This is a list of aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal New Zealand Navy.
Name | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Introduced | Retired | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aermacchi MB-339 | MB-339CB | 18 | Italy | Two-seat advanced pilot, weapons trainer aircraft | 1991 | 2001 | Operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and the Black Falcons aerobatic team. | NZ6460 - 6477 |
AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma | 1 | United States | Unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle | |||||
AESL Airtourer | T.6/24 | 4 | New Zealand | Two-seat elementary pilot trainer, aircraft | 1970 | 1995 | Operated by the Pilot Training Squadron RNZAF. See also CT4 | NZ1760 - 1763 |
AgustaWestland A109 | A109 LUH | 6 | Italy | Light utility helicopter | Current, operated by No. 3 Squadron. Ordered in 2007 (one used for spares) | NZ3401 - 3406 | ||
Aichi E13A Jake | E13A1A | 1 | Empire of Japan | Captured enemy aircraft | 1945 | 1945 | Captured in Rabaul in 1945, flown in theatre. | |
Airspeed Consul | 6 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine light transport aircraft | 1948 | 1952 | Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Converted from Oxfords. | NZ1901 - 1906 | |
Airspeed Oxford | Mk I, II | 229 | United Kingdom | Multi-engine pilot trainer, crew trainer aircraft | 1938 | 1952 | Operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | NZ250 - 290, NZ1201 - 1399, NZ2100 - 2157, R6226 |
Avro 504 | 504K | 12 | United Kingdom | Two-seat pilot trainer biplane | 1920 | 1930 | New purchases in 1925, others were Imperial Gift aircraft, loaned to private companies 1920–1923 or 24. Some lost in accidents while on loan. | E3137, E4153, H1964 - H1966, 201 -206 |
Avro 626 Perfect | 626 | 4 | United Kingdom | Three-seat advanced pilot trainer, crew trainer biplane | 1935 | 1943 | NZ201 - 204 | |
Avro Anson | 652A, Mk I, Mk XII | 25 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine navigation, radio research, VIP transport aircraft | 1942 | 1952 | Two Anson Mk XIIs were used by the British High Commission for VIP transport. Two Anson XIIs were hired or on loan from the RAF. Used by the British High Commission in New Zealand for VIP transport. | NZ401 - 423 PH599, PH600 |
Avro Lancaster | Mk I, Mk III | United Kingdom | Four-engine heavy bomber aircraft | 1943 | 1945 | RAF aircraft operated by No. 75 Squadron RAF. RAF variants were Lancaster Mk I and Mk III. | ||
Avro Lincoln | Mk II | United Kingdom | Four-engine heavy long range bomber aircraft | 1945 | 1945 | RAF aircraft operated by No. 75 Squadron RAF. RAF variant was the Lincoln Mk II. | ||
Auster J/5, Auster T Mk 7C Antarctic | J/5, T Mk 7C | 7 | United Kingdom | Three-seat light utility, army observation, forestry, patrol, communications aircraft | 1947 | 1969 | The Austers were operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, No. 6 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. The Auster T Mk 7C was acquired for use in the Antarctic. | NZ1701 - 1707 |
BAC Strikemaster | BAC 167, Mk 88 | 16 | United Kingdom | Two-seat advanced pilot trainer, light attack aircraft | 1972 | 1991 | Operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ6361 - 6376 |
Beechcraft 17 | C-17L Staggerwing | 1 | United States | Single-engine cabin biplane | 1939 | 1946 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Used for communications. | NZ573 |
Beechcraft King Air | King Air 200 | 9 | United States | 1998 | 2018 | Operated by No. 42 Squadron | NZ1881 - 1885, NZ7121 - 7124 | |
Beechcraft Super King Air | King Air 350 | 4 | United States | Twin-engine multi-engine trainer | 2018 | Current, operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | NZ2350 - 2353 | |
Beechcraft T-6 Texan II | T-6C | 11 | United States | Two-seat pilot trainer aircraft | 2014 | Current, operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF, Central Flying School RNZAF and the Black Falcons aerobatic team. | NZ1401 - 1411 | |
Bell H-13 Sioux | 47G-3B-1, 47G-3B-2 | 13 | United States | Army observation, pilot trainer, light utility helicopter | 1965 | 2010 | Operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF | NZ3701 - 3713 |
Bell UH-1 Iroquois | UH-1D, UH-1H | 18 | United States | Utility transport helicopter | 1966 | 2015 | Operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF. The UH-1 Iroquois were used for casualty evacuation, search and rescue, supply and troop transport. Plus an unknown number of aircraft leased for UN work in the Sinai. One UH-1H was donated for display at the Wigram museum, and never saw service. The UH-1Ds were converted to UH-1H standard. Two helicopters were leased from the US Army in 1982. Used by the United Nations, Multinational Force and Observers peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula. | NZ3801 - 3816 66–0809, 66-16450 |
Blackburn Baffin | 29 | United Kingdom | Two-seat general reconnaissance biplane | 1937 | 1942 | Designed as a torpedo bomber, but the torpedo gear was not fitted. The Baffins were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 2 Squadron RNZAF and No. 3 Squadron RNZAF | NZ150 - 178 | |
Bleriot XI-2 | 1 | France | Two-seat general purpose aircraft | 1913 | 1914 | New Zealand's first military aircraft. A replica is on display in the Air Force Museum, Wigram, Christchurch. | "Britannia" | |
