Kiwi's buy ex-Aussie SH-2G[A]'s

[TBM-Legend]

The SH-2G Seasprites that the RAN rejected are off across the ditch to New Zealand. They will replace their existing F models.

Bargain price too...


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[dat581]

Well they have a history of buying 805 squadron aircraft:{

We will have egg on our faces if the RNZN and RNZAF can get them working without much trouble. Does anyone know if New Zealand defence air worthiness requirements are as heavy as the RAAF/RAN?

[GreenKnight121]

Problems fixed... mainly by reverting them to the older USN/New Zealand standard flight control and combat management systems.

Dr Coleman said the NZ Defence Force and Ministry of Defence were “acutely aware” of the Australians' problems with the Seasprite.

Australia had wanted its helicopters to be flown by a crew of two, but New Zealand would fly with crews of three and not need the “no-hands” technology.

All other technical issues have been resolved by the manufacturer Kaman, he said.

The Ministry of Defence had also invested “considerable resources” over two years in looking into the Seasprites, including an independent study by Canada's Marinvent Corporation.

The ministry believed the Seasprites would “prove a very capable purchase, meet all of the New Zealand Defence Force's requirements, and can be introduced into service”.