Royal New Zealand Air Force

John Fedup

The Bunker Group
I would add that the Hercules is currently the most successful long term military product aircraft and will likely remain so for several decades more as the US isn't planning for a new aircraft anytime soon. If the USAF were taking delivery on KC390s....perhaps a different outcome.
 

MrConservative

Super Moderator
Staff member
People also need to bear in mind that the C-130J-30's that we have selected for the FAMC are full to the brim of ISR technologies and the acquisition comes with a significant support package.
 

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Yes and they are right to go with a proven piece of equipment that allies use. It's very, very risky to look at press releases & compare 1 contract with another, even of the same type... it's very much comparing apples with oranges with many of the contract prices, there is often many significant, but not so obvious, differences in contract specs.
While contract prices and there breakdown will have differences, when the gap is that large it does raise eyebrows. The five eyes is an intelligence sharing agreement in other words it is about how we share our intell and not about what equipment we use to gather it, It was originally covering the commonwealth countries and the USA then joined it on entry to WW2. we are buying a transport aircraft, I see little connection to justify that as a reason as any intel equipment could be fitted to any suitable aircraft.. This would not be the first time that our armed forces have become fixated on an outcome as when I worked in D Eng I saw cases were the rules were carefully written to ensure an outcome. The final price will be interesting. My experience at Def HQ and time on aircraft leads me to feel that the risk factor with the KC 390 has been grossly overstated and there is a risk factor with the c130 of early obsolescence. The problem with taking a no risk at all approach to anything in life leads to a lack of progress, though excessive risk can be the cause of a lot of pain and I would have to admit at times to have visited both areas of risk to my detriment at both ends of the scale.
 
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ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
While contract prices and there breakdown will have differences, when the gap is that large it does raise eyebrows. The five eyes is an intelligence sharing agreement in other words it is about how we share our intell and not about what equipment we use to gather it, It was originally covering the commonwealth countries and the USA then joined it on entry to WW2. we are buying a transport aircraft, I see little connection to justify that as a reason as any intel equipment could be fitted to any suitable aircraft.. This would not be the first time that our armed forces have become fixated on an outcome as when I worked in D Eng I saw cases were the rules were carefully written to ensure an outcome. The final price will be interesting. My experience at Def HQ and time on aircraft leads me to feel that the risk factor with the KC 390 has been grossly overstated and there is a risk factor with the c130 of early obsolescence. The problem with taking a no risk at all approach to anything in life leads to a lack of progress, though excessive risk can be the cause of a lot of pain and I would have to admit at times to have visited both areas of risk to my detriment at both ends of the scale.
Whilst FVEY is an intelligence sharing agreement, the term is also used to cover other agreements and arrangements between AUCANNZUKUS, which is a rather large mouthfull. I think you may find that FVEY is a child of ULTRA rather than any intel agreement amongst the Dominions and ULTRA was very closely guarded. The Dominions would've had only been told what Churchill and London wanted them to know and I know that more than once Churchill and London were rather economical with the truth and / or disingenuous in their dealings with the Australian & NZ govts over troop deployments etc. The Greece balls up is one example. I strongly doubt that any of the AU, CAN, or NZ PMs or senior govt members knew anything about ULTRA. Even when the US were invited in access was severally restricted. There would've been people in allied forces who had ULTRA clearance, but who's superiors didn't.
 

Redlands18

Well-Known Member
I would add that the Hercules is currently the most successful long term military product aircraft and will likely remain so for several decades more as the US isn't planning for a new aircraft anytime soon. If the USAF were taking delivery on KC390s....perhaps a different outcome.
Remarkably the Herc was designed at the height of the Korean War. The Herc will definitely celebrate its Centenary in 2054 with a large number still in service.
 

Todjaeger

Potstirrer
While contract prices and there breakdown will have differences, when the gap is that large it does raise eyebrows. The five eyes is an intelligence sharing agreement in other words it is about how we share our intell and not about what equipment we use to gather it, It was originally covering the commonwealth countries and the USA then joined it on entry to WW2. we are buying a transport aircraft, I see little connection to justify that as a reason as any intel equipment could be fitted to any suitable aircraft.. This would not be the first time that our armed forces have become fixated on an outcome as when I worked in D Eng I saw cases were the rules were carefully written to ensure an outcome. The final price will be interesting. My experience at Def HQ and time on aircraft leads me to feel that the risk factor with the KC 390 has been grossly overstated and there is a risk factor with the c130 of early obsolescence. The problem with taking a no risk at all approach to anything in life leads to a lack of progress, though excessive risk can be the cause of a lot of pain and I would have to admit at times to have visited both areas of risk to my detriment at both ends of the scale.
One thing which it seems was overlooked when listing Portugal's purchase of KC-390 and the NZ acquisition of C-130J is to really look at what was purchased, aside from 'just' the aircraft themselves. Even with Boeing involved, is the parts support for the KC-390 going to be as large and robust as what is available for the C-130J right away? What about training and sims? Or how about aircraft modification and/or certification?