Boeing 727 | 727-22QC | 3 | United States | Three-engine long range transport aircraft. | 1981 | 2003 | Operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. NZ7271 & NZ7272 entered service, while NZ7273 was used as an attrition airframe. | NZ7271 - 7273 |
Boeing 757 | 757-200 | 2 | United States | Transport aircraft | 2003 | Current, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF | NZ7571 - 7572 | |
Boeing P-8 Poseidon | P-8A | 4 | United States | Two-engine maritime reconnaissance aircraft. | 2022 | Flown by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF, replacing the Lockheed P-3 Orion. [1] | NZ4801 - 4804 | |
Brewster Buffalo | Buffalo Mk I | 23 | United States | Single-seat fighter aircraft | 1941 | 1942 | Operated by 488 (NZ) Squadron in the defence of Singapore. 23 aircraft hired or on loan from the RAF. | |
Bristol Beaufighter | United Kingdom | Twin engine night fighter, torpedo fighter aircraft | 1942 | 1945 | RAF aircraft were operated by 488 (NZ) and 489 (NZ) Squadrons. The RAF Variants were the Beaufighter Mk IIF, MK VIF and TF Mk X | |||
Bristol Beaufort | United Kingdom | Twin engine torpedo bomber, reconnaissance aircraft | 1941 | 1942 | RAF aircraft were operated by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Beaufort Mk I | |||
Bristol Blenheim | United Kingdom | Twin-engine long range fighter aircraft | 1942 | 1942 | RAF aircraft were operated by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Blenheim Mk IVF. | |||
Bristol F2B Fighter | F2B fighter | 7 | United Kingdom | Two-seat general-purpose biplane | 1919 | 1938 | Imperial Gift aircraft. Operated as army co-operation, advanced trainers and aerial survey aircraft. | H1557 - H1558, H6856 - H6857, H7120 - H7122 |
Bristol Type 170 Freighter | Mk 31(NZ)M | 12 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine medium-range tactical transport aircraft | 1951 | 1977 | The Bristol Freighters were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF | NZ5901 - 5912 |
British Aircraft Swallow | Swallow II | 1 | United Kingdom | Two-seat light aircraft | 1939 | 1940 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. See Mount Cook Airline | NZ583 |
Cessna 421C Golden Eagle | 421C | 3 | United States | Twin-engine light passenger, VIP transport aircraft | 1981 | 1990 | Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ7940 - 7942 |
Consolidated PBY Catalina | PBY-5, PB2B-1 | 56 | United States | Twin-engine maritime reconnaissance, air sea rescue flying boat | 1943 | 1953 | Used for long-range anti-submarine and maritime reconnaissance patrols. The Catalinas were operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF and No. 6 Squadron RNZAF in New Zealand and the South Pacific. RAF aircraft were operated by 490 (NZ) Squadron from 1943 to 1944. The RAF variant was the Catalina Mk IB. See Consolidated PBY Catalina in New Zealand service | NZ4001 - 4056 |
Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk | P-40E, P-40K, P-40L, P-40M, P-40N | 301 | United States | Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft | 1942 | 1946 | The Kittyhawk and Warhawks were operated by Nos 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific. Total includes four lost on delivery. | NZ3001 - 3293 |
de Havilland DH.4 | 2 | United Kingdom | Two-seat advanced pilot trainer biplane | 1919 | 1929 | Imperial Gift aircraft. | A7893, A7929 | |
de Havilland DH.9 | 3 | United Kingdom | Two-seat advanced pilot trainer biplane | 1923 | 1929 | Imperial Gift aircraft. On loan to private companies 1921–23 | D3136, D3139, H5636 | |
de Havilland DH.50 | DH.50A | 1 | United Kingdom | Five-seat aerial survey, communications, transport biplane | 1927 | 1930 | Five-seat communications aircraft | 135 |
de Havilland DH.60 Moth | DH.60G, DH.60M | 28 | United Kingdom | Two elementary pilot trainer, utility biplane. | 1929 | 1943 | 870 - 873, 995, 1560, 1567, NZ501 - 522 | |
de Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth | DH.80A | 4 | United Kingdom | Three-seat aerial survey, utility aircraft | 1931 | 1936 | 2125, NZ567, NZ582, NZ590, NZ593 - 594 | |
1939 | 1946 | |||||||
de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth | DH.82A, Mk II | 335 | United Kingdom / New Zealand | Two-seat elementary pilot trainer biplane | 1939 | 1956 | The Tiger Moths were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 2 Squadron RNZAF, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ650 - 689, NZ701 - 724, NZ730 - 749, NZ751 - 900, NZ1401 - 1500 |
de Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth | DH.83 | 1 | United Kingdom | Four-seat cabin biplane. | 1943 | 1948 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1943. Impressed from Air Travel (NZ) Ltd in 1943, used for communications. | NZ566 |
de Havilland DH.84 Dragon | DH.84 Dragon II | 2 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine radio and navigation trainer, transport biplane | 1939 | 1943 | Two civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Impressed from Union Airways of New Zealand in 1939. | NZ550 - 551 |
de Havilland DH.86 Express | DH.86 | 3 | United Kingdom | Four-engine navigation trainer, reconnaissance, transport biplane | 1939 | 1943 | Three civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service. The aircraft were operated by No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Impressed from Union Airways of New Zealand in 1939. | NZ552 - 554 |
