Thu, May 05, 2011
Airplane Will "Transform The Fleet," Vice Marshal Says
The Royal New Zealand Air Force has accepted the first upgraded
P-3K2 Orion from the Ministry of Defence during a short ceremony at
Air Force Base Whenuapai. Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Peter
Stockwell said the upgraded aircraft represents a significant
advance in technology and will introduce a fundamental change to
the capability of No. 5 Squadron as they transition from their
traditional role as a Maritime Patrol Force to an Airborne
Surveillance and Response Force.
"The return of the P-3K2 Orion is an important milestone for the
RNZAF. The upgraded P-3K2 will transform the fleet, improving the
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability in
support of government agencies such as Fisheries and Customs, and
government directed military operations.
"The upgrade will enhance the aircraft's existing capability
across its range of missions including; long range maritime
surveillance, search and rescue, effective monitoring of our
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and supporting our South Pacific and
Asia Pacific relationships," said AVM Stockwell.
The P-3K2 Orion project includes upgrades to the aircraft's
communication, navigation, surveillance and data management
systems; a state-of-the-art glass flight deck and mission
preparation and analysis systems. Also included in the upgrade are
crew training and software testing and integration tools. The
aircraft will now undergo a period of Operational Testing and
Evaluation (OT&E), which will enable the crews to develop the
procedures to optimise safe and effective use of the new systems to
maximise the capability of the transformed aircraft.
More News
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]