RNZAF 80th Anniversary 2017 Air Tattoo - Ohakea

RNZAF 80th Birthday – Air Tattoo 2017

The RNZAF became an independent service in 1937, and this airshow formed the highlight of its celebrations to mark the occasion. The last time the Air Force held an airshow was five years ago, for its 75th anniversary, and is remembered for its intense traffic troubles. This year however things went very smoothly, with a distributed ‘Park n Ride’ system used, and all tickets available online only. The weather was superb, the flying was excellent, and the attendance was good, with just over thirty thousand people attending over the two public days. International participation was high this year, with assets coming from New Zealand’s defense partners.

The real drawcard for the airshow was without a doubt the foreign contributors, especially the fast jets. Two Australian F/A-18s, two American F-16CJs and two F-15SGs from Singapore provided a sight not seen at Ohakea since the 1980s. Tactical and strategic airlift was of particular interest this year, with the participation of the A400M, C-17 and C-130J aircraft being prescient, as the government ramps up towards choosing a type (or types) to replace the RNZAF C-130 Hercules fleet. Every type in the RNZAF’s inventory was in attendance, along with heritage aircraft that saw RNZAF service. The usual fleet of classic and warbird aircraft for which New Zealand airshows are so famous were not in attendance, this being a public RNZAF-focused and not private venture.

Despite the spectacular displays by the foreign fast jets and heavy lifters, the NZDF’s main priority was to share the story of what the RNZAF and NZDF provide to New Zealanders. The RNZAF’s Lead Planner for the Air Tattoo, Wing Commander L.G. Wilson, was handed the unenviable task of putting together a world class event by the then Chief of Air Force Vice-Marshal Mike Yardley:
“We drew inspiration from the best air shows from around the world and designed the layout in such a way that our people, irrespective of trade, could entertain the public by engaging with them and sharing their part in our story. The spectators left with a better understanding of who we are and what we do for our country. From my perspective, the most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of planning this event was providing the opportunity for the Airman of the RNZAF to outshine the spectacular aircraft displays.”

Royal New Zealand Air Force

The hosts of this birthday bash really put the effort in to show themselves off at the Air Tattoo 2017. For the first time they pulled together a ‘mass take off’ with all current types in service lining up. The A109LUH, SH-2G(I), NH90, B-200, T-6, B757, P3K2 and C-130H all formed one flight, known as ‘Airforce’. The call ‘Airforce – cleared for take off!” is probably a unique one. The Air Force band played in front of these aircraft, along with a convincing haka performed by RNZAF personnel. The RNZAF’s heavy metal came together in the form of ‘Formation Thunder’, comprising the Boeing 757-200, flown by FltLt Ben Woodhouse and crew, two C-130H(NZ) Hercules flown by WgCdr Andy Scott’s and FltLt Alex Tredrea’s crews, and the P-3K2 Orion flown by Sqn Ldr Rod Oliff and his crew. They performed very tight formation flying together, along with an impressive ‘break’ towards the crowd. Each aircraft performed their own displays, with the No.40 Sqn B757’s world famous max-rate climb and wingover being a highlight. The P-3K2 from No.5 Sqn performed a scenario display, dropping rescue supplies. The two C-130Hs from No.40 Sqn carried out both solo and scenario displays, showing off their versatility as they performed precision airdrops of CDS (Containerized Delivery System) pallets onto the airfield, as well as tactical landings of an LOV (Light Operational Vehicle) and troops, plus a para-drop of two of the KiwiBlue Parachute Display team, W/O Lev Leatherland and W/O Kevin Pope, from PTSU. The airshows finale was provided by a spectacular release of flares from one of the C-130s. With some of the airframes being up to 52 years old, all three of these aircraft types are due for retirement starting from 2020, so there are some very big decisions coming up as to which platforms to replace them with. The government has sent out RFI’s (Request for Information) to industry for it Future Air Mobility Capability (FAMC) requirement, and there are multiple aircraft in the running, such as the Airbus A400M, Embraer KC390, Kawasaki C-2, Lockheed C-130J, Leonardo C-27J and Airbus C295, as well as the C-17 as a long shot. Also RFI’s have also gone out for New Zealand’s Future Air Surveillance Capability (FASC) requirement, and in the running are the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, Kawasaki P1, Saab Aerospace Swordfish (Bombardier G6000 and/or Q400), Leonardo ATR-72MP and Airbus C295MPA Persuader.

