New aircraft for Royal New Zealand Air Force

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The Royal New Zealand Air Force reports it has officially accepted the fifth of 11 Beechcraft T-6C Texan II pilot training aircraft.

Four planes were accepted from Beechcraft Defense Systems earlier this year and seven others are scheduled for delivery by the middle of next year.

"The T-6C Texans are specialist military aircraft built for the purpose of training military pilots how to fly," said the chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Mike Yardley. "The T-6C will allow us to train our pilots more efficiently as they'll use the same aircraft for their Wings course, compared to the two types of aircraft currently used."

The RNZAF said an undisclosed number of its personnel have completed pilot conversion and maintenance courses for the aircraft in the United States.

The T6C has a cruise speed of 320 miles per hour and a range of 1,036 miles. It is operated in eight countries, including the United States and New Zealand.

In a related development, NHIndustries in France announce has delivered another NH90 TTH tactical transport helicopter to New Zealand. The aircraft was the ninth and final aircraft ordered by the RNZAF.

"This ninth delivery is an important milestone in the life of the NH90 program since it is the first time an NH90 operator is ready to operate all the aircraft ordered," said Xavier Poupardin, delegated managing director of NHIndustries. "Today, The Royal New Zealand Air Force operates eight NH90 TTH in final operational configuration, this is the result of our commitment to deliver the helicopter the customer needs.

"The completion of the delivery process does not mean the contract is over. NHI and its partner companies are closely following the customer needs in terms of support and evolutions throughout the life of the helicopter."