Air force seeks $75m for new fleet of planes

[twinstarda42]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4736376a11.html

Air force seeks $75m for new fleet of planes
By HANK SCHOUTEN - The Dominion Post | Thursday, 23 October 2008


The air force could soon be in line for a new fleet of twin-engined aircraft to train its pilots and provide VIP transport at a cost of up to $75 million.


The Defence Ministry has issued a request for proposals to provide five pressurised turbo-prop planes to replace its present fleet of leased B200 King Airs.

Project manager Squadron Leader Dave Forrest said it was hoped that replacement advanced training aircraft would be in service by June 2010.

The air force would consider leasing or buying new or used planes. It was also looking to get a flight simulator to cut flying hours required by at least 20 per cent.

The air force is budgeted to provide 100 hours of VIP flying each year and the King Airs have been used occasionally by Prime Minister Helen Clark when scheduled services are not available. Last month she was criticised for commandeering a flight from Ohakea to Invercargill when Wellington airport was closed by bad weather.

Squadron Leader Forrest would not disclose how much money had been approved for the aircraft. The defence long-term development plan says the cost is expected to be between $65 million and $75 million.

The Government is also looking at fitting missiles to its P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft. The plan says a study will be carried out to determine the most appropriate air-to-surface weapons at an estimated cost of between $35million and $45 million.

This is in addition to the $373 million being spent replacing obsolete sensors, computers, navigation and communications equipment on the Orions.

The development plan says missiles would significantly enhance the value of the aircraft "in fulfilling policy roles relating to the territorial sovereignty of New Zealand and Australia ..."

While the Orions provide targeting information, "the inability to take immediate action against surface threats limits the P-3's ability to provide force protection for New Zealand naval vessels".

The navy's Seasprite helicopters can fire Maverick missiles but the air force lost its missile capability when its old Skyhawks were grounded in 2002.

[Naki]

Hmm I guess this could all change if the govt changes.............. good to see possibly some extra teeth for the Orions - Harpoons??

[K5054NZ]

So what does everyone think will be on offer? It'll be interesting to see whats tendered, and what we eventually take up.

[bestpilotindaworld]

would make sense for them to get new b200's with full glass cockpit? only a guess

[Njbb1995]

Well considering their C130s are getting upgraded that could be a possibility

[h290master]

Orions taking over skyhawk duties lmao

[Naki]

QUOTE (K5054NZ @ Oct 23 2008, 05:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So what does everyone think will be on offer? It'll be interesting to see whats tendered, and what we eventually take up.

Glass cockpit King Airs or second hand Q200s

[Goose]

QUOTE (h290master @ Oct 23 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Orions taking over skyhawk duties lmao

Im really hoping that if national win they may at least reinstate the Aermacchi's and sell the sky hawks. Not going to hold my breath tho

[AlisterC]

I'd like to know how often a P3 Orion Captain has been in the air wishing he had missiles before we actually get any
But with a possible Nat govt on the way, they might not have trouble getting some money for the new planes.

[ronindanbo]

can't agree with that, I think a National Government would be more likely to spend money on weapon systems than a left wing government but then again if the cupboard is bare (and it is) that may be debatable.

I think they should go for some second hand SAAB 2000's as they are nice and fast plus they have glass cockpits and were being looked at for carrying advanced early warning systems (tho the SAAB 340 was in the same boat).

[bestpilotindaworld]

QUOTE (ronindanbo @ Oct 24 2008, 10:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think they should go for some second hand SAAB 2000's as they are nice and fast plus they have glass cockpits and were being looked at for carrying advanced early warning systems (tho the SAAB 360 was in the same boat).

Thats a bit of a jump from the old CT-4. Remember that it is a multi trainer not just VIP

[FlyingKiwi]

It would be nice to see the Aermacchis at least in service again - I wouldn't hold your breath for anything too dramatic though, if National are going to deliver on their tax cuts with the current economic situation I doubt spending extravagantly on new military aircraft will be their top priority. Still, they would surely be at least a bit more air force friendly that Labour.

[2fst4u]

there is still hope for a cool air force (from an outsiders point of view)

im not too smart will all this government stuff, but does this mean that if national become government, these proposals may not go ahead?

