This is a list of aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal New Zealand Navy. For active aircraft see List of active New Zealand military aircraft.
Aircraft
A
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aermacchi MB-339 | MB-339CB | 18 | Italy | Two-seat advanced pilot, weapons trainer aircraft | 1991–2001 | Operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and the Black Falcons aerobatic team. | NZ6460 - 6477 |
AESL Airtourer | T.6/24 | 4 | New Zealand | Two-seat elementary pilot trainer, aircraft | 1970–1995 | Operated by the Pilot Training Squadron RNZAF. See also CT4 | NZ1760 - 1763 |
AgustaWestland A109 | A109 LUH | 6 | Italy | Light utility helicopter | Current, operated by No. 3 Squadron. Ordered in 2007 (one used for spares) | NZ3401 - 3406 | |
Aichi E13A "Jake" | E13A1A | 1 | Japan | Captured enemy aircraft | 1945 | Captured in Rabaul in 1945, flown in theatre. | |
Airspeed Consul | 6 | UK | Twin-engine light transport aircraft | 1948–1952 | Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Converted from Oxfords. | NZ1901 - 1906 | |
Airspeed Oxford | Mk I, II | 229 | UK | Multi-engine pilot trainer, crew trainer aircraft | 1938–1952 | Operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | NZ250 - 290, NZ1201 - 1399, NZ2100 - 2157, R6226 |
Avro 504 | 504K, | 12 | UK | Two-seat pilot trainer biplane | 1920–1930 | New purchases in 1925, others were Imperial Gift aircraft, loaned to private companies 1920–1923 or 24. Some lost in accidents while on loan. | E3137, E4153, H1964 - H1966, 201 -206 |
Avro 626 Perfect | 626 | 4 | UK | Three-seat advanced pilot trainer, crew trainer biplane | 1935–1943 | NZ201 - 204 | |
Avro Anson | 652A, Mk I, | 23 | UK | Twin-engine navigation, radio research aircraft. | 1942–1952 | Two Anson Mk XIIs were used by the British High Commission for VIP transport. | NZ401 - 423 |
Avro Anson | XII | 2 | UK | Twin-engine VIP transport aircraft | 1946-1951 | Two Anson XIIs were hired or on loan from the RAF. Used by the British High Commission in New Zealand for VIP transport. | PH599, PH600 |
Avro Lancaster | UK | Four-engine heavy bomber aircraft | 1943–1945 | RAF aircraft operated by 75 (NZ) Squadron. RAF variants were Lancaster Mk I and Mk III. | |||
Avro Lincoln | UK | Four-engine heavy long range bomber aircraft | 1945 | RAF aircraft operated by 75 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Lincoln Mk II. | |||
Auster J/5 Auster T Mk 7C Antarctic |
J/5, T Mk 7C | 7 | UK | Three-seat light utility, army observation, forestry patrol, communications aircraft | 1947–1969 | The Austers were operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF No. 6 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. The Auster T Mk.7c was acquired for use in Antarctic. | NZ1701 - 1707 |
B
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers
R.N.Z.A.F. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BAC Strikemaster | BAC 167, Mk 88 | 16 | UK | Two-seat advanced pilot trainer, light attack aircraft | 1972–1991 | Operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ6361 - 6376 |
Beechcraft 17 | C-17L Staggerwing | 1 | US | Single-engine cabin biplane | 1939–1946 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Used for communications. | NZ573 |
Beechcraft King Air | King Air 200 | 9 | USA | 1998-2018 | Operated by No. 42 Squadron | NZ1881 - 1885, NZ7121 -7124 | |
Beechcraft Super King Air | King Air 350 | 4 | US | Twin-engine multi-engine trainer | 2018 - | Current, operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | NZ2350 - 2353 |
Beechcraft T-6 Texan II | T-6C | 11 | US | Two-seat pilot trainer aircraft | 2014– | Current, operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF, Central Flying School RNZAF and the Black Falcons aerobatic team. | NZ1401 - 1411 |
Bell 47 Sioux | 47G-3B-1, 47G-3B-2 | 13 | US | Army observation, pilot trainer, light utility helicopter | 1965–2010 | Operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF | NZ3701 - 3713 |