1945 | 1946 | |||||||
de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide | DH.89, DH.89A Dragon Rapide, DH.89B Dominie II | 14 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine navigation trainer, reconnaissance, transport biplane | 1939 | 1953 | Also known as the Dominie. The aircraft were operated by No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | NZ523 - 531, NZ555 - 559 |
de Havilland DH.94 Moth Minor | DH.94 | 5 | United Kingdom | Two-seat trainer, communications aircraft | 1940 | 1946 | Five civilian aircraft were Impressed into RNZAF service in 1940. | NZ591 - 592, NZ595 - 597 |
de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito | FB 6, FB 40, T 3, T 43 | 89 | United Kingdom | Two-seat twin-engine fighter bomber aircraft. | 1943 | 1955 | Four lost during delivery. The Mosquitos were operated by Nos 14, 75, 487, 488 and 489 (NZ) Squadrons. RAF variants were the Mosquito FB Mk VI fighter bomber, NF Mk XII, NF Mk XIII, NF Mk 30 night fighters and T Mk III trainers. | NZ2301 - 2308, NZ2320 - 2396 |
de Havilland DH.104 Devon / Dove | DH.104 | 30 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine light transport, pilot, navigation and radio trainer aircraft | 1948 | 1981 | Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | NZ1801 - 1830 |
de Havilland DH.110/DH.115 Vampire | FB 5, FB 52, T 11, T 55 | 63 | United Kingdom | Single-seat fighter bomber aircraft. Two-seat advanced pilot trainer, instrument continuation trainer aircraft. | 1951 | 1972 | The RNZAF's first operational jet aircraft. The Vampires were operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ5701 - 5711, NZ5721 - 5738, NZ570 - 5778, INST166, 167, 170, 171, WZ516 |
FB 9, T 11 | Single-seat fighter-bomber aircraft. Two-seat continuation trainer aircraft. | 1952 | 1958 | |||||
de Havilland DH. 112 Venom | FB 1 | 48 | United Kingdom | Single-seat fighter bomber aircraft | 1955 | 1958 | The aircraft were hired or on loan from the RAF. The Venoms were operated by No. 14 Squadron in Singapore, they saw action during the Malayan Emergency. | |
de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver | DHC-2 | 1 | Canada | Single engine light transport aircraft | 1956 | 1960 | Acquired for use in Antarctic. | NZ6010 |
de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter | DHC-3 | 1 | Canada | Single-engine light transport aircraft | 1960 | 1963 | Acquired for use in Antarctic. | NZ6081 |
DJI Mavic Pro | 26 | China | Training and experimentation unmanned aerial vehicle | |||||
DJI Phantom 4 | 1 | China | Training and experimentation unmanned aerial vehicle | |||||
Douglas DC-6 | DC-6 | 3 | United States | Four-engine long range transport aircraft | 1961 | 1968 | Three ex-TEAL aircraft, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ3631 - 3633 |
Douglas A-20 Boston | United States | 1942 | 1943 | RAF aircraft loaned to 487 (NZ) Squadron. | ||||
Douglas C-47 Dakota | C-47, C-47A, C-47B | 49 | United States | Twin engine medium range transport, VIP transport, target tug aircraft | 1943 | 1977 | The Dakotas were operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF, No. 41 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Used as a transport, target tug, paratroop and VIP transport aircraft. | NZ3501 - 3506, NZ3516 - 3558 |
Douglas SBD Dauntless | SBD-3, SBD-4, SBD-5 | 69 | United States | Two-seat dive bomber aircraft | 1943 | 1944 | Operated by No. 25 Squadron RNZAF in the South Pacific. Total includes one lost on delivery. | NZ5001 - 5068 |
English Electric Canberra | B(I).12, T.13 | 13 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine strike bomber aircraft Twin-engine type conversion trainer aircraft | 1959 | 1970 | The Canberras were operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ6101 - 6111, NZ6151 - 6152 |
B.2, T.4 | 15 | Twin-engine medium-bomber aircraft Twin-engine type conversion trainer aircraft | 1958 | 1962 | Hired or on loan from the RAF. Operated by No. 75 Squadron in Singapore. | WD963, WJ859, WJ864, | ||
Fairey III | IIIF, Mk IIIM, Mk IIIB | 3 | United Kingdom | Two or three-seat bomber, general purpose biplane Naval co-operation floatplane | 1929 | 1939 | F1133 - 1134, S1805 | |
Fairey Battle | Mk I | 1 | United Kingdom | Ground-based instructional airframe | 1941 | Ex-RAF | K9177 | |
Fairey Firefly | Mk I | 1 | United Kingdom | Ground-based instructional airframe | Ex-Royal Navy | |||
Fairey Gordon | Mk I, Mk II | 41 | United Kingdom | Two-seat bomber, advanced pilot trainer, target tug biplane | 1939 | 1943 | NZ601 - 641 | |
Fokker Friendship | F27-120 | 3 | Netherlands | Twin-engine navigation, radio and electronic trainer, maritime reconnaissance aircraft. | 1980 | 1992 | Three ex-Air New Zealand aircraft. Operated by the Navigation and Air Electronics Training Squadron RNZAF. See Air New Zealand fleet | NZ2781 - 2783 |
Foster Wikner Wicko | GM.1 | 1 | United Kingdom | Two-seat light cabin aircraft. | 1939 | 1942 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ580 |
General Aircraft Monospar ST-25 Jubilee | ST-25 | 1 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine light cabin aircraft | 1939 | 1941 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Used for communications. | NZ584 |
Gloster Grebe | 3 | United Kingdom | Single-seat fighter biplane Two-seat advanced trainer biplane | 1928 | 1938 | Later used as instructional airframes broken up 1943–44 | NZ501 - 503 | |