[victor_alpha_charlie]

It really has to be King Airs, there isn't another suitable aircraft for twin training and VIP duties. The Q200 is too big.

[Charl]

QUOTE (Goose @ Oct 23 2008, 11:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Im really hoping that if national win they may at least reinstate the Aermacchi's and sell the sky hawks. Not going to hold my breath tho

From NZHerald:


Air Force told to close cockpits or risk mouldy planes

2:51PM Thursday Oct 23, 2008


Rainwater was found inside four of the 17 Skyhawks at Base Woodbourne, near Blenheim. Photo / Supplied

Memo to Air Force - close windows on incredibly expensive Skyhawks or they will get wet inside.

The RNZAF issued a statement today saying Safe Air Ltd, which maintains the fleet, found rainwater had got into four of the 17 Skyhawks at Base Woodbourne, near Blenheim.

Parachute packs got damp and some instruments were a bit wet so components were removed and serviced.

There was no damage or impact on the sale or resale value of the aircraft.

"The cause of water entry is not a failure of the Skyhawks protective coat but is likely to be the improper re-sealing of cockpit canopies after a routine maintenance inspection," the statement said.

Act MP Heather Roy raised the issue. She understood the latex covers on the planes were ineffective and the cockpits were found mouldy and with water pooled inside.

She said damage included making ejection seats unsafe, corrosion and ruined avionics.

The planes have been on the market for seven years after the Government decided to scrap the military's air strike capability.

[Ian Warren]

Its a dirty job but some one has to do it

Maybe Act MP Heather Roy needs latex covers on her erection seat because the cockpits were found mouldy and with water pooled inside.

She said damage included making erection seats unsafe

really .... what a cockup

[victor_alpha_charlie]

QUOTE (Ian Warren @ Oct 24 2008, 10:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Its a dirty job but some one has to do it

Maybe Act MP Heather Roy needs latex covers on her erection seat because the cockpits were found mouldy and with water pooled inside.

She said damage included making erection seats unsafe

really .... what a cockup

Come on now Mr. Warren.. This is a family venue!

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (victor_alpha_charlie @ Oct 24 2008, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come on now Mr. Warren.. This is a family venue!

rot dig i say ...mes englay not to goud

[deaneb]

QUOTE (Charl @ Oct 24 2008, 06:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From NZHerald:

Air Force told to close cockpits or risk mouldy planes

Its a shame the media never picks up on the facts - The Air Force has nothing to do with the Skyhawk disposal. The disposal is controlled by the Ministry of Defence and the storage and maintenance of the aircraft (although at a military base) is conducted by Safe Air. The Air Force can only sit by and idly watch as the media circus plays out.

Deane

[twinstarda42]

QUOTE (deaneb @ Oct 25 2008, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Its a shame the media never picks up on the facts - The Air Force has nothing to do with the Skyhawk disposal. The disposal is controlled by the Ministry of Defence and the storage and maintenance of the aircraft (although at a military base) is conducted by Safe Air. The Air Force can only sit by and idly watch as the media circus plays out.

Deane

seems the media 'facts' came via the person that was interviewed on TV one news.

the media release ignored by most NZ media.


No damage to Skyhawks


A small amount of rainwater has entered the cockpits of four of the 17 Royal New Zealand Air Force Skyhawks kept at Woodburn Air Base, but there is no damage to the aircraft, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.
“I am advised by the Air Force that there is no damage to the aircraft, and no impact on the sale or resale value of the aircraft,â€￾ Phil Goff said.

“On inspection, dampness was found on some components. These have since been removed and serviced at negligible cost, and the cockpit seals repaired.

“The cause of water entry is likely to be the improper re-sealing of cockpit canopies after a routine maintenance inspection.

Meanwhile, the sales process of the aircraft is continuing, Mr Goff said.

“There is a clear process applying to the sale of the aircraft and two companies are bidding for US DOD contracts for air training support, which would require the aircraft.

“These contracts are in the process of being tendered. If either of the bids is successful, we have an undertaking from both the State Department and the Pentagon that they will fast-track approval for the sale of the aircraft," Phil Goff said.

ENDS

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0810/S00562.htm