Bell Iroquois | UH-1D, UH-1H | 16 | US | Utility transport helicopter | 1966–2015 | Operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF. The UH-1 Iroquois were used for casualty evacuation, search and rescue, supply and troop transport. Plus an unknown number of aircraft leased for UN work in the Sinai. One UH-1H was donated for display at the Wigram museum, and never saw service. The UH-1Ds were converted to UH-1H standard. | NZ3801 - 3816 |
Bell Iroquois | UH-1H | 2 | US | Utility transport helicopter | 1982-1986 | Two helicopters were leased from the US Army in 1982. Used by the United Nations, Multinational Force and Observers peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula. | 66-0809, 66-16450 |
Blackburn Baffin | 29 | UK | Two-seat general reconnaissance biplane | 1937–1942 | Designed as a torpedo bomber, but the torpedo gear was not fitted. The Baffins were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 2 Squadron RNZAF and No. 3 Squadron RNZAF | NZ150 - 178 | |
Bleriot XI-2 | 1 | France | Two-seat general purpose aircraft | 1913–1914 | New Zealand's first military aircraft. A replica is on display in the Air Force Museum, Wigram, Christchurch. | "Britannia" | |
Boeing 727 | 727-22QC | 3 | US | Three-engine long range transport aircraft. | 1981–2003 | Operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. NZ7271 & NZ7272 entered service, while NZ7273 was used as an attrition airframe. | NZ7271 - 7273 |
Boeing 757 | 757-200 | 2 | US | Transport aircraft | 2003– | Current, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF | NZ7571 - 7572 |
Brewster Buffalo | Buffalo Mk I | 23 | US | Single-seat fighter aircraft | 1941–1942 | Operated by 488 (NZ) Squadron in the defence of Singapore. 23 aircraft hired or on loan from the RAF. | |
Bristol Beaufighter | UK | Twin engine night fighter, torpedo fighter aircraft | 1942–1945 | RAF aircraft were operated by 488 (NZ) and 489 (NZ) Squadrons. The RAF Variants were the Beaufighter Mk IIF, MK VIF and TF Mk X | |||
Bristol Beaufort | UK | Twin engine torpedo bomber, reconnaissance aircraft | 1941–1942 | RAF aircraft were operated by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Beaufort Mk I | |||
Bristol Blenheim | UK | Twin-engine long range fighter aircraft | 1942 | RAF aircraft were operated by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Blenheim Mk IVF. | |||
Bristol F2B Fighter | F2B fighter | 7 | UK | Two-seat general-purpose biplane | 1919–1938 | Imperial Gift aircraft. Operated as army co-operation, advanced trainers and aerial survey aircraft. | H1557 - H1558, H6856 - H6857, H7120 - H7122 |
Bristol Freighter | Mk 31(NZ)M | 12 | UK | Twin-engine medium-range tactical transport aircraft | 1951–1977 | The Bristol Freighters were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF | NZ5901 - 5912 |
British Aircraft Swallow | Swallow II | 1 | UK | Two-seat light aircraft | 1939–1940 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. See Mount Cook Airline | NZ583 |
C
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Srerial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CAC Boomerang | Australia | Loaned by RAAF during World War II | |||||
CAC Wirraway | Australia | Loaned by RAAF during World War II | |||||
Cessna 421C Golden Eagle | 421C | 3 | US | Twin-engine light passenger, VIP transport aircraft | 1981–1990 | Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ7940 - 7942 |
Consolidated Catalina | PBY-5, PB2B-1 | 56 | US | Twin-engine maritime reconnaissance, air sea rescue flying boat | 1943–1953 | Used for long-range anti-submarine and maritime reconnaissance patrols. The Catalinas were operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF and No. 6 Squadron RNZAF in New Zealand and the South Pacific. RAF aircraft were operated by 490 (NZ) Squadron from 1943 to 1944. The RAF variant was the Catalina Mk IB. | NZ4001 - 4056 |
Curtiss Kittyhawk, Warhawk | P-40E, P-40K, P-40L, P-40M, P-40N | 301 | US | Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft | 1942–1946 | The Kittyhawk and Warhawks were operated by Nos 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific. Total includes four lost on delivery. | NZ3001 - 3293 |
