The Air Force is eyeing up drones to potentially replace its aging Orion squadron.

[HamiltonWest]

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zea ... 3897504001

[Ian Warren]

Boy! they really sure are trying to take the fun out war ... nothing like real eyes on the spot ... and decision making !

[tomkilpatrick]

The word on my side of the fence is that we're looking at the P-8, seeing at how successful they've been with Australia and the US.

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[Ian Warren]

we're looking at the P-8, seeing at how successful they've been with Australia and the US.

Wonder if we need some more museum space at Wigram ... would have to be a walk thru display ... maybe they should also be thinking off a hanger big enough for the Herk as well , another ideal walk thru display ... I should get a job at the RNZAFS AIRFORCE WORLD MUSEUM with my idea's ...

[tomkilpatrick]

I went there, about 6 weeks ago with our Course and had a look around - very nice place!

With regards to the Herc, was in a briefing with the WO of the Air Force a couple weeks back and we're looking at 2x Airbus A400s (sorry Ian), and a few, maybe 4 Embraer KC-90s.

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[tomkilpatrick]

Mainly the Airbus' to gain a lift capability of the NH90s, but not use something as money hungry as the C-17.

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[Ian Warren]

and we're looking at 2x Airbus A400s (sorry Ian), and a few, maybe 4 Embraer KC-90s.

ARBUSTED AGAIN ! ... what happened to our squadron of General Dynamics B-58 Hustlers promised .... the Embraerâ would be an interesting add

[Ian Warren]

Mainly the Airbus' to gain a lift capability of the NH90s, but not use something as money hungry as the C-17.

All politics again , ARBUST has got its hooks in ... from what been told no one likes driving them ... the 320 ... words "said if you don't like it then get out" ... I don't drive airlines but know a few that did , Tom , one thing that can be said , its going to be an interesting next few years and again political decider with whats going to happen ... It would be a near same situation with the Skyhawk replacement and the options pre to getting A-4 then once really cooking then deleting them ... would be the ultimate example of Dumbness , go's with the Macchi's as well.

[cowpatz]

I went there, about 6 weeks ago with our Course and had a look around - very nice place!

With regards to the Herc, was in a briefing with the WO of the Air Force a couple weeks back and we're looking at 2x Airbus A400s (sorry Ian), and a few, maybe 4 Embraer KC-90s.

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That Embraer is an interesting beast. I'm still deciding whether I like the looks or not.
Not sure why this guy takes off and lands to the right of the centreline ???

I found the C17 display at Wanaka quite disappointing. Too high and didn't really show off it's capabilities at all. I know that it couldn't TO or land there due to runway strength but it could have done a low approach and overshoot at least. The Herc display was also one of the more lack lustre efforts I have seen in a while. The NH90 and Augusta were very good though.
Arguably the best handling display was the Avro Anson. Extreme low level and really thrown around.

Watch on youtube.com

[Ian Warren]

Funny whats mentioned/rumour and told the possibles for replacement, strange when the A400s could have done a flying visit and rather a showcase but they went directly home after Avalon, I would not be surprised if they went for the tried and trusted and more than likely new C-130, maybe they should buy Russian .. that would be a real curve ball, heavy lift we get a couple Chinese Y-20, they must be, have to be cheap and great for public relations .. get the Russians on our side with the engines .. arr bugger that .. we will get Christchurch Engineering engine department with a fix ...

[emfrat]

If this keeps up, we'll have to build our own Beehive

http://www.qt.com.au/news/heron-drone-o ... f/3002127/

[Ian Warren]

Maybe I can get a job driving one, just plug me in ... I'm almost stealth anyway .. turn sideways no one can see me course my know off target rich ... TARGETS .. again ... then be able to poke the porkies as well