Royal New Zealand Air Force - Current Air Force Equipment

Current Air Force Equipment

Aircraft Origin Role Entered Service In Service Notes
Lockheed P-3K Orion USA Maritime patrol 1966 6 Operated by 5 SQN. Five were originally delivered in 1966 as P-3Bs. Another was purchased from the RAAF in 1985, following which all were upgraded to their current standard. Currently undergoing various mission system upgrades. Due for replacement in 2025.
Kaman SH-2G(NZ) Seasprite USA Anti Ship & Submarine Warfare 2001 5 Operated by 6 SQN. Although these are Navy aircraft and operated by Navy pilots, all Navy crew are trained by the RNZAF's 3 Squadron, and they are maintained by RNZAF personnel. Regularly operated from the navy frigates and multi-role vessel. Up to 11 SH-2I aircraft may be purchased from Australia.
Beechcraft B200 King Air USA Multi engine conversion training 1998 5 Operated by 42 SQN. Three were leased by the RNZAF in 1998, with a further two leased in 2000. Lease expires in 2012.
Boeing 757-200 USA Strategic air transport 2003 2 Operated by 40 SQN. Two were purchased from Transavia to replace the Boeing 727.
Lockheed C-130H(NZ) Hercules USA Tactical transport 1965 5 Operated by 40 SQN. Three were delivered in 1965, with a further two in 1969. Currently undergoing Life Extension Program (LEP). Due for replacement 2017.
Bell UH-1H Iroquois USA Light transport helicopter 1966 13 Operated by 3 SQN. Most operationally deployed aircraft. The RNZAF currently operates 13 Iroquois helicopters. Five UH-1D were delivered in 1966 and a nine UH-1H in 1970. A further UH-1H was delivered in 1976. The UH-1Ds were progressively upgraded to UH-1H standard during the mid 1970s. Two ex-US Army UH-1H attrition airframes were purchased in 1996. One has been brought into service. Two now in storage with the rest to be phased out after delivery of NH90.
Pacific Aerospace CT-4E Airtrainer New Zealand Basic trainers 1998 12 Operated by PTS & CFS. Were leased by the RNZAF in 1998 to serve as the air force's basic flying trainer. Replaced B model Airtrainer. The RNZAF is looking to replace these aircraft with either the Tucano or the Beechcraft Texan T-6 II.
Bell 47G Sioux USA Basic training helicopter 1965 5 The first helicopters to be flown by the RNZAF, six B47G-3B-1 were delivered in 1965. Seven B47G-3B-2 were purchased in 1968 and delivered during 1970. The five remaining Sioux in RNZAF service are all B47G-3B-2. These helicopters have been replaced by AW-109 since 2011.
Agusta A109LUH(NZ) Mako Italy Light Utility helicopter 2011 3 Operated by 3 SQN. Five on order with another three signaled to be purchased by the 2011 white paper. Helicopters will be delivered from 2011 to replace the Sioux.
NHI NH90 France Medium transport helicopter Due 2011 4 (8) Will be operated by 3 SQN. Eight on order. 2 delivered December 2011. Expected to be operational in 2012 to replace the UH-1H Iroquois.

In addition a historic flight maintains airworthy Harvard (1) and Tiger Moth (1) trainers.

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