Gloster Meteor | F.III | 1 | United Kingdom | Single-seat jet fighter aircraft. | 1945 | 1950 | The Meteor F.III was presented to the RNZAF by the RAF in 1945. | NZ6001 |
T.7 | 2 | Two-seat instrument continuation trainer aircraft | 1952 | 1955 | Two T.7 aircraft were hired from the RAF. They were operated No. 14 Squadron RNZAF in Cyprus. | WH206, WL400 | ||
Grumman TBM Avenger | TBF-1, TBF-1C | 48 | United States | Two-seat light bomber, target tug, topdressing aircraft | 1943 | 1959 | The Avengers were operated by No 30, 31, 41, 42 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific. Used for top dressing trials in 1948. | NZ2501 - 2548 |
Handley Page HP.52 Hampden | United Kingdom | Twin-engine medium bomber aircraft | 1942 | 1943 | RAF aircraft used by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Hampden Mk I. | |||
Handley Page HP.67 Hastings | C.3 | 4 | United Kingdom | Four-engine long range transport aircraft | 1952 | 1965 | The RNZAF's first long-range aircraft, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF | NZ5801 - 5804 |
Hawker Siddeley HS 780 Andover | C.1 | 10 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine medium-range tactical transport, VIP transport aircraft | 1976 | 1998 | Ten ex-RAF aircraft. Operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, later No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | NZ7620 -27629 |
Hawker Hind | Hind, Hind Trainer | 63 | United Kingdom | Two-seat army co-operation, advanced pilot trainer biplane | 1940 | 1943 | Only 63 actually received, 15 lost at sea due to enemy action in 1940. Operated by No. 22 Squadron RNZAF | NZ1501 - 1563 |
Hawker Hurricane | Mk IIB | 9 | United Kingdom | Single-seat fighter aircraft | 1942 | 1942 | Additional aircraft were operated by 486 and 488 Squadrons; Apparently 75 Squadron also received at least one Hurricane as a hack – a pilot was posted as missing presumed killed while flying it. The RAF variants were the Hurricane Mk I, Mk IIA and Mk IIB. Nine aircraft were hired or on loan from the RAF. | |
Hawker Tempest | Mk V | United Kingdom | Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft | 1944 | 1945 | RAF aircraft were operated by 486 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Tempest Mk V. | ||
Hawker Tomtit | 4 | United Kingdom | Two-seat elementary, intermediate pilot trainer biplane | 1931 | 1939 | 50 - 53 | ||
Hawker Typhoon | United Kingdom | Single-seat fighter bomber, ground attack aircraft | 1942 | 1944 | RAF aircraft were operated by 486 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Typhoon Mk IB. | |||
Kaman SH-2 Seasprite | SH-2F | 15 | United States | Anti-submarine naval helicopter | 1997 | 2016 | 4 SH-2F, 5 SH-2G(NZ) formerly operated by No. 6 Squadron RNZAF, 6 SH-2F purchased for use as instructional airframes only | NZ3441 - 3444, NZ3601 - 3605, 0231G - 0236G |
Kaman SH-2 Super Seasprite | SH-2G(I) | 10 | United States | Anti-submarine naval helicopter | 2015 | Current, operated by No. 6 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ3611 - 3620 | |
Lockheed C-130 Hercules | C-130H, C-130H(NZ) | 5 | United States | Four engine medium/long-range, tactical transport aircraft | 1965 | Current, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF to be replaced with C-130J-30 starting 2024 | NZ7001 - 7005 | |
C-130J Super Hercules | C-130J-30 | 5 | United States | Four engine medium/long-range, tactical transport aircraft | 2024 | On 5 June 2020 the New Zealand government announced that five C-130J-30 would purchased to replace the current C-130H(NZ) aircraft. [2] Delivery to commence in 2024 with the aircraft to be operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF | ||
Lockheed Hudson | Mk III, Mk IIIA, Mk V, Mk VI | 94 | United States | Twin-engine general reconnaissance bomber, trainer, target tug aircraft. | 1941 | 1948 | The Hudsons were operated by Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 40, 41 and 42 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific. | NZ2001 - 2094 |
Lockheed C-60 Lodestar | C-60A | 9 | United States | Twin-engine medium-range transport aircraft. | 1943 | 1949 | The Lodestars were operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF | NZ3507 - 3515 |
Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon | PV-2 | 4 | United States | Twin-engine medium-range transport aircraft. | 1943 | 1949 | The Lodestars were operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF | NZ3507 - 3515 |
Lockheed P-3 Orion | P-3B, P-3K, P-3K2 | 6 | United States | Four-engine maritime reconnaissance aircraft. | 1966 | 2023 | Flown by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF. Replaced by P-8 Poseidons | NZ4201 - 4206 |
Lockheed Ventura | PV-1 Ventura, B-34 Lexington | 139 | United States | Twin-engine general reconnaissance bomber aircraft. | 1943 | 1946 | The Aircraft were operated by Nos. 1 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 Squadrons in New Zealand and South Pacific. RAF aircraft were operated by 487 (NZ) Squadron from 1942 to 1943. RAF variants were the Ventura Mk I and II. See also Harpoon. | NZ4501 - 4639 |
McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk | A-4G, TA-4G, A-4K, TA-4K | 24 | United States | Single-seat jet fighter, ground attack, maritime strike aircraft. Two-seat conversion trainer aircraft. | 1970 | 2001 | The Skyhawks were operated by No. 2 Squadron RNZAF No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF. See Project Kahu | NZ6201 - 6218, NZ6251 - 6256 |
Messerschmitt Bf 109 | E4 | 1 | Nazi Germany | Captured enemy fighter aircraft | 1940 | 1944 | Captured in Europe, shipped from the United Kingdom to New Zealand, used for fund raising purposes, display and technical training. | INST111 |
Miles M.2 Hawk | M.2F, M.2H, M.2P Hawk Major | 4 | United Kingdom | Two-seat light aircraft | 1939 | 1943 | Four civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Used for Training and communications. | NZ578, NZ587 - 589, |
Miles M.11 Whitney Straight | M.11A | 3 | United Kingdom | Two-seat light cabin aircraft | 1939 | 1946 | Three civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ576 - 577, NZ579 |
Miles M.14 Magister | M.14A | 2 | United Kingdom | Two-seat elementary trainer aircraft | 1939 | 1946 | Two civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ585 - 586 |
Miles M.57 Aerovan | 2 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine topdressing, magnetic survey aircraft. | 1949 | 1950 | Used for topdressing trails. | NZ1751 - 1752 | |
Mitsubishi Ki-46 Dinah | Ki-46-II | 1 | Empire of Japan | Captured enemy aircraft | 1945 | 1945 | Captured in Rabaul in 1945. | |
Mitsubishi A6M Zero | A6M3, A6M5 "Zeke" | 3 | Empire of Japan | Captured enemy fighter aircraft. | 1945 | 1945 | One was captured in Bougainville Island in 1945. Flown by RNZAF pilots, shipped back to New Zealand. The aircraft is on display at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. | NZ6000, INST113 |
Mitsubishi MU-2 | 4 | Japan | 2009 | Used as an instructional airframes | 0222G - 0225G | |||
NHIndustries NH90 | 8 | NATO | Medium utility transport helicopter | 2012 | Current, operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF. Deliveries started 2012 | NZ3301 - 3309 | ||
Nakajima B5N Kate | B5N2 | 1 | Empire of Japan | Captured enemy aircraft | 1945 | 1945 | Captured in Rabaul, flown in theatre in 1945. | |
North American T-6 Harvard | Mk II, IIA, IIB, III | 202 | United States | Two-seat advanced pilot trainer aircraft | 1941 | 1977 | Later used as an elementary training aircraft. The aircraft were operated by Nos 1 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 42 Squadrons, and the Red Checkers aerobatic team. | NZ901 - 1102 |
2 | United States | Two-seat advanced trainer aircraft | 1946 | 1948 | Hired or on loan from the RAF. Two aircraft were operated by No. 14 Squadron in Japan between 1946 - 1948. | KF 113 | ||
North American P-51 Mustang | P-51D (Mustang Mk III) | 30 | United States | Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft. | 1945 | 1957 | In storage from 1945 to 1951. The Mustangs were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 2 Squadron RNZAF, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. See North American P-51 Mustang in New Zealand service | NZ2401 - 2430 |
Pacific Aerospace Corporation CT/4 Airtrainer | CT/4B, CT/4E | 32 | New Zealand | Two-seat basic pilot trainer, aerobatic aircraft | 1976 | 2014 | Bought by the RNZAF as a replacement for the North American Harvard. Operated by the Central Flying School RNZAF, Pilot Training Squadron RNZAF and the Red Checkers aerobatic team. | NZ1930 - NZ1948, NZ1985 - 1997 |
Percival Gull Four | Gull Four | 1 | United Kingdom | Utility aircraft | 1939 | 1940 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ572 |
Percival Vega Gull | P.10 Vega Gull | 1 | United Kingdom | Three-seat light cabin aircraft | 1939 | 1946 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ571 |
Porterfield Model 35 Flyabout | Model 35W | 1 | United States | Two-seat light cabin aircraft | 1939 | 1946 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ581/NZ598 |
Rearwin 9000 Sportster | 9000L KR Sportster | 4 | United States | Two-seat light cabin aircraft | 1940 | 1940 | Four civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service. | NZ565, 568, 569, 599 |
1942 | 1946 | |||||||
Robinson Redwing | II | 1 | United Kingdom | Ground-based instructional airframe | 1941 | 1946 | INST 112 | |
Saro A-17 Cutty Sark | A-17M | 1 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine utility transport, trainer, communications flying boat. | 1930 | 1936 | L3 | |
Short Singapore | Mk III | 4 | United Kingdom | Four-engine maritime reconnaissance flying boat | 1941 | 1943 | Operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF | K6912, K6916 - 6918 |
Short Stirling | United Kingdom | Four-engine heavy bomber aircraft | 1942 | 1943 | RAF aircraft were operated by 75 (NZ) Squadron. RAF variants were the Stirling Mk I, Mk II and Mk III. | |||
Short Sunderland | Mk.3, MR.5 | 20 | United Kingdom | Four-engine long-range transport Flying boat Four-engined maritime reconnaissance flying boat | 1944 | 1967 | The Sunderlands were operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF, No. 6 Squadron RNZAF and 490 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Sunderland Mk III. See Short Sunderland in New Zealand service | NZ4101 - 4120 |
Skycam Kahu | New Zealand | Unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle | ||||||
Supermarine Seafire | Mk XV | 1 | United Kingdom | Ground-based instructional airframe. | 1946 | 1952 | Ex-804 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm. | |