The RNZAF’s fixed-wing training assets came together to form ‘Formation Lightning’ and was comprised of one newly leased Beechcraft King Air B-200 of No. 42 Sqn and two Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Advanced Trainers from No.14 Sqn, which are also leased. Twice an attempt was made to get both Formation Thunder, Formation Lightening and a formation of the three helicopter types overhead the airshow at the same for a unique photo opportunity, but it never quite came off, although there are plenty of photos of the Lightning and Thunder formations together.

The new RNZAF Aerobatic Display Team ‘The Black Falcons’ had their debut at the 2017 Air Tattoo, since their previously planned debut at the Wings over Wairarapa Airshow in Masterton the weekend before was unfortunately cancelled due to atrocious weather. The team has big shoes to fill, since their predecessors ‘The Red Checkers’ had become something of a New Zealand Aviation institution, yet their display did not disappoint. The five pilots of the Black Falcons, Sqn Ldr Brett Clayton, Sqn Ldr Hayden Sheard, Sqn Ldr Sean Perrett, FltLt Dan Pezaro and FltLt Stu Anderson, performed an amazing display in their new aircraft. They formed up with four more aircraft to perform a ‘diamond nine’ formation, and then together showcased their well-rehearsed tight formation flying skills. After Ohakea the team took its routine around the South Island of New Zealand as part of their RNZAF’s ongoing 80th Anniversary celebrations. Sqn Ldr Tony Budd also flew a solo routine to show off the new Texan II.

Three of the RNZAF’s NH90 Medium Utility Helicopters from No.3 Sqn took part in very active flying displays, displaying their capability to airlift 105mm Light Guns, fast-rope soldiers and deploy troops and payloads in various scenarios. Collectively known as ‘Warrior Flight’, they were led by FltLt James Mackenzie. While initially controversial the NH90s have proven themselves since their introduction. Interestingly two examples were in the static display, one in ‘role’ configuration with machineguns and external fuel tanks fitted, while the other was folded for maritime deployment and attached to its MANTIS remote control towing unit. The NH90 will soon be fully deployable from the RNZN’s HMNZS Canterbury, as well as the new upcoming 24000t HMNZS Aotearoa, the combination of which will be huge boom for the NZDF’s HADR capabilities.

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s new Kamen SH-2G(I) helicopter performed a solo flying and ‘role’ display, winching a sailor from a simulated stricken vessel. These new helicopters from No.6 Squadron are maintained by the RNZAF, but flown and operated by RNZN Pilots. These ex-Royal Australian Navy Helicopters are an excellent example of the NZDF making the best out of limited funding. The Australian attempt to introduce these helicopters into service became a complete debacle, with requirements for a 4-axis ‘hands-off’ tactical autopilot in an attempt to operate with just two crewmembers, among other additions, leading to cancellation of the project at huge cost to the Australian taxpayer. However, the RNZN has no requirement for these niceties, and the purchase of 8 of these helicopters, along with two airframes for spare parts, allows an impressive capability increase over our previous SH-2Gs, with the SH-2G(I)’s modern avionics and the new Penguin Anti-Ship missiles, and enough airframes to deploy three helicopters simultaneously on the RNZN’s Frigates and OPV’s for the cost of what would normally buy just a few airframes.

The A109 Light Utility Helicopter from No.3 Sqn, flown by FltLt Chris Hall and crew, performed its own display, and also operated as a camera ship for the RNZAF. This versatile little helicopter performs a multitude of roles for the NZ Government, from initial rotary wing pilot training for the RNZAF to Tactical Transport, Law Enforcement Support, VIP transport and Special Operations support.

