Sun, Aug 12, 2012
Aircraft Acquired From The New Zealand Government
Draken International has been selected as the winning bidder for nine Aermacchi MB-339 tactical jet trainer aircraft from the New Zealand government.
The company says the MB-339 aircraft are very low time and have been exceptionally well maintained. This acquisition complements the company's already expansive and highly capable fleet of fighter aircraft, with capabilities in all mission sets including air to air and air to ground. These nine Aermacchi MB-339s feature dual, front and rear seat Heads-Up Displays (HUD), Multi-Function Displays (MFD), the NATAO Standard 1553 data bus and an F-16- style Hands On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) system. The MB-339 is specifically designed to excel in the Close Air Support (CAS), Forward Air Controller - Airborne (FAC-A) and training Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) roles. The aircraft are equipped with seven weapon station hardpoints to provide the capability to handle air-to-ground training munitions and integration with the latest generation of targeting pods.
"Draken is committed to building the most capable fleet of aircraft for our contract air services clients and this acquisition helps further our already robust capabilities," said Draken International CEO Jared Isaacman. "We are also very pleased to continue our long-standing positive relationship with the New Zealand government with this transaction."
This acquisition also includes an extensive inventory of spare parts, spare engines, avionics, nav/attack systems, publications and life support systems. Also included is a flight simulator for pilot familiarization and procedural training.
Draken has had a team in New Zealand overseeing the disassembly, shipping and logistics operations for the MB-339 fleet for over two months. It is anticipated that the aircraft will be assembled and operational during the 4th quarter 2012.
(Image provided by Draken Intl)
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