Green light for replacement advanced training aircraft

The leased Kingair fleet. OH-02-0248-07-tn.jpg.

The government has given the NZDF the green light to begin the acquisition process for the Air Force’s advanced pilot training aircraft.

‘A tender is being prepared for release next year seeking submissions from industry to supply aircraft, a training package – including a simulator and other modern training devices – and maintenance and support,’ Defence Minister Phil Goff said.

The project aims to find a suitable replacement for the Air Force’s leased 1980s B200 Kingair aircraft. At this stage no decision has been made as to the number and type of aircraft required and the project cost will depend on the option chosen.

A wide range of potential options for providing the required capability has been considered and the government has directed that the capability be provided through a training system managed and run by the NZDF rather than through outsourcing training to other military forces or civilian training organisations.

‘This will ensure that we continue to provide the right number of pilots, at the right time, trained to the right level and provide a flexible and cost-effective solution,’ Phil Goff said.

‘The government recognises the need to modernise and upgrade the Air Force’s training capability in order to provide appropriately trained pilots for the new and upgraded aircraft that will enter service with the NZDF in the next few years. These include the upgraded C-130 Hercules, the Boeing 757, the NH90 helicopters and the P-3 Orions.’