Skyhawks Due In Mid-April

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32210, 31 January 1970, Page 44

Skyhawks Due In Mid-April

JfN'.Z. Press Association) ■ , WELLINGTON, < January 30. The new Skyhawk aircraft for the R.N.Z.A.F. will be in New Zealand hands by mid-April, Air Force sources said in Wellington today. , i:.. ■ ■ - , The aircraft, two of which have already been handed over by the manufacturers in the United States, are now coming off the production line at regular intervals. New Zealand’s quota of 14— 10 combat aircraft and four dual-control trainers—is expected to be landed in New Zealand by mid-year and to

be in operational use before the end of 1970.,

No decision has been made about transporting the aircraft from the United States, where 10 E.N.Z.A.F. pilots are at present undergoing conversion training. Although in-flight refueling would give the single-engined groundattack aircraft the capability of flying' all the way, it is thought likely that they will be shipped at least part of the distance.

By next year the Skyhawks of 75 Squadron will have replaced the Canberras of 14 Squadron. The Skyhawks will take over the role of New Zealand’s strike contribution to the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve and are expected, like the Canberras at present, to take

part in bi-annual exercises in Malaysia and Singapore. New Zealand pilots, while generally welcoming the new purchase, sometimes voice dislike of the idea of flying thousands of miles oyer sea between Singapore and New Zealand in - the singleengined Skyhawks. But the manufacturers claim and service with United States Marines in Vietnam.’ tends to confirm the claim —that the Skyhawks are as reliable as a single-engined aircraft can be made.

, Apart from pilots, 48 ground service personnel from 75 Squadron are training in the United States. Twenty New Zealand groundcrew are at the naval air station in Cecil, Florida, maintaining the aircraft as they are handed over. '

The arrival of the Skyhawks in New Zealand will complete the reorganisation of squadrons and equipment which began late last year. The 12 Vampire jet aircraft in 75 Squadron will be passed on to the enlarged 14 Squadron to add to its 10 Canberras.

Although no decision has been made on the disposal of the Canberras, Air Force opinion is that these aircraft will be readily sold and that the sale will be completed as soon aS possible after the Skyhawks become operational. Delay would mean expense in maintenance. Total cost to New Zealand of the Skyhawks, including spares and alterations to New Zealand facilities, has been 'estimated at $24.65m.