Skyhawks are GO!

[spongebob206]

RIP

Sorry, I have an attitude about this.

Can't get over it

[Splitpin]

Some of the museum guys are up there now getting it sorted. The 2 for the museum will be the first one that flew in NZ, and the last one that flew (with the Air force) not sure of the numbers but one was the first kahu. The T-bird will be put back together and rolled straight into the aircraft hall....the huey will be moved, and the other one into 3 hanger for a while.

Also looking at a macchi, there are 2 already packed up and ready to go.....but i dont think for the museum ....yet....and of course we get a souix down soon.

PS. I put in word about the docs you guys were asking about....it was noted, but dont hold your breath....I'll keep at them.

QUOTE (spongebob206 @ Apr 19 2011,7:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

RIP

Sorry, I have an attitude about this.

Can't get over it

Me too Spongeguy.....it just aint right.....bloody lefty female top heavy ex govt.

[J7G]

Thanks mate, appreciate it.

I do think we could all go in on one. I can pledge $20 + whatever studylink will let me away with

[HamiltonWest]

Photo Link: http://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/1105...e6ddb79824.jpeg

Skyhawk Prepares for Trip South

Monday, 23 May 2011, 4:26 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Defence Force
Media Release
23 May, 2011

Skyhawk Prepares for Trip South

The first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s former Skyhawk fleet is currently being disassembled at Woodbourne, near Blenheim, as part of the Government’s decision early last month to place some of the aircraft in museums around New Zealand.

NZ6254, a two-seat TA-4K Skyhawk, has had its protective coating removed and will shortly be dismantled into its major components ready for movement by Defence Force transport to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand at Wigram, Christchurch, the birthplace of New Zealand military aviation.

The aircraft will travel via the Lewis Pass to its new home; this is the second time the aircraft has travelled by road since arriving in Auckland in May 1970.

The project manager responsible for overseeing the disposal of the fleet said he expected the disassembly and preparation for movement to take at least a week. Some delays were inevitable as it has been over ten years since an airworthy Skyhawk has had its large wing removed, which is a tricky process even with experienced staff and the right equipment. The aircraft is being disassembled by the Air Combat Force Disposal Unit comprising military and civilian staff with Skyhawk experience.

The Museum was very keen to acquire NZ6254 as it was the first Skyhawk to fly in New Zealand following delivery in May 1970 aboard the USS Okinawa. It was also one of two Skyhawks to undertake test-firing of the Maverick air-to-surface missile in 1989, the other aircraft being NZ6205, a single-seat model, which has also been allocated to the Museum. Both aircraft were the prototypes for Project Kahu which resulted in the aircraft fleet receiving a major upgrade to their avionics.

NZ6254 will be reassembled at the Museum by the Unit and will go on display soon afterwards so that visitors can get the opportunity of seeing the aircraft at close quarters.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1105/S005...-trip-south.htm

[Ian Warren]

One thing that come mind < I do wonder maybe if they cannot all find homes for these , be great to have a cockpit setup , they .. the museum cannot afford a computer YET ! but have an option to feel what is like to climb into the last strike attack type in NZ .

[Charl]

Last mothballed Skyhawks sold off
If I understand this correctly, NZ would have been better off if JDI Holdings had been paid one million dollars to take the entire fleet of Skyhawks, back in 2001.

[Ian Warren]

And to think i was discussing the history of No.75 yesterday , doing a bit of research for a little project , the whys the Squadron should have been or stayed , i wonder how many people on this forum really have any understanding or of what the significance that number played in people lives and its history .

[HamiltonWest]

First 3 mins of the 2 Sqn Skyhawk SL Doco Located Here:
http://www.shootmanagement.com.au/showcase_other.html

[Ian Warren]

Cheers Ham , have to source the complete and maybe added to doco , No.2 /75 Squadron Leader Murray Nielsen and further related film .

[Splitpin]

QUOTE (HamiltonWest @ Nov 27 2011,4:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

First 3 mins of the 2 Sqn Skyhawk SL Doco Located Here:
http://www.shootmanagement.com.au/showcase_other.html

Nice find....cheers Ham .

