+dtmdragon 2,703 Posted August 8, 2012 http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7442063/Sale-of-17-air-force-jets-gets-nod Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+daddyairplanes 10,238 Posted August 8, 2012 would have been better if they were flying in their native skies again but we'll put them to good use. any word of Kiwi pilots coming with to fly em? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+dtmdragon 2,703 Posted August 9, 2012 (edited) I think most of them will be happy flying fast jets for the RAAF, RAF or wherever else snapped them up when they got the old 'don't come Monday' letter from Helen Clark Edited August 9, 2012 by dtmdragon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SayethWhaaaa 245 Posted August 9, 2012 Stoked to here they and the Macchi's will be back in the air again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viggen 644 Posted August 9, 2012 Always great to hear about planes retaking to the skies, though it is disappointing they won't be flying with the RNZAF. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpinyNorman 1 Posted August 9, 2012 we should just do what we do with our old Dakotas and stick them up outside Cafes :) Paint them in 'Cookie Time' colours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lazarus1177 164 Posted August 9, 2012 Good to know that they will fly again.But,I don't think they would be too useful now against modern threats. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
B52STRATO 215 Posted August 9, 2012 Good to know that they will fly again.But,I don't think they would be too useful now against modern threats. It's true we might doubt about it, but after all, History has shown that a senior pilot in an obsolete aircraft could hold sway over his opponent with no experience and flying a new generation plane. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAKO69 186 Posted August 9, 2012 Some of Daken Intl Skyhawks, hope they don't paint the KIWI Hawks like these. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GBwI9aL-k7s Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAKO69 186 Posted August 9, 2012 Good to know that they will fly again.But,I don't think they would be too useful now against modern threats. It may not be able to fight a 4th or 5th gen fighter in BVR but, a close in fight it could pose a problem for a 4th or 5th gen plane. Don't forget it's a sheep in wolf's clothing. state of the art war computers and radar from the early 90's, not to mention the timless ability to bring a lot mud moving gear. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lazarus1177 164 Posted August 9, 2012 It's true we might doubt about it, but after all, History has shown that a senior pilot in an obsolete aircraft could hold sway over his opponent with no experience and flying a new generation plane. Couldn't have said it better! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted August 10, 2012 They'll likely be flown by top pilots with lots of experience, not trainees. They'll be deadly in the scenarios they use them in, even though they'd be of questionable use in actual combat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Typhoid 231 Posted August 10, 2012 Excellent use for these aircraft. We used to use our A-4's in the aggressor role for DACT. We called them "Mig-4's" Good to seem these aircraft put to that very good use. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Jug 99 Posted August 17, 2012 What kind of aircraft are the Kiwi's now flying? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted August 17, 2012 None. Ground or air combat-capable, anyway. P-3s and helos are it AFAIK. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Jug 99 Posted August 18, 2012 I guess the non-existant Kiwi AF is based on some threat assessment study. Hope nobody wants their islands that is better equipped. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted August 19, 2012 Well, frankly they're out of range of most land-based planes launched from anywhere other than Australia, with whom they have a defense treaty. Really the only threat to them other than subs would be if some regional power got a strong navy down there. Right now that's not a concern. In 20 years, who knows? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAKO69 186 Posted August 21, 2012 I'm just lookin forward to these babies flying again. Can't wait to see the 1st pics. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+SkateZilla 49 Posted August 23, 2012 (edited) What kind of aircraft are the Kiwi's now flying? None, the A-4s they had are retired as well as the MB339 Squadrons. Their deal to purchase F-16s in 2000 was denied. Edited August 23, 2012 by SkateZilla Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derk 265 Posted August 23, 2012 (edited) Well, frankly they're out of range of most land-based planes launched from anywhere other than Australia, with whom they have a defense treaty. Really the only threat to them other than subs would be if some regional power got a strong navy down there. Right now that's not a concern. In 20 years, who knows? We had a lot of fun with this subject last Apri/May in these forums: http://combatace.com/topic/71554-option-for-rnzafs-new-strike-fighter/ Edited August 23, 2012 by Derk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites