Slower jets masters of the skies

Press, 29 March 1982, Page 11

Slower jets masters of the skies

Defence reporter . The unofficial score for Southern Safari so far is Enemy 1, Friendly Forces 0. Inter-squadron rivalry has extended from the hangars of the Royal New Zealand Air Force base at Ohakea to the skies above the Mackenzie Country. Strikemasters and Skyhawks, from No. 14 and 75 Squadrons respectively, are supporting the land forces in Southern Safari 'B2, the five-nation defence exercise in the Mackenzie tryOn receiving a call from exercise command, the Strikemasters and Skyhawks

are sent to make strikes over the area. The Strikemasters are flying for the enemy, while the Skyhawks are employed by the friendly forces, which include the four overseas contingents. The Skyhawks make their strikes from their base at Ohakea, returning there after each journey to the Mackenzie Country. The Strikemasters, however, are making their strikes from Wigram, where four aircraft from the Squadron’s operational flight are based for the duration of Southern Safari ’B2. About 12 strikes a day are being made by the

Strikemasters, according to the detachment commander, Flight Lieutenant Garry Rasmussen. Each aircraft spends about half an hour in the exercise area on each strike. So far the Strikemaster pilots claim to have the upper hand, having had at least one Skyhawk pilot in a compromising position during the first five days of the exercise. This is perhaps surprising, considering the JOOkm/h advantage held by the Skyhawk aircraft. To score, the aircraft must be in range and capable of shooting down its opposite number.