As for the issues that seem to be had with fitting ISR kit to the C-130J's... The US and IIRC others are already fitting ISR kit to some of their -J's, if the RNZAF were to decide that the purchase and deployment of the same or comparable ISR kit aboard aircraft was an <ahem> intelligent decision, what other RNZAF aircraft would be available for such utilization, keeping in mind the need to both fit the ISR kit and appropriate comms, as well as the range and/or loiter time required to have the intel harvesting when and where needed? Similarly, if NZ were to opt for going down an aircraft modification/development road alone in terms of fitting ISR kit, how well positioned is NZ to fund such developments and certifications as would be needed?
 

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
if NZ were to opt for going down an aircraft modification/development road alone in terms of fitting ISR kit, how well positioned is NZ to fund such developments and certifications as would be needed?
Military certification of aircraft and the kit involved is different to civilian requirements and where the basic structure has not been compromised is usually done in house by the modifier or designer and is not an expensive problem, A significant number of mods and equipment changes passed thru D Eng while I was there with little fanfare or cost and the RNZAF has done a large number of extensive fits and refits over the years to be very comfortable with the process. For example the C130 passive warfare kit, A4 kahu, P3 K and K2 rebuilds, the list is far more extensive, but I will stop there.
 

t68

Well-Known Member
I wonder if NZ will also take advantage to aquire some of the EX RAAF Litening AT pods, butvthen im not sure if you would need it with the MX-20HD Electro-Optical/Infrared Imaging System listed within the FMS notification. Is there any indication that they may arm them with weapons like Harvest Hawk, being only 5 aircraft it might not be a priority but would make a handy addition to increase the CAS of ground troops in a light contested environment

The addition of an EO/IR pod such as the Litening AT would enhance the C-130J’s ability to provide ISR overwatch for forces on the ground, to ensure a designated landing or extraction zone is clear of threats, to geolocate targets of interest or precision airdrop locations, or to even provide fires support to off-board shooters. For peacetime missions, a high-performance EO/IR pod could provide accurate imagery and data to support the HADR or search and rescue roles…..
An Update on the Australian C-130J: Plan Jericho and Related Developments - Second Line of Defense
 

Todjaeger

Potstirrer
Military certification of aircraft and the kit involved is different to civilian requirements and where the basic structure has not been compromised is usually done in house by the modifier or designer and is not an expensive problem, A significant number of mods and equipment changes passed thru D Eng while I was there with little fanfare or cost and the RNZAF has done a large number of extensive fits and refits over the years to be very comfortable with the process. For example the C130 passive warfare kit, A4 kahu, P3 K and K2 rebuilds, the list is far more extensive, but I will stop there.
The impression I have gotten is that NZ has either loss some capability to carry out such modifications, or lost the capability altogether. The C-130H SLEP debacle comes to mind as a rather glaring example. I would also imagine that doing something like adding hard points and a wiring harness in areas where the aircraft designers had not intended one to be would potentially compromise the aircraft structure.

For something like the Orion work, this would have been less of an issue because the aircraft itself was already intended for ISR tasks so there were positions for the kit, the workstations, and either wiring or space for wiring between the two. Taking a new airframe, or even a 2nd hand aircraft and then going in an adding an ISR (or ISR+CAS) capability which was not built in would be a bit of a different proposition. Otherwise I suspect that the aircraft manufacturers like Airbus would have less demand for variants of existing military airlifters and there would be more business being done 'in house' in different nations converting airlifters and airliners into various types of surveillance aircraft.
 

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
The impression I have gotten is that NZ has either loss some capability to carry out such modifications, or lost the capability altogether. The C-130H SLEP debacle comes to mind as a rather glaring example. I would also imagine that doing something like adding hard points and a wiring harness in areas where the aircraft designers had not intended one to be would potentially compromise the aircraft structure.
The problem with the SLEP program was that the original contractor went bankrupt and the ministry of defence then took over the program and wrighted the ship, but this whole process did take up a lot of time. Hard points to carry new equipment do need stress analise and quite often additional local strengthening but that is not unusual and that design work is usually contracted out to the aircrafts manufacture, and new wiring will usually just follow or replace existing wiring.
 
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Justin Case

New Member
I would add that the Hercules is currently the most successful long term military product aircraft and will likely remain so for several decades more as the US isn't planning for a new aircraft anytime soon. If the USAF were taking delivery on KC390s....perhaps a different outcome.
Hi, Friends.

KC-390 PT-ZNG is entering the third week being tested at The United States Army Yuma Proving Ground.
PT-ZNG - Embraer KC-390 - Embraer - Flightradar24
Cheers.
 

FormerDirtDart

Well-Known Member
Hi, Friends.

KC-390 PT-ZNG is entering the third week being tested at The United States Army Yuma Proving Ground.
PT-ZNG - Embraer KC-390 - Embraer - Flightradar24
Cheers.
Likely aerial delivery/parachute drop analysis/certification. Whole mess of DoD/contractor equipment in place to do just that. No need to reinvent the wheel.

