NZFF

A400M and C295W to be pitched to NZ
http://australianaviation.com.au/2013/05/a...-pitched-to-nz/

I'd don't think the CN/C235 will get a look in other than the low end lifter which is similar to to the 780 , .... a pitch A400 .. here's the bi t ch - its ARBUST .. sorry an Airbus product , i would like to see and hear the type in New Zealand , Still love the Herc .. but costing will cool this deal real quick i would think unless they do a special type ARBUST320 package

I always thought A400 a rather poncey sort of aeroplane, massive cost overruns typical of military hardware purchases.
But my favourite magazine AIR International recently did an infomercial on this, using the recent events in North Africa as an example.

Turns out it could've gotten in where the C17 could not, and could've carried what the C130 could not.
Probably a useful lifter if you're going to Timbuktu.

In my latest issue of Pacific Wings the editor raves about the A400 and how good it would be for the RNZAF. He puts forward a good case actually. Interesting that it will fit the NH90 in the cargo hold, unlike our C130s.

It's a pretty decent looking and sounding piece of kit on paper, seems to fit the bill here as well. Even the RAF lads gave it the thumbs up didnt they after some early trials?

(Dear Lord, please dont tell me the AA Gang (Anti-Airbus) are now out-numbered in this thread ??!!?!?! )

deeknow wrote:

QUOTE (deeknow @ May 31 2013,12:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

(Dear Lord, please dont tell me the AA Gang (Anti-Airbus) are now out-numbered in this thread ??!!?!?! )

Arr Dean "CLASSIC" its not Airbus .. its ARBUST !

Ian Warren wrote:

QUOTE (Ian Warren @ May 31 2013,7:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Arr Dean "CLASSIC" its not Airbus .. its ARBUST !

Well i'll stand with you Ian against the ARBUST death dealing merchants. Even if it only u and me against the world

No no no .... Naki and i thought this one thru a long time ago , the A400 is just what we need ....Naki ??? are you there mate ??

Call me in 2030 when the Government finally decide

JoeM wrote:

QUOTE (JoeM @ Jun 2 2013,11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Call me in 2030 when the Government finally decide

Hopeful , won't be such a thing as gov .. Rather "Real Senior Leaders" peoples with some grey-matter in the brain case ... and not the brief case they use to carry lunch to work in .

Splitpin wrote:

QUOTE (Splitpin @ May 31 2013,8:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No no no .... Naki and i thought this one thru a long time ago , the A400 is just what we need ....Naki ??? are you there mate ??

Yep if they want to transport the NH-90s by air this the only answer as when they get around to replacing the Hercs the C17 wil be out of production (too expensive anyway) and the A400 wil be a mature product. If we had got UH-60s the C-130J (or the new Embraer KC-390) may of been okay but the A400 will probably have a longer life than the J. The RAF are replacing their J models in a few years by A400s (the Js have been well used by the RAF and running out of hours) and the RAAF are already thinking about replacing their Js although this will be some years away yet I would think - probably with A400s.

I am wondering whether the C295MP/ASW would be a P-3 replacement (along with maybe a few to supplement the A400s in transport for smaller loads) as the range from whaat I am reading is about twice that of a P-8 and closer to the P-3 ...size might be an issue though

With the countries d/budget the'd least aircraft to transport the NH if required in a hurry or go via HMNZS Canterbury , we'd probablely pickup the old RAF/RAAF or from another source of J s if anything ... can't see buying 400s also mean hanger rebuilds to keep staff changing the infastructure engineering bases to add to the bigger costing .

For NZ coast they would need get water down P8s , the 295 is just to small and slow again for the area we cover .