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Fixed Wing Transport Force

Herc on snow

The Fixed Wing Transport Force consists of two Boeing 757-200s and five C-130H Hercules (made up of three upgraded C-130 Life Extension Programme and two C-130 Legacy air frames). These aircraft are operated by No.40 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland.

Both aircraft have the ability to carry passengers, VIPs and freight. These fleets provide a powerful and adaptable balance of air transport capability.

No. 40 Squadron performs a wide variety of roles. Government and Defence tasks regularly take the aircraft and crews around the world to every continent. Some of the places visited on training, humanitarian or operational tasks include countries such as Turkey, Singapore, Austria, Australia, Caribbean, Malaysia, Samoa, United Kingdom, Tuvalu, United States, Tonga and the Middle East.

The Squadron conducts re-supply missions for NZDF deployments to Timor Leste, Solomon Islands and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Middle East. Hercules Flight has also recently performed the first RNZAF C-130 combat airdrop in Western Afghanistan.

Closer to home, No. 40 Squadron is essential in disaster relief. The Squadron was instrumental in OP AWHINA – Christchurch Earthquake Support forming an air bridge within New Zealand to assist the evacuation of affected people.

Since 1965 the Squadron has operated annual flights from New Zealand to Antarctica during the Southern Continent’s summer months. Both aircraft (C-130H Hercules and Boeing 757-200) are now able to conduct operations to the Ross Ice Shelf.

Fixed Wing Transport Force tasks to meet NZDF Force Element Requirements:

  • Strategic air transport, and
  • Tactical air transport

Other NZDF tasks carried out by the Fixed Wing Transport Force:

  • VIP transport,
  • Support to the Government,
  • Support to the New Zealand Antarctic Programme,
  • Search and Rescue,
  • Personnel parachuting,
  • Disaster relief/humanitarian aid, and
  • Aeromedical evacuation.

Future Directions

No. 40 Squadron is currently in a period of extensive change. The C-130H Hercules fleet is in a transition phase where the plane is being upgraded, involving aircraft structural components and aircraft systems. Significant work is being done on communication and navigation systems to ensure the Hercules meets standards within international airspace.

Strategic transport remains a vital asset for a country as remote as New Zealand. Tactical transport ensures that the NZDF contributes effectively to the global community.

No. 40 Squadron continues to conduct airlift operations at a higher rate of effort than any other RNZAF Squadron. The contribution that these assets provide for New Zealand, continues to serve national interests well.