welcome the first of the C-130J Hercules fleet to arrive at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland, Whenuapai.
Video / Micheal Craig
Government ministers got a close-up look at the Defence Force’s new “workhorse”.
Defence Minister Judith Collins and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters today joined Defence Force chief Air Marshal Tony Davies at a ceremony at Whenuapai, Auckland, to mark the arrival of the Royal NewZealand Air Force’s new C-130J Hercules fleet.
The cockpit in the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules. Photo / Michael Craig
The toilet in the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules. Photo / Michael Craig
The newly arrived Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules. Photo / Michael Craig
The new fleet will be operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 40 Squadron. Photo / Michael Craig
Over the next few months, the five new aircraft will replace the existing C-130H fleet, which has been in service with the RNZAF for nearly 60 years.
”We have taken a huge step forward in our tactical air transport capability,” Davies said.
“Much like its predecessor, the new Hercules will be the workhorse of the NZDF, regularly deploying combat capable personnel on operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions, and search and rescue deployments,” Collins said.
The Minister of Defence Judith Collins at the ceremony to welcome the first of the C-130J Hercules fleet. Photo / Michael Craig
Deputy PM Winston Peters onboard the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules. Photo / Michael Craig
The new fleet will be operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 40 Squadron and be based at Base Auckland, Whenuapai.
The new Hercules are larger (19cm higher), longer (by 5.4m longer), faster (by 30 knots or 55km/h) and can travel further (an extra 600 nautical miles) than the older model.
The new Hercules are larger, longer and faster. Photo / Michael Craig
Squadron Leader Tim Jones with the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules. Photo / Michael Craig
Bob Howe, left, and Kevin Sturgeon were part of the crew that flew the first Hercules to New Zealand. Photo / Michael Craig
Ron Mark on board the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules. Photo / Michael Craig
Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