And, this should probably all be posted over on the Military Aviation News and Discussion thread, not here
 

Gibbo

Well-Known Member
I wonder if NZ will also take advantage to aquire some of the EX RAAF Litening AT pods, butvthen im not sure if you would need it with the MX-20HD Electro-Optical/Infrared Imaging System listed within the FMS notification. Is there any indication that they may arm them with weapons like Harvest Hawk, being only 5 aircraft it might not be a priority but would make a handy addition to increase the CAS of ground troops in a light contested environment...
Nice as it might be I feel there's just too few airframes to start extending the role to armed tasks. As it is I'm concerned the ISR planned for the new 'J' fleet might morph into the touted 'complimentary capability' for the P8... there's just too few J's to also take on a sustained 'lite MPA' role. Also there is no obvious policy for an armed role mentioned in the DCP.

Arguably it could happen under the radar with Oz wanting to maybe move some surplus pods and if it's then possible to arm them with a smaller (ie: cheaper and less contentious) weapon fairly easily... something like a mini-gun, then it could be an outside chance. However gut-feel is no, and that 5 'J's' isn't enough longer term even just for transport tasks.
 

Todjaeger

Potstirrer
Nice as it might be I feel there's just too few airframes to start extending the role to armed tasks. As it is I'm concerned the ISR planned for the new 'J' fleet might morph into the touted 'complimentary capability' for the P8... there's just too few J's to also take on a sustained 'lite MPA' role. Also there is no obvious policy for an armed role mentioned in the DCP.

Arguably it could happen under the radar with Oz wanting to maybe move some surplus pods and if it's then possible to arm them with a smaller (ie: cheaper and less contentious) weapon fairly easily... something like a mini-gun, then it could be an outside chance. However gut-feel is no, and that 5 'J's' isn't enough longer term even just for transport tasks.
I can see both the value in, as well as few reasons for the ability to mount/carry podded ISR kit.

One of the first would be to make any RNZAF C-130J engaged in aeronautical SAR both more valuable and more effective. Carrying out a volume search, especially at a distance for something like a missing vessel or missing/ditched aircraft (airliner in particular) would require as many 'eyes' as can be gotten into the area. Having the -J's able to be kitted out with something more effective than Mk I eyeballs would help. The -J's could then also potentially airdrop emergency stores/supplies should survivors be detected as well.

Another potential scenario where podded ISR kit would be useful was if a -J was deployed away from NZ in support of NZDF operations in an area where eyes in the sky would be useful in monitoring a situation, but the conditions or distance would not justify deploying a P-8, but an airlifter would be worthwhile.

Arming the -J's I do not think with be VfM, due to both the costs, but also the range of scenarios where arming a large, slow airlifter would be both useful and not exposed to undue risk.
 

swerve

Super Moderator
@t68 If the MRTT were to be considered as a replacement for the KC-10, it would certainly freak Boeing out. It might be a good way for the USAF to force Boeing to get its stuff in order. Unfortunate that Airbus doesn’t seem to think a A330neo version of the MRTT is viable.
The Dutch are replacing DC-10 tankers with A330 MRTT, & the UK has replaced Tristars, a similar aircraft. They're content with the MRTT's performance.

Airbus claims that despite carrying less fuel, the fuel available for offload is similar, because of the much lower fuel consumption of the A330 than the DC-10, & there's the option to add additional tanks in the cargo hold if more capacity is wanted.
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
@t68 If the MRTT were to be considered as a replacement for the KC-10, it would certainly freak Boeing out. It might be a good way for the USAF to force Boeing to get its stuff in order. Unfortunate that Airbus doesn’t seem to think a A330neo version of the MRTT is viable.
The Dutch are replacing DC-10 tankers with A330 MRTT, & the UK has replaced Tristars, a similar aircraft. They're content with the MRTT's performance.

Airbus claims that despite carrying less fuel, the fuel available for offload is similar, because of the much lower fuel consumption of the A330 than the DC-10, & there's the option to add additional tanks in the cargo hold if more capacity is wanted.
TBH, if we decide to travel down the KC path I'd take the A330-MRTT over the KC-46 any day. Tried and true platform FOC with 2 FVEY partners, and the RAAF already working on increasing its capability sets.
 

ASSAIL

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
TBH, if we decide to travel down the KC path I'd take the A330-MRTT over the KC-46 any day. Tried and true platform FOC with 2 FVEY partners, and the RAAF already working on increasing its capability sets.
I think the Multi Role capability provided by the A330 trumps all else for small airforces such as our two antipodean units.
In fact the utility is such that it would be hard to argue against it for almost all airforces apart from the USAF.
 

Rob c

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Some local news, ground work has started at Ohakea for the P8 facilities. On saturday the Deer Spitfire spent some time flying around town, over the Marton park, waggling it's wings and sounding delightful. I don't know the reason but enjoyed the show.
 

Gibbo

Well-Known Member
I think the Multi Role capability provided by the A330 trumps all else for small airforces such as our two antipodean units.
In fact the utility is such that it would be hard to argue against it for almost all airforces apart from the USAF.
Am I right in thinking the MRTT (RAAF ones at least) don't have the strengthened floor so can't carry pallets on the main deck? Seating & tanking equipment space only on main deck?
 
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