Orion to Wigram

[shorty]

Anybody know how they are going to achieve this? Can't come down SH 1 as it wouldn't fit though the tunnels, not sure that a detour via the inland Kaikoura Rd and Waiau would work either or via the Shenandoah would be viable.
Interesting logistics exercise!

[l29]

Fly it to chch, dismantle from there. Easy!

[Dave Homewood]

Except it is already at Woodbourne being dismantled. I understand it will be trucked on the inland route. Crazy if you ask me when it could have flown into Harewood, but I guess they do not want to rent space there to dismantle it.

[corsairarm]

Yep Why do things the easy way when there is a hard way.

[Deane B]

Sept 29, 2022 15:24:48 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

Except it is already at Woodbourne being dismantled. I understand it will be trucked on the inland route. Crazy if you ask me when it could have flown into Harewood, but I guess they do not want to rent space there to dismantle it.

There are still three P3s operating with 5 Sqn, 01, 02 and 05. I was under the impression its one of those going to the museum, possible 01, or maybe 02 which was the last frame off group service earlier this year.

[Dave Homewood]

I am sure I read that the one for the museum is already at Woody Valley. I may be wrong.

[lesterpk]

NZ4201 has been earmarked for the museum.

[Deane B]

Oct 3, 2022 22:35:54 GMT 12 lesterpk said:

NZ4201 has been earmarked for the museum.

Thanks - that confirms my thoughts

[planewriting]

I am not sure exactly which ever one eventually goes to Wigram but I was impressed with one of the Orions doing a series of circuits at Tauranga yesterday. They and the Herks do them here occasionally but being reminded here, just the previous day, that the Orions are on the way out made me sit back and think about their achievements performed so well in 55+ years.

[johnnyfalcon]

The P-3s and C-130s are an outstanding example of the RNZAFs personnel achievements in keeping, maintaining, and operating these airframes for so long. When I consider how well the Harvard aged from one era to the next it actually pales compared to the length of time these two types have had to endure.

[tbf2504]

To Add to the above comment, both our first three C-130s were the first production "H" models and the original Orions were the first export order of the type for the US.

[Dave Homewood]

Oct 6, 2022 12:31:55 GMT 12 johnnyfalcon said:

The P-3s and C-130s are an outstanding example of the RNZAFs personnel achievements in keeping, maintaining, and operating these airframes for so long. When I consider how well the Harvard aged from one era to the next it actually pales compared to the length of time these two types have had to endure.

Indeed, both the Lockheed types have proven outstanding for New Zealand.

The comparison with the Harvard is interesting, but think about this:
- Most of those still flying are 1943 vintage, and served in the RNZAF till 1978 at the latest, so 35 years service.
- In those 35 years most had prolonged periods when they were in storage as postwar the RNZAF never had the whole fleet active.
- Since they left the RNZAF they have been pampered, they never get flown as aggressively or as hard as they did in Air Force service.
- They have not flown that many hours since their service due to costs, maintenance and the lack of need to be continually training new pilots.
- Many have been also been rebuilt.

Whereas those five Hercs and the six Orions have:
- Been constantly active since they entered RNZAF service except for Group servicing
- None, as far as I am aware, have ever had any period of storage to preserve the airframe and act as a reserve
- They still fly operationally to the operating limits. I know annual flying hours are significantly less than they were to keep them going and keep costs low, but they're still doing the business Air Force stylies.
- Both fleets have been active in wars, military operations, peacekeeping, disaster relief, scientific endeavours, and much more.

It's highly possible that pilots and aircrew who flew the two types when they entered service could have grandchildren and great-grandchildren flying the same aircraft now still in service in the same squadrons. I'd love to know if this is actually the case.

There is no doubt at all, if you want a very good aircraft, buy Lockheed. I am glad the Hercules fleet will be replaced by another Hercules fleet. It is a shame Lockheed is not making a contemporary maritime patrol aircraft these days and we had to go with a lesser manufacturer in Boeing. I hope they do not let us down.

[aeromedia]

As an aside, I see the RAAF Museum
is cutting up its C130. It’s deteriorated outside. The cockpit is being saved. A reminder of the challenges around large airframes preservation.

[Deane B]

And none of the C-130 or P3s suffered any hull losses, or (to my knowledge) were involved in any serious accidents. This is also quite an achievement.

I'm very grateful for the years I spent at 5 Sqn (1989-1993). My son also joined the mob and is just about to leave 5 Sqn after a year there as a mech to head to his Techs course. It will be sad day for both of us when the P3 goes, but nothing is forever.

[Dave Homewood]

Nothing is forever but Hercs get close.

I do recall hearing when I was at Whenuapai, some time between 1989 and 1990, that one of the Hercs was well out over the Pacific ocean and for some reason it lost all four engines. But the crew managed to eventually get them restarted before splashdown. I do not know if that is a true story or a base "craptogram" rumour, lol. I'd love to know more, if it was true.

[tbf2504]

A three engine approach and landing at Dulles, Washington in the midst of a huge thunderstorm in NZ7004 in July 1995, is one of my strongest memories of the reliability of the mighty Herc