by Gordon Arthur
Responses to two New Zealand RfIs for both transport and maritime patrol aircraft are due on 30 September.
The Future Air Mobility Capability (FAMC) requirement is seeking a ‘no less than…equivalent’ replacement capability for five Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules and two Boeing 757-200 transport aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).
At the same time, the Future Air Surveillance Capability (FASC) will replace six in-service P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
The separate RfIs are interested in any ‘potential synergies between these two projects that would optimise platform operation, training and through-life logistics support’.
The RNZAF wants strategic and tactical airlift that may combine a mix of up to two different aircraft types. First delivery of the Hercules replacement is required by February 2020, with full operational capability to be achieved no later than 2024.
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