[HamiltonWest]

Stumbled across this:
Draken International Announces Additional Aircraft Acquisitions

LAKELAND, FL (May, 2012) – Draken International recently added to its already expansive and highly capable fleet of fighter aircraft with the acquisition of four (4) Mig-21UM fighter aircraft.


This is in addition to twenty-five (25) Mig-21s the company recently purchased from Poland and brings the total number of supersonic assets in Draken’s fleet to twenty-nine (29) aircraft. When combined with the company’s existing fleet of A-4K Skyhawks, MB-339s and L-39s, Draken now owns and operates over 55 tactical fighter jets for contract air services. With the company’s recent acquisitions, Draken now boasts the largest privately owned fleet of tactical fighter jets in the world. Given the present budgetary climate, it is vital to be able to provide the most cost effective solutions to the demands of the various branches of the military and Department of Defense. Contract air services save approximately $30,000 per flight hour compared to front-line 4th generation fighters and nearly $50,000 per hour in savings compared to 5th generation stealth fighters. This is strictly an assessment on operational costs and does not even begin to take into consideration the precious life limits remaining on our military fighter aircraft. As such, it is more important than ever to utilize contract air services for non-essential missions, training and research support, JTAC/CAS training as well as threat simulation and “red airâ€￾ adversaries. Since there is no single aircraft type that can fit all mission sets, Draken has spent the last year strategically acquiring supportable and highly capable assets to assemble the following fleet structure:

• Eight (8) Douglas A-4K Skyhawks (Flagship) equipped with an APG 66 radar, RWR, 1553 bus, HUD, HOTAS, and buddy-store refueling capabilities. The perfect aircraft for contract air services balancing long endurance and fuel economy with advanced tactical capabilities. Ideally suited for air-to-air, air-to-ground, research, flight testing and aerial refueling.

• Nine (9) Aermacchi MB-339 tactical jets equipped with a precision navigation / attack / bombing system, 1553 bus, HUD, HOTAS. The MB-339 is an ideal multi-role platform with advanced capabilities in the air-to-ground JTAC/CAS training mission sets.

• Twenty-nine (29) Mikoyan Mig-21UM and Mig-21BIS fighters. The Mig-21 is a mach 2 capable fighter with basic RWR and JayBird radar uniquely suited for large force exercises, adversary support, force multiplier, threat simulation and fleet defense.

• Five (5) Aero L-39 tactical jet trainers. The L-39 is a very economical, turbofan powered 2-seat jet trainer perfect for basic JTAC/CAS training, test pilot school training, research and chase missions.

Unlike most companies in the contract air services arena, Draken International owns and operates their entire fleet. The company also has an extensive maintenance facility, highly trained technicians, a comprehensive safety and security program as well as the parts and financial resources to support the considerable fleet of fighters for decades to come.

Draken International CEO Jared Isaacman states, “Draken is dedicated to building the most capable and supportable fleet of aircraft and we have made some tremendous acquisitions to accomplish this goal. We believe the demand for contract air services will only continue to grow and we are committed to meeting that need. Even now that we currently maintain the largest privately owned fleet of tactical fighter jets, we are still looking at additional acquisitions. The economic advantages for military use of contract air services are simply undeniable and we are pleased to be able to offer such a robust and economically efficient solution for aviation training and support.

http://temp.drakenintl.com/draken-internat...ct-air-services

http://temp.drakenintl.com/mb-339cb-3

http://temp.drakenintl.com/a-4k-skyhawk

[Ian Warren]

Crikey Ham , you could be such a teaser ... but if true have a more potent air force than most current airforce's ... that will real bit em in the bum .. and serve them right !

[HamiltonWest]

Draken International Purchases 8 McDonnell Douglas A-4K Skyhawks

LAKELAND, FL (May, 2012) – Draken International has signed an agreement with the New Zealand government to purchase eight McDonnell Douglas A-4K Skyhawks as well as various other equipment and accessories.


