A Historic Flight for New Zealand’s Air Force
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — In a groundbreaking event, two NH90 helicopters from the Royal New Zealand Air Force completed a monumental journey from Australia back to New Zealand. The trip spanned two days and set a new distance record for these aircraft. Each helicopter was equipped with two external fuel tanks weighing 1,100 pounds apiece, as reported by the military service.
The helicopters embarked on their journey from the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, located near Brisbane, and flew via Norfolk Island before finally arriving at RNZAF Base Auckland. The total distance covered was 1,765 miles over the ocean. The most extended portion of their flight was 660 miles, which they managed to complete in approximately four and a half hours.
Both helicopters, belonging to the 3 Squadron, touched down safely at RNZAF Base Ohakea on September 30.
This recent flight surpassed the RNZAF NH90s’ previous record for an over-water flight, which stood at 521 miles. This prior record was set just last month during a flight across the Coral Sea Basin from Australia to Papua New Guinea.
Strategic and Skill Enhancements
Air Commodore Andy Scott, New Zealand’s air component commander, highlighted the importance of this long-distance flight. He noted that it showcased the helicopters’ capability to self-deploy across extensive areas, demonstrating their utility effectively.
“These types of flights give our crews confidence in the system,” Scott remarked, underscoring the benefits such experiences provide to the personnel.
Wing Commander Chris Ross, the squadron’s commanding officer, also commented on the flight, noting that it offered the crew an invaluable opportunity to develop their long-distance flying skills. “It’s a terrific achievement,” he said, praising the effort and skill involved.
The capability for such an extended flight was approved in 2023, but the chance to demonstrate it did not arise until this year, according to Squadron Leader Lachie Johnston, the NH90 flight commander. “We knew the aircraft could do it and we knew the crews were appropriately trained,” Johnston explained. He also highlighted the uniqueness of the capability, especially for completing such long legs over vast bodies of water.
It was back in 2005 when New Zealand defense leaders chose the European-designed NH90 to replace the RNZAF’s UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. Since 2015, eight of these helicopters have been in service, with a ninth added as an extra.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
