns!
|
|
|
Post by haughtney1 on Jan 25, 2014 2:23:22 GMT 12
I know what you are saying Rad with respect to ab-intio students, but we had very little trouble putting people with zero time into the Tucano, it all comes down to what you are used too. The T6 from what I understand is a very docile machine and most likely when used to train brand new students will be flown at very low torque settings. At least if the purchase information proves to be correct the RNZAF will retain a basic CAS capability, of course dependant on the aircraft config.
|
|