This successful transaction marks the end of a great chapter in New Zealand aviation history and the beginning of a great foundation for Draken International Draken, recognizing the increasing demand from the defense contracting industry, intends to operate the aircraft in support of Department of Defense training initiatives. The aircraft bring unique capabilities to the Contract Air Services (CAS) industry, with features such as an APG-66 radar, Heads-up-Display, HOTAS, Multi-Function Display and the NATO standard 1553 bus. Draken will also operate up to 6 buddy-store systems, enabling the Draken fleet to provide in-house aerial refueling or to provide tanker support to other probe equipped aircraft. Given these capabilities, the aircraft will be able to provide a more realistic training and threat simulation environment for a variety of roles including Air-to-Air, “Red Airâ€￾, Air to Ground, JTAC/CAS, aerial refueling, research and other mission sets that demand the latest in aircraft technology.

Draken International CEO Jared Isaacman states, “These aircraft represent the final and most capable evolution of the A-4 Skyhawk platform. We are all very confident in the long-term supportability, advanced avionics capabilities and economic efficiencies these aircraft will bring to the Department of Defense and the overall defense contracting industry.â€￾

In addition to the Douglas A-4K Skyhawks, the transaction includes over 20 spare engines, and an extensive inventory of spare parts, publications, life support equipment and avionics sufficient to power the fleet for decades to come. Also included are two flight simulators for cockpit procedural training and nav/attack system familiarization.

Draken expects to have the aircraft operational by the close of 2012.
http://temp.drakenintl.com/news-2#more-98

Draken International Purchases Aermacchi MB-339 Aircraft Fleet

LAKELAND, FL (May, 2012) – Draken International has been selected as the winning bidder for nine (9) Aermacchi MB-339 tactical jet trainer aircraft from the New Zealand government.


The MB-339 aircraft are very low time and have been exceptionally well maintained. This acquisition complements the company’s already expansive and highly capable fleet of fighter aircraft, with capabilities in all mission sets including air to air and air to ground. These nine Aermacchi MB-339s feature dual, front and rear seat Heads-Up Displays (HUD), Multi-Function Displays (MFD), the NATAO Standard 1553 data bus and an F-16-style Hands On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) system. The MB-339 is specifically designed to excel in the Close Air Support (CAS), Forward Air Controller – Airborne (FAC-A) and training Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) roles. The aircraft are equipped with seven weapon station hardpoints to provide the capability to handle air-to-ground training munitions and integration with the latest generation of targeting pods.

Draken International CEO Jared Isaacman states, “Draken is committed to building the most capable fleet of aircraft for our contract air services clients and this acquisition helps further our already robust capabilities. We are also very pleased to continue our long-standing positive relationship with the New Zealand government with this transaction.â€￾

This acquisition also includes an extensive inventory of spare parts, spare engines, avionics, nav/attack systems, publications and life support systems. Also included is a flight simulator for pilot familiarization and procedural training.

Draken expects to have its team onsite preparing disassembly by the end of May 2012 and to have the first aircraft fully operational in the 4th quarter 2012.
http://temp.drakenintl.com/news-1#more-95

[Ian Warren]

Be interesting to see the paint jobs by Draken if they can handle the dance .

[HamiltonWest]

QUOTE (Ian Warren @ Jul 14 2012,6:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Be interesting to see the paint jobs by Draken if they can handle the dance .

Pics of Draken A-4Ls
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24310206@N05/7565532390/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24310206@N05/7565531126/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24310206@N05/7565532036/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24310206@N05/7565530630/

[Ian Warren]

Civyed and old A4F's no wonder they want an upgrade , sorta little dissappointing , private firm running a Airforce better than a gov., what chance do the local populus have

[HamiltonWest]

More pics of A-4L's
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3...6025&type=1

[Ian Warren]

The 'L' designation interests me hope its not a Learners Licence , but to see such an old variant also , it would be nice to see the cockpit and what upgrades may have been done to them .

[HamiltonWest]

Sale of 17 air force jets gets nod
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7...e-jets-gets-nod

[Ian Warren]

Lets hope the sale works .. not a Kim Dotcom bargin chip ... never trust a suit !

"I can't tell you how much everyone at Draken International appreciates and respects the history of this aircraft in New Zealand. The Skyhawk has a very proud history in aviation in general, but the New Zealand version, the K model, is the pinnacle of this fleet and we just feel very fortunate we'll have the opportunity to fly them again."