RNZAF
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RNZAF
Just read :
1945; War's end RNZAF had 34 Squadrons with over 1000 aircraft and 45,000 people.
As of 2009, 53 aircraft, approx 2000 staff.
75 Squadron conferred by Queen Mum (with all battle honours) to RNZAF 1946. Only time it's ever happened...
As a Kiwi very proud but....
1945; War's end RNZAF had 34 Squadrons with over 1000 aircraft and 45,000 people.
As of 2009, 53 aircraft, approx 2000 staff.
75 Squadron conferred by Queen Mum (with all battle honours) to RNZAF 1946. Only time it's ever happened...
As a Kiwi very proud but....
Gentleman Aviator
If a mere pom (do kiwis call us poms too?) can enter this thread, I also understand that New Zealanders lost more people in both World Wars - as a proportion of population - than any other allied nation.
Respect!
Respect!
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Just looked up the various aircraft that make up those 75 here - RNZAF - Aircraft
No fast jets at ALL? How would they manage air defense, say if Johnny Terrorist tried to fly a chemical weapon loaded airliner into Wellington? (as an example)
No fast jets at ALL? How would they manage air defense, say if Johnny Terrorist tried to fly a chemical weapon loaded airliner into Wellington? (as an example)
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Yeoman,
NZ hasn't really had a viable air defence capability except for the distances baddies would have to go to bomb our sheep. Preventing interdiction of our trade routes is another matter. We did have a limited attack capability, enhanced toward the end of its existence, but still limited.
We have never had GCI capability (no disrespect to the Ohakea ATC folks who used to help during international exercises), for example, nor the passive defence elements that anyone serious about air defence has.
The only jet fighters we have had were Vampires and Venoms (the latter leased, IIRC, and only used in Cyprus and Malaya-both as part of larger forces).
As I wrote at the time, " It is not unusual for individual politicians to commit treason, but it is quite novel for a government to do so". So it was with the Clark government.
NZ hasn't really had a viable air defence capability except for the distances baddies would have to go to bomb our sheep. Preventing interdiction of our trade routes is another matter. We did have a limited attack capability, enhanced toward the end of its existence, but still limited.
We have never had GCI capability (no disrespect to the Ohakea ATC folks who used to help during international exercises), for example, nor the passive defence elements that anyone serious about air defence has.
The only jet fighters we have had were Vampires and Venoms (the latter leased, IIRC, and only used in Cyprus and Malaya-both as part of larger forces).
As I wrote at the time, " It is not unusual for individual politicians to commit treason, but it is quite novel for a government to do so". So it was with the Clark government.
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1946, 1000 aircraft and 45,000 people.
2009, 53 aircraft, approx 2000 staff.
I can see the headlines now
RNZAF 1,000% overstaffed , government announces efficiency review to reduce staff to 4.5 personnel per aircraft ....
Consolidate all the aircraft into one base , reduce staff to 250 and you'll have a nice active flying club
Not being mean with these comments , I don't think NZ can go on like this without some fast jets
Last edited by aseanaero; 7th Aug 2009 at 11:22.
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OK, assuming we (NZ) have to do it on the cheap, like really really cheap, what aircraft do we get.......?
Ground attack: Shouldn't need them, see below, otherwise;
1. Buy cheap 2nd hand A10's or,
2. Reopen production line at Fisherman's bend (Oz) and pump out 100 or so Bristol Beaufighters. Modern rockets/ cannon. Got to be good value, all you Chieftan/ Baron pilots out there can kick arse, you've just got to believe in yourselves (slight horsepower differential but you'll get used to it...)
Antishipping:
No brainer, we're going hi-tech, couple squadrons of Blackburn Buccaneers with laser guided weapons etc etc.
Fighters: Don't need them, the Buccs sunk the carriers.....
Cheers
Octane
Ground attack: Shouldn't need them, see below, otherwise;
1. Buy cheap 2nd hand A10's or,
2. Reopen production line at Fisherman's bend (Oz) and pump out 100 or so Bristol Beaufighters. Modern rockets/ cannon. Got to be good value, all you Chieftan/ Baron pilots out there can kick arse, you've just got to believe in yourselves (slight horsepower differential but you'll get used to it...)
Antishipping:
No brainer, we're going hi-tech, couple squadrons of Blackburn Buccaneers with laser guided weapons etc etc.
Fighters: Don't need them, the Buccs sunk the carriers.....
Cheers
Octane
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Aw ditor,
Thanks to Peter Jackson, we have squadrons of WW1 aircraft, I'm serious. All the WW2 stuff got melted in the mid sixties..... Except the old bugger who has a Mustang and Mossiie in his garage.....
Thanks to Peter Jackson, we have squadrons of WW1 aircraft, I'm serious. All the WW2 stuff got melted in the mid sixties..... Except the old bugger who has a Mustang and Mossiie in his garage.....
aseanaero,
I think your maths is a bit out there....
1,000 aircraft 45,000 people equates to 45 people per aircraft, not 4.5.
So, 53 aircraft would mean 2385 staff (53 x 4.5) and they actually have 2,000.
Or were you making some subtle joke I was far too thick and tired to grasp?
I think your maths is a bit out there....
1,000 aircraft 45,000 people equates to 45 people per aircraft, not 4.5.
So, 53 aircraft would mean 2385 staff (53 x 4.5) and they actually have 2,000.
Or were you making some subtle joke I was far too thick and tired to grasp?
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Well the thought's there
// RNZAF Mission Statement
OUR MISSION:
To carry out military air operations to advance New Zealand's security interests, with professionalism, integrity and teamwork.
OUR VISION:
We will be an Air Force that is the best in all that we do.
OUR COMMITMENT:
We are prepared, if necessary, to risk our lives to protect the security interests and people of New Zealand;
We will ensure that our personnel are trained and equipped to carry out their duties; and
We will undertake all tasks needed to produce the assigned New Zealand Defence Force outputs, as required by the Government.
OUR VALUES:
We value and take pride in our:
// RNZAF Mission Statement
OUR MISSION:
To carry out military air operations to advance New Zealand's security interests, with professionalism, integrity and teamwork.
OUR VISION:
We will be an Air Force that is the best in all that we do.
OUR COMMITMENT:
We are prepared, if necessary, to risk our lives to protect the security interests and people of New Zealand;
We will ensure that our personnel are trained and equipped to carry out their duties; and
We will undertake all tasks needed to produce the assigned New Zealand Defence Force outputs, as required by the Government.
OUR VALUES:
We value and take pride in our:
- Service and allegiance to New Zealand.
- Professionalism, as we constantly seek better ways to meet all challenges.
- Integrity, knowing that in all we do, we must be open, honest and trustworthy.
- Teamwork which, with a common sense of purpose, our loyalty to each other and open communication, allows us to work together to achieve the mission.
- Traditions and history, which motivate our future efforts.
- Discipline that allows us to conduct ourselves in a responsible manner.