Heritage

Despite the lack of attendance of many of New Zealand’s warbird regulars there were some fine displays by aircraft from the RNZAF’s past. The RNZAF’s own Historic Flight’s Harvard, flown by FltLt Stu Anderson, performed an excellent display. It would just not be a proper kiwi airshow without a Harvard display! The wonderful arrangement between the NZDF and Brendon Deere’s ‘Biggin Hill’ Historic Aircraft Centre based at Ohakea Airbase, saw their Spitfire Mk IX, and TBM-3E Avenger, both flown by the thoroughly overachieving Sqn Ldr Sean Perrett, display at the airshow, along with their Harvard flown by Dave Brown. Mitty Brereton and Bill Lamb flew the beautifully restored deHavilland DH-104 Devon in a perfect formation with two Harvards.

It was a shame the Venom did not fly, but it was added to the heritage static displays where it was joined by an ex-RNZAF Aermacchi MB-339 and a newly restored Harvard.

United States Air Force

This was the first time since the TRIAD84 Exercise in October 1984 that USAF fast jets have been seen in New Zealand, with the U.S. Government’s long overdue acceptance of New Zealand’s nuclear free policy now meaning we can now enjoy visits by assets declared to be non-nuclear armed, as shown by the recent visit of a US Navy warship for the RNZN’s 75th Anniversary celebrations. Based at Misawa Air Base in Japan, the Pacific Air Force’s F-16 Demonstration Team arrived with two F-16CJ Block 52s and a KC-135 as tanker support. Major Richard ‘Punch’ Smeeding flew exhilarating solo displays that really served to show off the potency of the F-16. The well-practiced routine came with an entertaining commentary that was ‘hammed-up’ in true American style.

The C-17A Globemaster III is a common visitor to New Zealand, especially in Christchurch where they operate out of to Antarctica. Flown by Captain Edward Sutton and his crew, the aircraft was literally thrown around the sky as it displayed its exceptional maneuverability. Despite being capable of lifting 70t of payload over great distances the C-17 has excellent STOL characteristics, which it displayed by stopping in a ridiculously short distance, then reversing back up the runway, to show just how small an area this huge aircraft needs to operate.

The KC-135 air-to-air refuelling tanker spent the first day of the show parked up in the Static display, where at one point it formed the backdrop for a performance from the Air Force band.

Royal Australian Air Force

Our friends from ‘across the ditch’ brought two F/A-18A ‘legacy’ Hornets. These remarkable aircraft, flown by FltLt Matt ‘Trails’ Trayling and WGCDR Scott Woodland, flew thunderous solo displays, as well as taking part in the ‘scenario’ finale of the airshow. Their vapor-heavy high maneuverability displays are always a great sight. Soon these ‘legacy’ Hornets will be phased out as they are replaced by the new F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, which will be operated alongside their F/A-18F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. It may well be some years before we see those types in New Zealand, maybe in another five years for the RNZAF 85th anniversary!

The RAAF’s C-17 Globemaster III was very popular in the static displays, with thousands of people pouring through it. Its cavernous interior is truly jaw dropping to behold. It was interesting to notice the RAAF C-17 sporting very advanced DIRCM (Direct Infra-red Counter-Measures) turrets, used to directly disable incoming missiles.

Republic of Singapore Air Force

New Zealand has a long history of defense cooperation with Singapore, as a tiny island nation its armed forces often uses the NZDF’s spacious training and live-fire areas. For the first time ever, the RSAF brought two of their impressive F-15SG fighter-bombers. Though participating in the static display only, they attracted a great amount of attention, and their crews graciously had their ears chewed off by thousands of people over the two days. There are discussions taking place at a high level as to whether it is feasible for the RSAF to base a F-15SG squadron here in New Zealand. Not only do they appreciate New Zealand’s excellent training characteristics, both in terms of area, terrain and unpredictable weather, but it also allows them to have more assets ‘off-island’ in case of a debilitating first strike.

