RNZAF 75^th Anniversary Air Show

On the 1^st of April 1937 the Air Force Act was passed, marking the start of the Royal New Zealand Air Force becoming an independent service of the defence force. The 75^th anniversary of this event was celebrated during March and April this year, with parades, concerts and flying displays held across the country in the weeks surrounding this historic date. The Government had begun a review of its air defence requirements in 1936, led by Wing Commander Ralph Cochrane, who would become the Air Force's first Chief of Air Staff. Cochrane recommended a separate Air Force comprising an Army Co-operation Unit and two medium bomber squadrons for local defence, the defence of shipping lanes and to contribute to the security of the United Kingdom. Between 1937 and the outbreak of war in 1939 the RNZAF grew rapidly, with an order for 30 new Vickers Wellington bombers placed in 1938, and land at Whenuapai and Ohakea purchased to accommodate them.

Almost exactly 75 years later, on the 31^st March 2012, it was the honour of the latter of these bases, RNZAF Base Ohakea, to host one of the largest New Zealand air shows of recent times. Between Sixty and Seventy thousand people descended upon Ohakea on the day, far exceeding expectations. This led to a large traffic jam, with some patrons not getting onsite until early afternoon, after most of the flying display had finished. Despite the gridlock, the air show was a great success for the RNZAF, with almost every type of serving aircraft performing flying demonstrations, along with international visitors from allied air forces, as well as civilian and warbird aircraft.

Royal New Zealand Air Force

This was the RNZAF's big day, and seven types of its currently serving aircraft performed flying displays. Unfortunately at the last minute no example of the RNZAF's own C-130H-LEP aircraft were able to attend the show. This was a real shame since with three foreign C-130s in attendance at Ohakea our own Hercules were sorely missed.

NH90 Medium Utility Helicopter

Of particular interest at the airshow was the first public display of the RNZAF's new NH90 Medium Utility Helicopter. The NH90 is still in OT&E (operational Test & Evaluation) with the Helicopter Transition Unit (HTU) at Ohakea, the men and woman of HTU worked tirelessly to make the aircraft available and cleared for display. It is readily apparent just how much of a quantum leap forward in technology and capability the NH90 presents over the UH-1H Iroquois it is replacing.

A total of eight aircraft have been purchased to replace the UH-1H Iroquois, along with one 'attrition' airframe. Although this is not a one-for-one replacement of the type, the aircraft is more than twice as capable as the UH-1H in almost every respect. In the words of the NH90 Flight Commander SQLdr Chris Andrew "This aircraft can carry twice as much payload, twice as far, in a much more survivable airframe and with all the modern communications required to integrate seamlessly with our allies." So far only two examples are in the hands of the HTU at Ohakea, with the rest being delivered over the next few years.

SQLdr Phil Wilson flew the NH90 display with Co-Pilot SQLdr Dan Pizaro and crewmen Flight Lt Tai Cochran and Flight Sgt Chris Wilson. Given the early stage of the testing program the aircraft is in, the display was quite simple, but served to show off this impressive machine to good effect.

A109 'Mako'

Completing the transformation to a high-tech modern helicopter force is the AgustaWestland A109 LUH, now the RNZAF's training and Light Utility Helicopter. Known as the 'Mako' in RNZAF service, the A109 replaces the venerable but outdated Bell-47 Sioux in the training role. All aircrew will now carry out their training on this helicopter before transitioning to the NH90 or SH-2 Seasprite. The A109 will also be used for light operational roles, reducing the need to use the expensive and heavy NH90. Along with the initial five flying airframes and the one attrition airframe, the RNZAF purchased a full flight simulator, on which it is expected that aircrew will carry out 40% of their training. An option exists in the contract with Agusta-Westland for an additional three aircraft. The A109 is equipped with a four-axis auto pilot and a winch. It carries a full communications suite, allowing it to interoperate with other government agencies and act as a communications node for the rest of the NZDF. Underslung from its cargo hook it can carry 500kgs over long distances, or up to 1000kg a short distance.

P-3K Orion

The Lockheed P-3K Orion is the RNZAF's Maritime Surveillance and Response aircraft operated by No.5 Sqn, and performed a capability demonstration as part of its display routine at the air show, dropping a rescue package to a simulated boat is distress. This magnificent aircraft flew many low and fast passes during its display, along with a 'dirty' flyby with its undercarriage extended and bomb-bay doors open. The RNZAF's P-3K Orions are currently undergoing a modernisation process, with each aircraft in turn being brought up to P-3K2 standard. These extensive upgrades will allow the airforce to operate these aircraft up until 2025, as well as offering the addition of a sophisticated multi-mode radar, along with new electro-optical sensors and new electronic warfare and communications equipment.

Boeing 757

The two Boeing 757-200s that serve with the RNZAF are a far cry from their civilian airliner cousins. These aircraft were highly modified with an engine thrust upgrade, side-loading cargo door, and a modular cargo-handling system that allows the aircraft to fulfil a combination of VIP, cargo transport, aero medical evacuation roles. The aircraft were given air stairs and a crew access ladder for autonomous operations without ground support. A full communications suite was added to bring the aircraft up to modern standards. The B757's display is always impressive, and includes a max-rate take off followed by a wing-over that is not something you will ever see a civilian airliner perform. The aircraft was painted in 75^th Anniversary Livery for the occasion.

The Red Checkers

The RNZAF formation aerobatics team The Red Checkers flew many displays up and down the length of the country over the celebration period, including over many regional centres where they would not usually be seen. The Red Checkers fly the Pacific Aerospace CT-4E Air trainer, the ab-initio trainer that all aircrew must pass through in order to gain their wings. 13 Aircraft were leased in 1998, powered by the Textron Lycoming AEIO 540. The Red Checkers performed many of their signature manoeuvres at the air show, including the Mirror and, as the finale to the airshow, the Spaghetti Break.

Bell 47 Sioux

The B47G-3B-2 Sioux has been the RNZAF's helicopter trainer since 1965, and were the very first helicopters flown by the RNZAF. Five examples remained by the time of their recent retirement after being replaced by the A109. One example is kept in flying condition, and its display is always popular, and is usually performed with the theme from M*A*S*H* playing in the background... The Sioux was a very unforgiving aircraft, leading to the adage "If you can fly a Sioux you can fly anything".

UH-1H Iroquois

The UH-1H Iroquois is instantly recognisable and has been serving the RNZAF since 1966. The RNZAF currently operates 13 aircraft, which will remain in service for a few years longer as No.3 Sqn slowly transitions to the NH90. Four UH-1Hs flew together in a capability display that included the fast roping of soldiers onto the runway, and the dropping of two cars onto the airfield. These helicopters will leave behind an enduring legacy when they retire, but they still have some work to do yet!

SH-2G Super Seasprite

The Royal New Zealand Navy operates five Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters, which are flown by naval pilots but maintained by air force personnel. The Seasprite performs many roles for the RNZN, including ASW/AShW combat missions, surveillance, SAR, VIP and utility tasks. They can operate off the two ANZAC Frigates and the Multi-Role Vessel HMNZS Canterbury, as well as the two Offshore Patrol Vessels. During the Seasprite display some of its capabilities were displayed, including the 'rescue' and hoisting of a stranded sailor.