New choppers 'unsuitable' says commentator

An aviation writer is criticising the Government's choice of a replacement for the Air Force's Iroquois helicopters.

An as-yet unspecified number of NH-90s are being bought.

Aviation commentator Peter Clark says the European-built chopper is too expensive and unsuitable for New Zealand conditions.

He says it is exceedingly large and the downwash from the rotors is extremely high for rescue operations.

Mr Clark says he needs more convincing reasons as to why New Zealand needs such an expensive and sophisticated machine.

- NEWSTALK ZB