Joining the Eagles were two out their ten C-130H Hercules. One was available to the public in the static display. The Singaporean Hercules are undergoing a similar upgrade to the Life Extension Program that the RNZAF’s C-130s went through, although theirs will add more KC-130H tanker versions to their fleet in the process.

Japanese Air Self Defense Force

The Japanese Air Self Defense Force committed a KC-767J to the event, which was on static display. The recent engagement from Japan, which included two Kawasaki P-1’s deploying here for the RNZN’s 75th celebrations and helping with surveillance during the Kaikoura earthquake disaster, comes on the heels of new laws in Japan finally allowing them to export defense technology. They are actively trying to sell their Kawasaki P-1 as a replacement for the RNZAF’s Orions, and their Kawasaki C-2 to replace the C-130 Hercules. Japan’s 1st Tactical Airlift Wing 404 squadron has four KC-767J aircraft, which it uses for both air-to-air refueling and strategic transport. They can use both the ‘hose and drogue’ refueling method, as well as the Advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System that is operated from an all-digital Remote Aerial Refueling Operator Station (RARO II) just behind the cockpit.

New Caledonia Armed Forces (France)

The New Caledonian Armed Forces CN235 is regular visitor to New Zealand, often training alongside the NZDF as they share similar HADR responsibilities, including joining in on the recent Skytrain 2016 exercise. CNE Vincent Frerre and his crew demonstrated their small airlifters capabilities well during their flying display. The CN235 has found success all over the world, with its 6t payload and STOL capabilities in high demand. A larger and modern version of the CN235, the Airbus C295, is a possible contender as a low-tier part of the Hercules replacement.

Royal Air Force

Despite the obvious history between New Zealand and Britain, it is not common for Royal Air Force aircraft to visit. The most common visitors are their C-17 Globemasters, but this year they sent one of their brand new Airbus A400M airlifters, with the inertia for the trip most likely coming from Airbus, who is trying very hard to sell the type to the New Zealand Government as a Hercules replacement (see accompanying article) While this highly capable and impressive machine attracted great attention in the static display, a flying display was sorely missed.

Canadian Air Force

The armed forces of Canada and New Zealand have a long history of working together, but usually at a staff or flag level, so their contribution of a CC-130J-30 stretched version of the latest generation Hercules from 436 Transport Squadron was welcome. A possible contender for the RNZAF C-130H replacement, the C-130J-30 is an entirely new aircraft from the previous Hercules, and can carry more payload faster and more efficiently. Whilst it might not offer the biggest capability and performance over its competitors, it does have RNZAF’s history the with Hercules on its side. But since it is such a different aircraft from its ancestor, commonality in support and training is not as great as it would seem. Unfortunately, the CC-130J-30 spent the air show hidden away behind the A400M in the static display.

Final thoughts

The commentary this year was exceptional with Air Display Commentator Sqn Ldr Kate Bint and Ground Display commentator Sqn Ldr Mike Ward providing an excellent service. Kate is an ex-RAF C-130 pilot, who moved to NZ in 2006, and is now the Executive Officer of the Flying Training Wing. Mike is Ohakea’s Base Executive Officer. It was something of a shame that the speakers were placed in-front of the crowd line facing towards the audience, thousands of spectators trying to photograph the aircraft through the speaker stands. As a sound engineer with decades of international festival experience, this author can tell you that it is entirely within modern ‘health and safety’ standards to put speaker stands within the crowd area, being situated bi-directionally, to leave the flight-line free of obstacles.

The airshow’s infrastructure was very good, with enough of a variety of food stalls, ATM machines and toilets available. The traffic management plan worked a charm. A big plus for many was the area for self-contained campervans, where hundreds enjoyed three days of proximity and view. The park and ride worked very well, as did the early opening time of 7am, which allowed everybody to get in well before the days flying started at 10am.