I was at McDonnell Douglas (Skyhawk Improved Maintenance Program) when this was discussed. They simply had no idea that the RNZAF was transiting such distances and during this meeting, they checked and confirmed 75Squadron had set a record for the longest overwater distance for a single turbojet aircraft. Real issue was the oil tank capacity as the J52 engine was a total loss system and there was no way to replenish this in flight. But respect to the pilots, it is a long long way to sit in such a confined cockpit.
@pastorrich74364 жыл бұрын
Good show! An incredible feat for 75 Squadron to fly such extended routes -- profiles people don't associate with Scooters. Makes one wonder if an around the world trip was ever discussed? No matter, these flights are a testament to great professionalism.
@DC-ro5kk3 жыл бұрын
Super flying by RNZAF Skyhawks pilots 👍 Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪
@buzzlite3 Жыл бұрын
Did I mention I was the commanding officer?
@JohnDavidson-hs2wf Жыл бұрын
We have the best pilots proved this in the exercises with other forces of the world.
@unvaxxeddoomerlife6788 Жыл бұрын
Had*
@AA-sk2yi3 жыл бұрын
I miss seeing them , they where awsum some of the best pilots ever
@brokensun1002 жыл бұрын
That was a long time ago. All we have in New Zealand now is 5 C-130H (soon to be replaced with C-130-J), 4 P-5 Orion (soon to be replace with a couple of P-8A Poseidon, 2 B-757, Texan II trainers, NH-90 and A-109 Choppers, and they call that an Air Force, should be turned into a branch of the Army, the Army Air Corps.
@davidtaylor3512 жыл бұрын
Thats 6 P3 Orions to be replaced by 4 P8 Poseidons and drones. And 5 super C130Js which are larger than the current Hercules. Thus their tactical / strategic airlift capacity will be increased. And the B 757s are also to be replaced in due course. Given the Orions and Poseidons, along with their surveillance roles, also have combat capabilities. The RNZAF can still be termed an Airforce. - If only just. And the decision to disband the jet strike wing, was a political decision, not an Airforce one! It hit these guys hard! But at least they soldier on with what they have! And for that, i salute them! Considering their commitment and capabilities. They deserved better from the politicians! But they didn't get it!!
@gmarshall1026 Жыл бұрын
@@davidtaylor351 now that's a airforce
@davidtaylor351 Жыл бұрын
@@gmarshall1026 Ok so what should they do!? Nothing!!?? Just pack it in, not bother and go home!!?? No rational person is pretending todays RNZAF is anything more than it is! However the criticism needs to be directed at the politicians!! Where it belongs!! - Particularly the 2 major Parties!! Initially Labour, but also National! In the last few years NZ hasn't produced Defence minded people!! Let alone leaders!!! It is what it is! They aren't there!! However i will speak up and fight on!! And you never know. Maybe others will!!
@ruahinesrider2 жыл бұрын
Miss hearing that beautiful sound overhead.
@unvaxxeddoomerlife6788 Жыл бұрын
I believe that losing our Skyhawks was the beginning of the end for this country.
@ruahinesrider Жыл бұрын
@@unvaxxeddoomerlife6788 So much for the Lease of F16's off the States.Skyhawks were used to simulate Mig's in Top Gun programs.
@PeteCourtier4 жыл бұрын
Incredible skill required for IFR. Just read about Black Buck. Incredible👍 Thanks for the upload.
@lochiesteedman17794 жыл бұрын
Sick, would like to see more videos like this 👍
@MrLikeke4 жыл бұрын
Johnson wasn't 'super secret'. A few U.S. civilians knew of it even in the late 1960s. I was one of them living in Hawaii. Then again in the lat 1970s I had been hired for work on Johnson under the auspices of the USN. This video is amazing not only the length of legs but refueling at approx. 70 degree banks.
@HistAvFilmUnit4 жыл бұрын
For the RNZAF pilots it probably seemed like it was 'super secret'! LOL.
@VMA2252 жыл бұрын
Skyhawks Forever !!!
@allgood6760 Жыл бұрын
Good plane back in the day! 👍🇳🇿
@HistAvFilmUnit Жыл бұрын
Yes it was!
@SearTrip4 жыл бұрын
Very interesting, thanks.
@HistAvFilmUnit4 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@kiwiheadz66 ай бұрын
i miss them
@jacknickolstine33554 жыл бұрын
Pretty awesome!!
@HistAvFilmUnit4 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@jacknickolstine33554 жыл бұрын
@@HistAvFilmUnit thanks for sharing!!
@LogieT2K3 жыл бұрын
Theres another timeline out there we these guys got the f-16s they deserved 🙃
@HistAvFilmUnit3 жыл бұрын
Would make a good movie!
@Shanetangybits2 жыл бұрын
But involved investigating the maoist in parliament and her dodgey connections.