Supermarine Spitfire | United Kingdom | Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft. | 1941 | 1945 | RAF aircraft were operated by 485 (NZ) Squadron. RAF variants were the Spitfire Mk IA, Mk IIA, Mk VB, Mk VC, Mk IX, LF Mk IX, LF Mk IXC, LF Mk XVI and LF XVIE. | |||
Supermarine Walrus | Mk I | 11 | United Kingdom | Three-seat reconnaissance spotter amphibian aircraft Single-engine reconnaissance, pilot trainer amphibian aircraft | 1936 | 1947 | Nine other aircraft were serving on board the ships of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. The aircraft were embarked on board the light cruisers HMNZS Achilles HMS Gambia and HMNZS Leander. All RN loan aircraft were either lost on service or returned to RN, RCAF, or RAAF. | NZ151 - 160, K8558 |
Vickers Vildebeest | Mk II, Mk III, Mk IV | 39 | United Kingdom | Three-seat general reconnaissance, advanced pilot trainer, target tug biplane. | 1935 | 1944 | The Aircraft were operated by Nos 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 Squadrons. Also see Vickers Vincent | NZ101 - 139 |
Vickers Vincent | 62 | United Kingdom | Three-seat general purpose, bomber, general reconnaissance, advanced pilot trainer, target tug biplane. | 1939 | 1944 | The aircraft were operated by Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 42 Squadrons. See also Vildebeest | NZ300 - 361 | |
Vickers Wellington | Mk I | 30 | United Kingdom | Twin-engine medium bomber aircraft | 1939 | 1942 | Only 18 were taken on charge before all 30 aircraft and their crews were loaned to the RAF in August 1939, additional RAF aircraft were operated by 75 (NZ) Squadron. RAF variants were the Wellington Mk I, MK IA, Mk IC and B Mk III. | NZ300 - 329 |
Vought Corsair | F4U-1, F4U-1D, FG-1D | 424 | United States | Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft | 1944 | 1948 | The Corsair was operated by Nos 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific. | NZ5201 - 5487, NZ5501 - 5577, NZ5601 - 5660 |
Waco QDC | Model QDC | 1 | United States | Single-engine light cabin biplane | 1940 | 1941 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1940. Impressed from Mount Cook Airline in 1940. | NZ570 |
Waco UIC | Model UIC | 1 | United States | Single-engine light cabin biplane | 1939 | 1946 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ574 |
Waco UOC | Model UOC | 1 | United States | Single-engine light cabin biplane | 1939 | 1946 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. An additional 2 Waco cabin biplanes with RAF serials were privately purchased by servicemen of the New Zealand Army in the Long Range Desert Group (a special forces type organisation) for use behind enemy lines by that organisation during the North African campaign (and flown with logo of a white kiwi on black background). | NZ575 |
Westland Wasp | Wasp HAS 1 | 18 | United Kingdom | Naval anti-submarine, utility helicopter | 1966 | 1998 | Operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF in support of the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Wasps were embarked on board the frigates HMNZS Canterbury, HMNZS Southland, HMNZS Waikato, HMNZS Wellington, and the survey ship HMNZS Monowai. Eight original ordered and an additional 10 former Royal Navy helicopters were acquired in 1989 for spares, one was later rebuilt to flying condition, others were never flown. | NZ3901 - 3909 |
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AIM-9 Sidewinder | AIM-9G AIM-9L | United States | Short-range infra-red homing air-to-air missile | 1974–2001 | Obsolete, no longer in service with the RNZAF. Carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk aircraft. |
AGM-65 Maverick | AGM-65B AGM-65G AGM-65NZ | United States | Air-to-surface missile Air-to-surface anti-ship missile | 1986– | Obsolete, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, or the Royal New Zealand Navy. Carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk aircraft, SH-2F Seasprite and SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters. |
AGM-119B Penguin Missile | AGM-119 Penguin Mk 2 Mod 7 | Norway | Air-to-surface anti-ship missile | 2013–Current | Operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Royal New Zealand Navy. Carried by the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite. |
GBU-16 Paveway II | United States | Air-to-surface laser guided bomb | Obsolete, no longer operated by the RNZAF. Carried by the A-4K Skyhawk |
Model | Variants | Origin | Type | Caliber | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FGM-148 Javelin | United States | Man-portable guided anti-tank missile | 5.0-inch (127-mm) | 1997–current | 24 launchers, 120 missiles. | |
Mistral missile | France | Short-range man-portable surface-to-air missile | 1997–current | 12 launchers. Not in active use. |
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sea Ceptor | Italy, United Kingdom | Surface-to-air missile | 2018–current | Part of the armament of the Anzac-class frigates. | |
Ikara | GWS-40 Ikara | Australia | Surface-to-surface anti-submarine missile | 1983–1989 | Obsolete missile, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Ikara was fitted to HMNZS Southland. One of the Leander-class frigates. |
Sea Cat | Seacat GWS-22 | United Kingdom | Short-range surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile | 1960-1990s | Obsolete missile, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Seacats were fitted to the Leander-class frigates, and the modified Rothesay-class frigates. |
