RNZAF

[Ian Warren]

Air Force to get new pilot training aircraft
NewstalkZB | 11:07am Fri 07 Dec 2012

The Air Force is to get new pilot training aircraft.

The Government has announced the Defence Force is about to seek tenders for the new planes.

Defence Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman says two types of planes are currently used for pilot training - the single engine CT-4E Airtrainers and twin engine turbo-prop King Air B200s.

The service life of the first is due to end in 2018 and the lease for the latter also expires in 2018.

Dr Coleman says the Air Forceâs entire operational fleet of planes and helicopters is being upgraded to include modern avionics and cockpits and upgraded tools are also needed to develop the flying standards of trainee pilots.

[Naki]

Moving forward finally - my pick is the T-6 Texan 11 which here on a demo earlier this year

[Ian Warren]

Paul lets hope so

[IslandBoy77]

Yes, I'm voting the Texan too: seems to fill all the requirements, including being rugged and fairly modern, but with bigger cajones...

[Ian Warren]

Just a pity the Super Tucano was'nt brought in .. hardpoints for weapon training also troop helio backup .

[SUBS17]

Texan 2 is good but they need another aircraft like the CT4 first before moving onto a T6. Its a very fast aircraft so you still need a basic trainner for noobs to break first.

[Splitpin]

QUOTE (SUBS17 @ Dec 9 2012,11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Texan 2 is good but they need another aircraft like the CT4 first before moving onto a T6. Its a very fast aircraft so you still need a basic trainner for noobs to break first.

Good point SUBS ...... Maybe a turbine CT4 ....

[Ian Warren]

Should have been looked at before .. if the XLs are selling like hotcakes .. increase the current design package .. love to see the whirly fish bowl of designers at PAC what they maybe thinking .. just a glimps in the door and look at their papers and design plans .

[Splitpin]

QUOTE (Ian Warren @ Dec 9 2012,12:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Should have been looked at before .. if the XLs are selling like hotcakes .. increase the current design package .. love to see the whirly fish bowl of designers at PAC what they maybe thinking .. just a glimps in the door and look at their papers and design plans .

Maybe these

CT-4 RG


Space saver


Instructor saver ....3 students at once.


permission to edit these pics, kindly granted by Gavin Conroy .