D
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
de Havilland DH.4 | 2 | UK | Two-seat advanced pilot trainer biplane | 1919–1929 | Imperial Gift aircraft. | A7893, A7929 | |
de Havilland DH.9 | 3 | UK | Two-seat advanced pilot trainer biplane | 1923–1929 | Imperial Gift aircraft. On loan to private companies 1921–23 | D3136, D3139, H5636 | |
de Havilland DH.50A | DH.50A | 1 | UK | Five-seat aerial survey, communications, transport biplane | 1927–1930 | Five-seat communications aircraft | 135 |
de Havilland Moth | DH.60G, DH.60M | 28 | UK | Two elementary pilot trainer, utility biplane. | 1929–1943 | 870 - 873, 995, 1560, 1567, NZ501 - 522 | |
de Havilland Puss Moth | DH.80A | 4 | UK | Three-seat aerial survey, utility aircraft | 1931–1936, 1939–1946 | 2125, NZ567, NZ582, NZ590, NZ593 - 594 | |
de Havilland Tiger Moth | DH.82A, Mk II | 335 | UK NZ |
Two-seat elementary pilot trainer biplane | 1939–1956 | The Tiger Moths were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 2 Squadron RNZAF, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ650 - 689, NZ701 - 724, NZ730 - 749, NZ751 - 900, NZ1401 - 1500 |
de Havilland Fox Moth | DH.83 | 1 | UK | Four-seat cabin biplane. | 1943–1948 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1943. Impressed from Air Travel (NZ) Ltd in 1943, used for communications. | NZ566 |
de Havilland Dragon | DH.84 Dragon II | 2 | UK | Twin-engine radio and navigation trainer, transport biplane | 1939–1943 | Two civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Impressed from Union Airways of New Zealand in 1939. | NZ550 - 551 |
de Havilland Express Airliner | DH.86 | 3 | UK | Four-engine navigation trainer, reconnaissance, transport biplane | 1939–1943, 1945–1946 | Three civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service. The aircraft were operated by No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Impressed from Union Airways of New Zealand in 1939. | NZ552 - 554 |
De Havilland Dragon Rapide | DH.89, DH.89A Dragon Rapide, DH.89B Dominie II | 14 | UK | Twin-engine navigation trainer, reconnaissance, transport biplane | 1939–1953 | Also known as the Dominie. The aircraft were operated by No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | NZ523 - 531, NZ555 - 559 |
de Havilland Moth Minor | DH.94 | 5 | UK | Two-seat trainer, communications aircraft | 1940–1946 | Five civilian aircraft were Impressed into RNZAF service in 1940. | NZ591 - 592, NZ595 - 597 |
de Havilland Mosquito | FB 6, FB 40, T 3, T 43 | 89 | UK | Two-seat twin-engine fighter bomber aircraft. | 1943–1955 | Four lost during delivery. The Mosquitos were operated by Nos 14, 75, 487, 488 and 489 (NZ) Squadrons. RAF variants were the Mosquito FB Mk VI fighter bomber, NF Mk XII, NF Mk XIII, NF Mk 30 night fighters and T Mk III trainers. | NZ2301 - 2308, NZ2320 - 2396 |
de Havilland Vampire | FB 5, FB 52, T 11, T 55 | 63 | UK | Single-seat fighter bomber aircraft. Two-seat advanced pilot trainer, instrument continuation trainer aircraft. |
1951–1972 | The RNZAF's first operational jet aircraft. The Vampires were operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ5701 - 5711, NZ5721 - 5738, NZ570 - 5778, INST166, 167, 170, 171, WZ516 |
de Havilland Vampire | FB 9, T 11 | UK | Single-seat fighter-bomber aircraft. Two-seat continuation trainer aircraft. |
1952 - 1958 | Hired or on loaned from the RAF. The aircraft were operated by No. 14 Squadron in Cyprus, and later in Singapore. | ||
de Havilland Devon / Dove | DH.104 | 30 | UK | Twin-engine light transport, pilot, navigation and radio trainer aircraft | 1948–1981 | Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | NZ1801 - 1830 |
de Havilland Venom | FB 1 | 48 | UK | Single-seat fighter bomber aircraft | 1955–1958 | The aircraft were hired or on loan from the RAF. The Venoms were operated by No. 14 Squadron in Singapore, they saw action during the Malayan Emergency. | |
de Havilland Beaver | DHC-2 | 1 | Canada | Single engine light transport aircraft | 1956–1960 | Acquired for use in Antarctic. | NZ6010 |