Sea Sparrow | RIM-7P Sea Sparrow | United States | Maritime surface-to-air missile | 1997–2018 | Fitted to the Anzac-class frigates. Replaced by the Sea Ceptor. |
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark 44 torpedo | United States | Air-launched anti-submarine homing torpedo | 1966– | Obsolete, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Carried by the P-3K Orion, SH-2F Seasprite and Wasp HAS 1 | |
Mark 46 torpedo | United States | Air-launched anti-submarine homing torpedo | 1972–Current | Carried by the P-3K2 Orion and SH-2G Super Seasprite |
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
British 18-inch torpedo | Mark VII | United Kingdom |
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark 20 Bidder 21-inch torpedo | Mark 20(E) Bidder | United Kingdom | Anti-submarine torpedo | Part of the armament of the Rothesay-class frigates | |
Mark 44 torpedo | United States | Air-launched anti-submarine torpedo | 1983–1989 | Obsolete, on longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Mark 44 torpedo was carried by the Ikara anti-submarine missile. | |
Mark 46 torpedo | United States | Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo | Current | Currently in service on board the Anzac-class frigates. The Mark 46 torpedo was part of the armament of the Leander-class frigate. |
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven | United States | Unmanned aerial vehicle | Loaned by the US for use in Afghanistan. | ||
AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma | United States | Unmanned aerial vehicle | One aircraft. A single Puma is in operational service with the New Zealand Army. | ||
Black Hornet Nano | Norway | Reconnaissance and battlefield surveillance | Used by the New Zealand Special Air Service. | ||
Mavic (unmanned aerial vehicle) | DJI Mavic Pro | China | Training and experimentation purposes | 26 aircraft. | |
Phantom (unmanned aerial vehicle series) | DJI Phantom 4 | China | Training and experimentation purposes | one aircraft. | |
Skycam Kahu | New Zealand | Training and limited battlefield surveillance | At least Six aircraft. Kahu was designed by the Defence Technology Agency. It served as a vehicle for technology development and enabled the NZDF to gain first-hand experience as an RPAS operator. Kahu has also been deployed operationally on a limited basis. |
Model | Variants | Origin | Type | Caliber | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bazooka | M20 Mk II Super Bazooka | United States | Man-portable recoilless anti-tank rocket launcher | 3.5-inch (90-mm) | 1954- | Obsolete, on longer in service with the New Zealand Army. |
M72 LAW | United States | Short-range anti-tank rocket launcher | 2.6-inch (66-mm) | 1970- | A single shot disposable anti-tank weapon. |
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CRV7 | Canada | 70-mm (2.75-inch) air-to-surface rocket | Carried by the MB-339, A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk | ||
Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets | United States | 70-mm (2.75-inch) air-to-surface rocket | Formerly carried by the A-4G, A-4K Skyhawk | ||
Zuni | United States | 127-mm (5.0-inch) air-to-surface rocket | Formerly carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk |
The New Zealand Defence Force is the three-branched military of New Zealand. The NZDF is responsible for the protection of the national security of New Zealand and her realm, promoting its interests, safeguarding peace and security, as well as supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. It consists of three services: the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), the New Zealand Army and the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), as well as 'tri-service' components. As of June 2023, the NZDF has a strength of 14,996 employees, consisting of 8,669 regular force personnel, 3,260 reserve force personnel and 3,067 civilian members. It is supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MOD) and is commanded by the Chief of Defence Force (CDF).
The Kaman SH-2 Seasprite is a ship-based helicopter originally developed and produced by American manufacturer Kaman Aircraft Corporation. It has been typically used as a compact and fast-moving rotorcraft for utility and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. Early on it was modest sized single-engined naval utility helicopter, and progressed to twin-engine ASW and SAR, and the latest model served well into the 21st century, with G model in active service in the 2020s with Egypt, New Zealand, Peru, and Poland.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force is the aerial service branch of the New Zealand Defence Force. It was formed initially in 1923 as a branch of the New Zealand Army, being known as the New Zealand Permanent Air Force, becoming an independent air force on 1 April 1937.
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a single-seat subsonic carrier-capable light attack aircraft designed and produced by the American aerospace manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company, and later, McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated A4D under the United States Navy's pre-1962 designation system.
