Paul Phelan/AUCKLAND
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has defined a future requirement for about 25 aircraft "in the F-16 or F/A-18 category" as a replacement for its fleet of nine McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawks in the wake of a Government decision to stabilise defence expenditure.
Chief of Air Staff Carey Adamson says the New Zealand Ministry of Defence will be advised by the air force on suggested replacements, which would probably not be new aircraft. An order would be likely in around 2002, with an in-service date two or three years later.
"It depends what is available on the market at the time. I very much doubt we would get funding for aircraft in the Joint Strike Fighter or Eurofighter category until further down the line when they become common platforms, and we will probably need an interim aircraft," says Adamson.
A planned upgrade for the A-4 fleet was also included in a White Paper published earlier this year, including modernisation of the aircraft's navigation/attack and computer systems, and the acquisition of a laser target designation system. A parallel study will more accurately determine the life of the type which is expected to be replaced, starting in 2007. The RNZAF is also seeking a replacement with improved stand-off capability for the AGM-65 Maverick missile, to be acquired for the new strike aircraft or the A-4s.
"We would expect to have to replace the missiles in about 2007," Adamson says.
A replacement for the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, is not being considered for at least another 20 years. The purchase of an attack helicopter may be considered which could affect the composition of the A-4 replacement purchase, depending on the capability of whatever aircraft type is chosen.
New strategic/tactical transports, likely to be Lockheed Martin C-130Js, are to be acquired to replace the RNZAF's eight C-130Hs. The air force may join the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) proposed second tranche of C-130J procurement.
"We have a foot in the door with the RAAF when they decide to move on with their second acquisition of J models," says Adamson. "There's a line in the contract which allows us to purchase up to eight J models at the same time as they do. We have to decide and make a commitment by the end of 2002, and we'd probably get the aircraft two to three years after that."
He adds that the RNZAF may opt for fewer C-130Js and may possibly lease two military light cargo jets from the new Boeing 737 range, or lease similar Airbus Industrie types, to replace its Boeing 727-100s on passenger, cargo and VIP operations.
Source: Flight International
