RNZAF to get Q300s or CN-235s?

[markll]

Funny how the discussion goes rapidly from "hey, they're retiring the King Airs" to "darnation, we actually need a twin engine medium lift cargo plane"! WTH? Surely whats needed is a similar type to the King Air? The Q300 would be the closest from what I've seen here (not that I'm an expert on planes that don't blow darnation up!) but it's still, like, TWICE THE SIZE!

Are there any alternatives that are similar in size, and equivalent in capability?

[victor_alpha_charlie]

New King Airs?

[markll]

QUOTE (victor_alpha_charlie @ May 10 2010, 11:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

New King Airs?

Well yeah, exactly my thought....they'd fit the bill right?

[Ian Warren]

What ! ... they now going to put 'Bill' English on the plane and try to throw him out

[2fst4u]

Q300 is still too big for a twin engine trainer. Can probably be done, but not that well I wouldn't think.

[redkiwi]

QUOTE (2fst4u @ May 12 2010, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Q300 is still too big for a twin engine trainer. Can probably be done, but not that well I wouldn't think.

They used to get by just fine with the Andovers, even after they got rid of the Cessna 421C Golden Eagles.
Lets not forget that the A109's are twin engine 'advanced' helicopters.
The Air Force is sink or swim, that's why they only take the best pilots for the job.

QUOTE (markll @ May 10 2010, 10:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Funny how the discussion goes rapidly from "hey, they're retiring the King Airs" to "darnation, we actually need a twin engine medium lift cargo plane"! WTH? Surely whats needed is a similar type to the King Air? The Q300 would be the closest from what I've seen here (not that I'm an expert on planes that don't blow darnation up!) but it's still, like, TWICE THE SIZE!

Are there any alternatives that are similar in size, and equivalent in capability?

Uhh... it's the MOD that has decided they need to go back to something that is 'TWICE THE SIZE'.http://nzff.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11892&st=20#

The purpose of this aircraft is two fold - to serve as a multi-engine trainer as go between from the CT4 and the larger airframes, but also to support the roles that the P-3/C-130 already do, so that those airframes can likely be kept in service longer while suitable replacements for them are found.

[Trev]

We are too small an Air Force to buy aircraft that have only one use. The Kingair is a good twin engine trainer, but it doesnt have enough passenger space to be really helpfull to the airforce to move people up and down NZ. With the Boeings overseas most of the time and the hercs away being modified and under heavy servicing, we dont have any means of moving people between bases. Which is why we use Air to There to get to Woodbourne now.

[TVACGCEO]

Well look at the CAF for inter base transport. What you need is a CC-138 or a Twottter. Very reliable platform and proven time and time over. Can fill Transport mission, training, SAR.

[h290master]

still think the 235s are ideal for nz conditions vs some civy aircraft remake

[andrewb]

Interesting to see the news about the joint paratrooper exercise with the French over Whenuapai. Photos included a CN-235, possibly serving a dual purpose? Both the parachute training, and having a look/try of the aircraft in NZ conditions?

News article: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3695700/Fr...lock-with-Kiwis

[FlyingKiwi]

I wonder what they would have thought if the drop aircraft had been the sometimes-used Mountain Air BN Islander?

[markll]

QUOTE (andrewb @ May 14 2010, 12:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Interesting to see the news about the joint paratrooper exercise with the French over Whenuapai. Photos included a CN-235, possibly serving a dual purpose? Both the parachute training, and having a look/try of the aircraft in NZ conditions?

News article: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3695700/Fr...lock-with-Kiwis

I remember reading somewhere a while ago that they were looking for a new meat bomber. I'd imagine that the French brought that CN-235 with them, but maybe it would have served as a bit of an opportunity for our guys to have a look at it too...

[deeknow]

Another article on this topic at FlightGlobal today...
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/...transports.html