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Post by SEAN on Mar 9, 2009 11:04:29 GMT 12
Latest off the NZDF "Projects" Intranet site. "On Wed 4 Feb, TNZA #1 was wheeled from the hangar at Marignane (France) for the first time to undergo deluge testing. This tests the integrity of seals and the overall water tightness of the airframe, and is one of a number of tests prior to ground power-on testing. SQNLDR Chris Andrew, our AT&E Pilot in France, reports that the deluge test was successful.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 9, 2009 12:05:39 GMT 12
Wow, fantastic photos. Thanks for posting them Sean. Doesn't it look like a fantastic machine? What a beast.
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Post by Bruce on Mar 9, 2009 12:45:34 GMT 12
Maybe coating it in latex will keep all the water out? awesome machine - even with a "westie" paintjob It does still have all the covers on to keep water out - What does that prove?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 9, 2009 16:05:08 GMT 12
Considering these aircraft will spend most of their service lives at windy wet Ohakea and soggy wet Whenuapai, maybe they should up the water pressure a little. ;D
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Post by beagle on Mar 11, 2009 7:10:15 GMT 12
yep, she's getting there. not long before we will get some images of her flying in full Kiwi colours.
I am a bit miffed though at the design where the radar is. If there was an undercarriage problem and it had to land on it's belly would it not have been prudent to have moved the radar up a bit as it looks like it would get taken out.
but then again design engineers get paid more than me so they must know something I don't.
also, are we getting the FLIR turret as well. ??
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Post by 30sqnatc on Mar 11, 2009 20:48:59 GMT 12
I am a bit miffed though at the design where the radar is. If there was an undercarriage problem and it had to land on it's belly would it not have been prudent to have moved the radar up a bit as it looks like it would get taken out. but then again design engineers get paid more than me so they must know something I don't. Location decided by marketing guy - 'Just think how much we will make in spares each time they stub their chin on the ground'
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Post by SEAN on May 7, 2009 14:18:22 GMT 12
A couple more new ones:
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Post by hardyakka on May 7, 2009 18:16:35 GMT 12
... that the doors and windows don't leak?
The only cover seems to be the one on the rotor hub (sans blades).
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Post by vs on May 7, 2009 18:43:59 GMT 12
Certainly a decent sized bit of kit!
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Post by Bruce on May 7, 2009 19:14:28 GMT 12
... that the doors and windows don't leak? The only cover seems to be the one on the rotor hub (sans blades). Loook closely at all the orange RBF tags! engine inlets, exhausts,most of the openings around the cabin and engine bay, the sensors on the nose, even the the cockpit side windows have been taped! As I said, I'm not sure what that proves about water ingress in service....
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 7, 2009 20:10:31 GMT 12
It's a big old boy, isn't it? It will dwarf the Iroquois.
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Post by beagle on May 7, 2009 21:53:48 GMT 12
yippee, it flies. now a bit of paint and she will look fine. do we know how many are on the production line at present and how far along they are. in that second image, thats not Des Ashton second from left I am also looking at the engine installation. We are getting the RR RTM 322 the same as the Aussie MRH-90 but their engine installation looks different to ours. Comments.
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 7, 2009 22:16:42 GMT 12
Beags, you're right. I'm informed that the people in the shot are: (Pictured Left to Right) WGCDR Ian Macpherson (NZDF Air Adviser London), Mr Des Ashton (MoD Deputy Secretary - Acquisition), SQNLDR Chris Andrew, (MoD RPT), SQNLDR Shaun Johnson (MoD RPT), Mr Grant Isherwood (MoD RPT) and FLTLT Nick Larson (MoD RPT)
At least ours won't be in the "unpainted Matchbox kit" colours like that one. Who's is that? Spain or Germany or soemthing?
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Post by shorty on May 7, 2009 22:38:11 GMT 12
Isherwood and Ashton were sprog Officers in my time! Whats with "Army" splattered all over it?
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Post by beagle on May 8, 2009 6:25:52 GMT 12
ian mac has been with choppers quite a bit, des ashton took me for aerobatics in the airtourer when it was based in woodbourne back in '85. i thought ron thacker was high up in the nh-90 programme.
the image i submitted above is of an aussie one. they have another, the same colours but with navy on it
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Post by davekiwi on May 12, 2009 16:46:40 GMT 12
Actually as a follow up - it appears the the first of the RNZAF's NH-90s has made its first test flight:
from the NZ GOV site:
"The first of the eight-strong fleet had its initial test flight at manufacturer NH Industries in Marignane, France, last week. The flight test crew reported that the 25-minute flight went very well, Dr Mapp said." --> this was posted today (12 MAY 2009)
There is also a nice image linked to the story -- which is the "unpainted" HH-90 show further up ... good to see
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Post by vgp on May 12, 2009 17:45:09 GMT 12
First New Air Force Helicopter Due Next March Wellington, May 12 NZPA - The first of the air force's new NH90 helicopters is expected to be available from March next year. Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said the first of the eight-strong fleet had its initial test flight in France last week and it was reportedly successful. The medium-utility helicopters, designed for a range of roles in both military and civilian operations, will replace New Zealand's ageing Iroquois fleet. Mr Mapp said one of the roles for the machines would be to support agencies such as police and Customs. New Zealand in 2006 ordered the helicopters for $771 million including logistics support, spare parts and training. The delivery schedule calls for the first helicopter to be offered for acceptance in March next year. That machine will then become the training vehicle for air and maintenance crew. www.guide2.co.nz/politics/news/first-new-air-force-helicopter-due-next-march/11/7769
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Post by phil on May 12, 2009 21:35:53 GMT 12
At least ours won't be in the "unpainted Matchbox kit" colours like that one. Who's is that? Spain or Germany or soemthing? Ours!
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 12, 2009 22:53:26 GMT 12
Nah, I was referring to Beagle's picture Phil, which he explained was an Australian one. The paint they use looks really plasticy and they're the same shades as some of the old three-toned Matchbox kits were when I was a kid. I didn't even realise the Aussies had any by the way.
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Post by beagle on May 13, 2009 6:23:44 GMT 12
Dave, The RAAF originally ordered 12 in 2005 then in 2006 ordered another 34 to bring the total to 46. These will replace the Sea Kings and Black Hawks. The first 4 were being built in France, which they now have, and the rest in Brisbane. The first Aussie assembled one is now finished and I think flying. In typical aussie fashion, they have renamed theirs the MRH-90
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