N.Z.-Australia Link Over Jet Trainers

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30681, 22 February 1965, Page 3

N.Z.-Australia Link Over Jet Trainers

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, February 21.

The New Zealand and Australian Air Forces will combine in the joint evaluation of the merits of jet training aircraft manufactured in five overseas countries. This was announced by the Minister of Defence (Mr Eyre) today.

“Because of the age and limitations of the training aircraft in use by the R.N.Z.A.F., replacement cannot be delayed many more years.” he explained.

“Although the R.A.A.F.’s need for jet trainer aircraft replacement somewhat precedes our own, it is opportune for us to be associated with this evaluation now. “This is a practical step towards an ‘Anzac’ approach to flying training,” said Mr Eyre.

The Minister said it had been the New Zealand Government’s policy since 1957 to seek closer defence coordination with Australia. Implicit in this was an agree-

meat that the two countries should work towards compatability and, where possible, standardisation of defence equipment, “The two air forces have already achieved a substantial measure of standardisation, and are actively working together in this field. “Examples are the purchase of Orion and Hercules aircraft for our respective maritime and transport forces,” he said. FIVE COUNTRIES

Mr Eyre said five countries as yet unnamed—would be visited by the evaluation team in March and April. The physical examination of available aircraft came after a detailed study by the

air forces of both countries. The Minister said visits would be made to manufacturers and users to determine the trainer most suitable for the flying training role. The R.N.Z.A.F. observer will be Squadron-Leader E. C. Arundel ,of Wellington. He commands the Central Flying School of the R.N.Z.A.F. at Wigram. Squadron-Leader Arundel holds the highest flying category and is well-known around New Zealand for his solo aerobatic performances in Harvard aircraft.

“The joining in evaluation will be without commitment to any purchase of aircraft,” Mr Eyre said.