The Royal New Zealand Navy is the maritime arm of the New Zealand Defence Force. The fleet currently consists of nine ships. The Navy had its origins in the Naval Defence Act 1913, and the subsequent acquisition of the cruiser HMS Philomel, which by 1921 had been moored in Auckland as a training ship. A slow buildup occurred during the interwar period, and then in December 1939 HMS Achilles fought alongside two other Royal Navy cruisers at the Battle of the River Plate against the German ship, Graf Spee.
The Petlyakov Pe-2 was a Soviet twin-engine dive bomber used during World War II. One of the outstanding tactical attack aircraft of the war, it also proved successful as a heavy fighter, as a night fighter and as a reconnaissance aircraft. The Pe-2 was, numerically, the most important Soviet bomber of World War II, at their peak comprising 75% of the Soviet twin-engine bomber force. The Soviets manufactured Pe-2s in greater numbers during the war than any other twin-engine combat aircraft except for the German Junkers Ju 88 and the British Vickers Wellington. Several communist air forces flew the type after the war, when it became known by the NATO reporting name Buck.
The Vought OS2U Kingfisher is an American catapult-launched observation floatplane. It was a compact mid-wing monoplane, with a large central float and small stabilizing floats. Performance was modest because of its low-powered engine. The OS2U could also operate on fixed, wheeled, taildragger landing gear.
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No. 5 Squadron RNZAF is a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It operates the Boeing P-8 Poseidon from RNZAF Base Ohakea. The squadron was formed during the Second World War and has since been in continuous operation. A number of maritime patrol aircraft have been operated by the squadron over the course of its existence including the Short Singapore, Consolidated PBY Catalina, Short Sunderland and the Lockheed P-3 Orion.
No. 75 Squadron RNZAF was an air combat squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It was formed from the RAF's World War II bomber squadron, No. 75 Squadron, which had been initially equipped by the New Zealand government and was largely manned by New Zealanders. The squadron was created when, in a unique gesture, the squadron number, colours and battle honours were transferred to the RNZAF in 1946. It had flown more sorties and suffered more casualties than any other in the European theatre.
No. 2 Squadron RNZAF was a squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). It was formed in 1930 as part of the Territorial Air Force with the main headquarters at Wellington and shadow flights at New Plymouth and Wanganui. Squadron personnel conducted their annual flying at RNZAF Base Wigram. In 1937 the Territorial Squadrons were re-organised and No. 2 Squadron became the Wellington Territorial Squadron.
14 Squadron RNZAF is a squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. In 2015 the squadron was re-raised and equipped with 11 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II. A new aerobatic display team called the Black Falcons was also formed using the new aircraft. They replaced the RNZAF display team known as the Red Checkers.
The Air Force Museum of New Zealand, formerly called The Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, is located at Wigram, the RNZAF's first operational base, in Christchurch, in the South Island of New Zealand. It opened on 1 April 1987 as part of the celebrations for the RNZAF's 50th anniversary, and is primarily a museum of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, its predecessor, the New Zealand Permanent Air Force and New Zealand squadrons of the Royal Air Force. The Air Force Museum of New Zealand's mission is to preserve and present the history of New Zealand military aviation for commemoration, learning, inspiration and enjoyment.
The ShKAS is a 7.62 mm calibre machine gun widely used by Soviet aircraft in the 1930s and during World War II. The ShKAS had the highest rate of fire of any aircraft machine gun in general service during WWII. It was designed by Boris Shpitalniy and Irinarkh Komaritsky and entered production in 1934. ShKAS was used in the majority of Soviet fighters and bombers and served as the basis for the ShVAK cannon.
No. 6 Squadron RNZAF is a maritime squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It has a history going back to World War II, when it operated flying boats, and has been disbanded and re-formed several times through changes in the country's military structure. The squadron motto, originally "Fortitudine et Diligentia", is now “Vigilance with Patience”.
Project Kahu was a major upgrade for the A-4K Skyhawk attack aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in the mid-1980s.
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The Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite is an American ship-based helicopter with anti-submarine, anti-surface threat capability, including over-the-horizon targeting. This aircraft extends and increases shipboard sensor and weapon capabilities against several types of enemy threats, including submarines of all types, surface ships, and patrol craft that may be armed with anti-ship missiles. It was originally developed for the United States Navy in the 1980s as a reengined and updated version of the older Kaman SH-2 Seasprite which had been serving since the 1960s in a variety of versions. The G model was an evolution of the SH-2F, which was an important ASW aircraft for naval vessels that could not manage a larger helicopter. The SH-2G entered service in the 1980s and served until 2001 with the U.S. Navy. It went on to serve in several other Naval forces into the 21st Century and is still in active service in several countries.
The McDonnell Douglas A-4G Skyhawk is a variant of the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft developed for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The model was based on the A-4F variant of the Skyhawk, and was fitted with slightly different avionics as well as the capacity to operate AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The RAN received ten A-4Gs in 1967 and another ten in 1971, and operated the type from 1967 to 1984.
In May 2001 the Fifth Labour Government of New Zealand decided to disband the Royal New Zealand Air Force's air combat force by withdrawing its Douglas A-4K Skyhawk fighter aircraft and Aermacchi MB-339 trainers without replacement. This followed a debate over whether 28 General Dynamics F-16 A/B Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft should be leased from the United States to replace the Skyhawks. The RNZAF's air combat units were disbanded in October 2001, and many of the aircraft were eventually sold.