What was that noise over Auckland?

[ardypilot]

Just now (8.25ish), I heard a really stange noise in the sky above my house. I popped my head outside and saw some aircraft flying at about 2-3000 feet in the dark, heading Westwards towards the city over the Bucklands Beach peninsular. It sounded like a fighter jet or something, but wasn't travelling very fast.

Anyone got any idea what it was, and why it was flying in that direction?

[h290master]

maybe the A-37 from Ardmore or maybe the skyhawks stretching their legs?

[ZK-Brock]

There was an L-39 outta Nelson a few days ago, maybe it's doing a flight round the country? (I heard it on the radio only, rego was KEE)

[Naki]

A Lear 35 (or A37) doing practice runs against the Frigates?

[jastheace]

i heard it too, didn't get out in time to see it though

[FlyingKiwi]

Maybe a Learjet, A-37, L-39, L-29, Vampire, Hawker Hunter (not that it's slow exactly!); there are plenty of smallish jets around that would make a fighter jet-ish sound.

[Brennanx]

think it was the citation that goes from ardmore to places.

[scon]

think it was the citation that goes from ardmore to places.

Yep the National Business Review own a Citation 2 Bravo that is based at Ardmore, it could have been that

[ardypilot]

... doing practice runs against the Frigates?

Oh? Care to go into any more detail?

[jastheace]

from what i know, the navy uses private jets to simulate attacks on the ships, since we don't have a strike force anymore, can't exactly use a herc or 757 to simulate a fast moving fighter now can you!!

[Naki]

I beileve the Navy uses the Lear 35 (ZK-XVL) that is based at Ardmore and they have used the A-37 as well. I think they have used the Hunter as well. The A-37 is moving to Tauranga and the Hunter is already here so I am not sure whether these are used any more to simulate attacks/anti shipping missles, but no doubt the Lear or a Lear is still used.