Classic Airplanes and Modern Jets Share the Spotlight

Airplanes enthusiasts in New Zealand are in for a treat! The Royal New Zealand Air Force will celebrate its 75^th anniversary with an airshow at Ohakea on the 31^st of March. Airplane models from the “Classics in the Sky” Tauraga air show will mix with the world’s top military aircraft where “modern world will meet history” in an exciting extravaganza.

A number of vintage aircraft from Tauraga City are expected to be displayed at the event. Classic Flyers director Andrew shared that preparations for the classic airplanes to attend the event are under way, but everything is still very dependent on the weather. However, he is looking forward that Boeing Stearman, Hawk Hunter, CT4 and Dragonfly will be at the airshow.

The Royal New Zealan Air Force will display their past, present and future aircraft. They will show their vintage airplane models like the Spitfire and Mustang. The Air Force will also showcase their newest acquisition like the A109 and NH90 helicopters plus the upgraded C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orions among other military aircraft. The Red Checkers, the aerobatic/precision flying team of the RNZAF will also demonstrate their expertise.

RNZAF Air Commodore Steve Moore says, “It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s birthday.”

Air Forces from different nations will also participate in the event. The Royal Australian Air Force will send their F-18 fighter jet, which are very rare in New Zealand, and their C-130J Hercules and a Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.

US Air Force will bring a C-17 Globemaster while the US Marines Corps will display the KC-130 Hercules air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The French Armed Forces of New Caledonia will have the CASA 235 twin-engine transport aircraft at the event while the Singapore Air Force will display one of their C-130.

Seeing the astounding display of modern and classic airplane models will be an incredible experience for every airplane afficionado.

source: http://www.sunlive.co.nz

UK will Acquire Another C-17 Amidst Critism of Military Weakness

Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the United Kingdom will buy a another Boeing C-17 military plane to improve troops mobilization.

This will be Britain’s 8^th C-17 and Cameron said that it is an important investment for the country. The mission in Libya highlighted the importance of transport aircraft, especially in evacuating civilians.

This announcement by Cameron came at the heels of criticisms that military is weakening caused by wide-range budget cuts.

A Defence Committee report suggested that the UK would have a hard time in staging an operation similar to its Libya mission. Massive defense cuts can severely affect the military’s capabilities.

“The real test is whether the success of this mission was a one-off or whether the lessons it has highlighted mean that future such missions can be successfully undertaken, whilst maintaining the U.K.’s capability to protect its interests elsewhere,” said committee Chairman James Arbuthnot.

Britain participated in the NATO-led operation on Libya before the 8% budget cut on the military was implemented. The committee questions how can the military perform a similar operation in the future should the need arises. A limited budget would bring out great challenges to stage such mission.

The Defense Committee is also distressed future NATO Operation will rely heavily on the US Military to provide unmanned aerial vehicles, intelligence, and fueling aircraft.

“For the time being, there will continue to be a heavy reliance on U.S. command and control functions for future NATO operations,” the committee said. “It should be a priority for NATO to examine this over-reliance on U.S. capabilities and assets.”

The committee also observed that with the budget cuts, participating in NATO operations would cause the military to neglect other commitments. While it commends the Royal Navy for evacuating the civilians from Libya, it noted that this action hindered the navy to be able to provide escort and carry out counter-drug operations.

But Defense Secretary Phillip Hammond disagreed with the report. He said that the participation of the military in Libya highlighted the UK’s military power around the world. It is capable to performing its missions while keeping its commitments to other area of interest like in Afghanistan and the Gulf.

“We retain the capability to project power abroad and meet our NATO obligations, supported by what is the world’s fourth largest defense budget,” Hammond said.

source: http://www.cbsnews.com