Our Equipment
The RNZAF fleet is made up of the Airborne Reconnaissance and Surveillance Force flying P3-K Orions, the Rotary Wing Transport Force flying Iroquois and Sioux helicopters, and the Fixed Wing Transport Force, operating five C130H Hercules and two Boeing 757-200s. We have projects underway to upgrade or replace all our major aircraft types.
// P-3K ORIONS
The P3-K Orion provides an ideal platform for long range reconnaissance and surveillance. It has a range of over 6000 kilometres and can remain on station for up to 8 hours at 1400 kilometres. It has a relatively high transit speed to operating areas, and responds easily to any task once airborne.
A project is underway to upgrade the six Orions in our fleet, significantly improving the surveillance capabilities of the aircraft. The upgrade includes new imaging radar, electronic sensor equipment, mission management systems and navigation and communications systems.
// HELICOPTERS
The Air Force fleet of 13 Iroquois helicopters will soon be replaced with eight new NH90 helicopters. The NH90:
- can carry up to 12 fully-equipped troops or 19 passengers.
- has state-of-the-art avionics
- has a rear ramp to embark/disembark cargo and small vehicles
- has a large freight capacity valuable for disaster relief and humanitarian operations
- has a long-range, all weather capability
- can be deployed using the navy’s multi-role vessel
The first helicopter is expected to arrive in 2010 with final delivery in 2011.
// C-130 HERCULES
The Air Force’s five C-130 Hercules aircraft have begun a progressive life-extension upgrade. The upgrade will involve aircraft structural components and aircraft systems, including significant work on communication and navigation systems to ensure the Hercules can operate effectively in coalition operations and international airspace.
// BOEING 757 (B-757)
Our two B-757's have just completed full airframe and avionics modifications. In addition, each plane has been fitted with a new forward cargo door and surround and rear air stairs. The modified B-757's provide the ability for rapid role changes into different configurations – standard, combination freight/passenger, full freight, Aero Medical Evacuation (AME) and VIP.