More T-6C Trainers Head for New Zealand

02 Oktober 2014

RNZAF T-6C trainer aircraft (photo : FlightGlobal)

Beechcraft has transferred its second batch of two T-6C trainers to New Zealand, with the aircraft having left its Wichita production site in Kansas.

Carrying the registrations NZ1404 and NZ1405, the turboprop-powered aircraft made stops in Canada, Greenland and Iceland, before passing through Glasgow, Scotland (above) and making an overnight stop in Stansted, England on 23 September during the long range transfer. The pair follow an initial two trainers which completed the ferry flight to Ohakea air base in late August.

Ordered in January 2014 under an 11-aircraft deal worth NZ$154 million ($119 million), New Zealand’s T-6Cs are due to enter full training use in 2016, according to the nation’s defence force.

The remaining seven aircraft contained within the order will be delivered in 2015, with the type to be flown by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 14 Sqn.

(FlightGlobal)