RNZAF NH90 Shots

[redkiwi]

QUOTE (SeanTK @ Aug 23 2011,7:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How much longer will the Hueys be around? Does New Zealand have a reserve element of some sort that would use them?

I believe the Hueys are going to slowly phased out of service over the next four or so years as the NH-90's are brought fully up to speed and operational capability. They A109's are already getting there pretty fast and they are going to load share some of the work that the Huey's would have covered, as well as filling the training role.

NZ doesn't have an Air Force reserve like in the US, we do have air force reservists but only in support roles with the RNZAF. Keep in mind that NZ only has four million people total, and the total number of aircraft in service with the RNZAF is less than 50 - our entire Air Force is smaller than the average US Air Force base.

[Timmo]

I got to hear an NH-90 for the first time today- As luck would have it, our campsite appears to be right next to the hanger where new NH-90s are tested (made?) just out of Venice- Certainly not as unique as a UH-1, sounds more like a four cylinder sports car with a sports exhaust at moderate revs. I've been peeking over the fence hoping to see one in NZ colours but no luck yet.

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (Timmo @ Sep 14 2011,11:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've been peeking over the fence hoping to see one in NZ colours but no luck yet.

Our own secret squirrel spy i mean we could get you a trampoline

[ZKIWI]

QUOTE (Timmo @ Sep 14 2011,10:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I got to hear an NH-90 for the first time today- As luck would have it, our campsite appears to be right next to the hanger where new NH-90s are tested (made?) just out of Venice- Certainly not as unique as a UH-1, sounds more like a four cylinder sports car with a sports exhaust at moderate revs. I've been peeking over the fence hoping to see one in NZ colours but no luck yet.

Sorry Timmo but the NZ ones are being built in Marignane France. If you are over that way at some stage there is a great viewing area up above the airfield. The kiwi ones should be going through acceptance flights sometime soon.

[HueyTeam]

love these pics