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RNZAF A109LUHs formally unveiled

written by australianaviation.com.au | May 13, 2011

A RNZAF A109.

The RNZAF has unveiled its first three new AgustaWestland A109 Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs) in a ceremony at RNZAF Base Ohakea today (May 13).

Attended by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Minister of Defence Wayne Mapp and a host of other dignitaries, the ceremony also saw the opening of a new hangar to house the A109s, which are set to replace the RNZAF’s ageing fleet Bell 47 Sioux helicopters.

“The arrival of the A109LUH is a significant and exciting step in the upgrade and replacement of the Air Force’s rotary and fixed-wing platforms. This will see the RNZAF equipped with the capability necessary to operate even more effectively and efficiently in the 21st century,” Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell said.

“The A109LUH is part of a Defence Force helicopter training system that includes computer based training, a procedural trainer and simulator. This provides a cost effective means of training aircrew prior to operational conversion onto the NH90 or SH-2G helicopters.

“Along with its training capability, the new A109LUH helicopter will be used for light utility tasks in support of the other services and government agencies,” AVM Stockwell said.

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In addition, the A109 LUH’s new hangar, operated by No.3 Squadron, will also be home the RNZAF’s forthcoming eight new Eurocopter NH90 helicopters. AVM Stockwell said the new state-of-the-art hangar was necessary to house the RNZAF’s incoming helicopter fleet, with the existing World War 2 hangars at Ohakea proving inadequate.

New Zealand is acquiring five A109 LUHs, with the government considering purchasing an additional.

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