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Post by Barnsey on Jan 25, 2014 5:09:58 GMT 12
"The Beechcraft T-6C features a hard-point wing, an integrated glass cockpit and an advanced Esterline CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite that greatly expands advanced training opportunities. The systems are integrated with a Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS), providing the student pilot and instructor with a simpler interface to the digital cockpit. The CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite is the first in its class to incorporate a fully integrated and FAA-certified dual FMS/GPS navigation suite that meets the required navigation performance standards for current worldwide airspace equipment. The open architecture design of the Cockpit 4000 provides the flexibility to expand capabilities and continuously meet current and future training needs."
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Post by Barnsey on Jan 25, 2014 5:16:08 GMT 12
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Post by ErrolC on Jan 25, 2014 7:43:36 GMT 12
.. Is there any reason our local media have remained silent on this one ? Well if there was an official Media Release I haven't been able to find it on a public webpage...
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Jan 25, 2014 8:08:04 GMT 12
That's an interesting read Should this be a new thread?
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Post by conman on Jan 25, 2014 8:08:12 GMT 12
Looks like you can definitely hang some weapons on the C version , I wonder if we have any sidewinders left ?
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Post by Ian Warren on Jan 25, 2014 9:04:20 GMT 12
Pleased they confirmed the order, last thing we want is the horrid debacle of the past with F-16 and government changes, strange i have not seen anything on the news (TV3), maybe a good plan to keep it away from the media so the tree huggers and anti military types don't start another riot. Looking forward to see them and i bet a few pilots are itching to get their grubby little hands on them.
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Post by jimtheeagle on Jan 25, 2014 9:42:53 GMT 12
Does anyone actually know how many aircraft are ordered? Does this acquistion programme have a name? It's not listed as a project on the Ministry of Defence website, or anywhere else. In fact there is very little official about it out there. However, I do know that an official announcement from the Minister is expected Wednesday. I could use some info before then, however. It seems odd that the only hard facts come from the US Embassy's Flickr page so far. So if anyone actually knows anything for sure, please share it...
JT
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Post by Ian Warren on Jan 25, 2014 10:07:10 GMT 12
I'm surprised the airframe/wing have let down the 'E' so quickly, was the uprated power plant causing resonating effect on the wing spars causing fatigue or was just simply out flown and worn out ?
As JT just posted ... they have kept it Hush Hush .
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Post by saratoga on Jan 25, 2014 10:10:44 GMT 12
While i agree this is a good thing for the RNZAF, both from performance and moral, with the potential for CAS in the future, I think there are a few hooks in this. As has been stated there are no projects listed for this replacement/upgrade,so questionable on best value,ie, who were the contenders?.What is the cost?,is it $$$ or backing an insular TPP agreement that has no benefit to NZ. And not a good look for NZ to be providing employment for Americans when there are so many jobs in NZ going overseas.Be interesting how the PR works this one. And i prefer the 14sqn scheme, with gun and rocket pods please!
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Post by htbrst on Jan 25, 2014 10:30:13 GMT 12
D It's not listed as a project on the Ministry of Defence website, or anywhere else. In fact there is very little official about it out there. JT The project came out of the 2010 white paper and has taken a while to come to fruition, though it is weird that it was never listed as a project. See www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-era-rnzaf-advanced-pilot-training-signalled from 2011
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Post by saratoga on Jan 25, 2014 10:42:53 GMT 12
Reading the white paper link, re;pilot training, looks like the CT4 might have got to the same stage as the Strikemasters, when replacement was critical and whoever could provide ASAP got the contract. Certainly June 2014 is positively ballistic in terms of military deliveries.
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Post by baronbeeza on Jan 25, 2014 10:47:19 GMT 12
Is it possible the news of the past few days may be associated with the thread title here ?
Ansett NZ did something similar after the Aloha incident. The replacement for the 200 series was always looking like 737-500. The moment they realised that commercial reality dictated the replacements had to be in service within months then things had to happen, and like now.. or yesterday. The BAe-146 was available to them and although the aircraft could be delivered within months the company had to quickly organise engineer training, crew training and other operational matters out promptly.
I reckon similar wheels would be in motion at Ohakea now..... the next few months are going to pass very quickly for those involved in getting a new type up and running. That could also answer some of the questions posted above about the manner of the decision and it's announcement.
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Post by hamfists on Jan 25, 2014 10:55:22 GMT 12
Pity they couldn't get PC-21's..
..with hawker/beech's financial problems they probably screwed em down on price..current list price is 4-8 mil
Pilatus is around 9 mil..I bet the T-6C's will be closer to 4 than 8
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Post by saratoga on Jan 25, 2014 10:56:45 GMT 12
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Post by Naki on Jan 25, 2014 11:16:22 GMT 12
Pity they couldn't get PC-21's.. ..with hawker/beech's financial problems they probably screwed em down on price..current list price is 4-8 mil Pilatus is around 9 mil..I bet the T-6C's will be closer to 4 than 8 They don't have any financial problems now I wouldn't think as they are now owned by Textron ( whom also owns Cessna)
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Post by jimtheeagle on Jan 25, 2014 12:30:23 GMT 12
I don't have a figure, but the PC-21 is a lot more expensive, which is why it hasn't sold very well. It has a lot of sophisticated features more suitable for a lead-in fighter trainer that the RNZAF doesn't really need. As to a competition - exactly. It's hardly been an open and transparent process this, given that the government will be spending tens of millions of dollars, at least. It seems the pics on the US Embassy Flickr page have been taken down...
JT
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Post by saratoga on Jan 25, 2014 12:33:44 GMT 12
woops ,looks like someone got a taste of the Wikileaks!
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Post by shorty on Jan 25, 2014 13:00:31 GMT 12
All we need now is some decent aircraft for the jocks to fly when they progress from these.!
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Post by saratoga on Jan 25, 2014 13:07:59 GMT 12
What do they fly before these?. All the examples in the White paper had initial types, or is that training contracted out to a third party?
Also ,what should we call them?.Current trend would be for a Maori type name, so maybe the T-6c 'Kura',which i think means learning/teaching.
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Post by phil82 on Jan 25, 2014 17:18:25 GMT 12
. As to a competition - exactly. It's hardly been an open and transparent process this, given that the government will be spending tens of millions of dollars, at least. JT The selection would have been by people who know what they're doing: are you suggesting they don't? As long as the air force gets what it wants and needs who else needs to be involved other than real experts and Treasury? Are you suggesting we have a Citizens Iniated Referendum every time the air force buys a new piece of kit? It is the air forces' job to provide advice to the government and treasury on what it needs, and there are many checks and balances in the system without involving totally uniformed opinion:i.e. the public!
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