de Havilland Canada Otter | DHC-3 | 1 | Canada | Single-engine light transport aircraft | 1960–1963 | Acquired for use in Antarctic | NZ6081 |
Douglas DC-6 | DC-6 | 3 | US | Four-engine long range transport aircraft | 1961–1968 | Three ex-TEAL aircraft, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ3631 - 3633 |
Douglas Boston | US | ?1942–?1943 | RAF aircraft loaned to 487 (NZ) Squadron | ||||
Douglas Dakota | C-47, C-47A, C-47B | 49 | US | Twin engine medium range transport, VIP transport, target tug aircraft | 1943–1977 | The Dakotas were operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF, No. 41 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Used as a transport, target tug, paratroop and VIP transport aircraft. | NZ3501 - 3506, NZ3516 - 3558 |
Douglas Dauntless | SBD-3, SBD-4, SBD-5 | 69 | US | Two-seat dive bomber aircraft | 1943–1944 | Operated by No. 25 Squadron RNZAF in the South Pacific. Total includes one lost on delivery. | NZNZ5001 - 5068 |
E
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
English Electric Canberra | B(I).12, T.13 | 13 | UK | Twin-engine strike bomber aircraft Twin-engine type conversion trainer aircraft |
1959–1970 | The Canberras were operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ6101 - 6111, NZ6151 - 6152 |
English Electric Canberra | B.2, T.4 | 15 | UK | Twin-engine medium-bomber aircraft Twin-engine type conversion trainer aircraft |
1958-1962 | Hired or on loan from the RAF. Operated by No. 75 Squadron in Singapore. | WD963, WJ859, WJ864, |
F
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fairey III | IIIF, Mk IIIM, Mk IIIB | 3 | UK | Two or three-seat bomber, general purpose biplane Naval co-operation floatplane |
1929–1939 | F1133 - 1134, S1805 | |
Fairey Battle | Mk I | 1 | UK | Ground-based instructional airframe | 1941–? | Ex-RAF | K9177 |
Fairey Firefly | Mk I | 1 | UK | Ground-based instructional airframe | Ex-Royal Navy | ||
Fairey Gordon | Mk I, Mk II | 41 | UK | Two-seat bomber, advanced pilot trainer, target tug biplane | 1939–1943 | NZ601 - 641 | |
Fokker Friendship | F27-120 | 3 | Netherlands | Twin-engine navigation, radio and electronic trainer, maritime reconnaissance aircraft. | 1980–1992 | Three ex-Air New Zealand aircraft. Operated by the Navigation and Air Electronics Training Squadron RNZAF. See Air New Zealand fleet | NZ2781 - 2783 |
Foster Wikner Wicko | GM.1 | 1 | UK | Two-seat light cabin aircraft. | 1939–1942 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ580 |
G
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
General Aircraft Monospar ST-25 Jubilee | ST-25 | 1 | UK | Twin-engine light cabin aircraft | 1939–1941 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Used for communications. | NZ584 |
Gloster Grebe | 3 | UK | Single-seat fighter biplane Two-seat advanced trainer biplane |
1928–1938 | Later used as instructional airframes broken up 1943–44 | NZ501 - 503 | |
Gloster Meteor | F.III | 1 | UK | Single-seat jet fighter aircraft. | 1945–1950 | The Meteor F.III was presented to the RNZAF by the RAF in 1945. | NZ6001 |
Gloster Meteor T.Mk 7 | T.7 | 2 | UK | Two-seat instrument continuation trainer aircraft | 1952-1955 | Two T.7 aircraft were hired from the RAF. They were operated No. 14 Squadron RNZAF in Cyprus. | WH206, WL400 |
Grumman Avenger | TBF-1, TBF-1C | 48 | US | Two-seat light bomber, target tug, topdressing aircraft | 1943–1959 | The Avengers were operated by No 30, 31, 41, 42 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific. Used for top dressing trials in 1948. | NZ2501 - 2548 |
H
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Handley Page Hampden | UK | Twin-engine medium bomber aircraft | 1942–1943 | RAF aircraft used by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Hampden Mk I. | |||
Handley Page Hastings | C.3 | 4 | UK | Four-engine long range transport aircraft | 1952–1965 | The RNZAF's first long-range aircraft, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF | NZ5801 - 5804 |
Hawker Siddeley Andover | C.1 | 10 | UK | Twin-engine medium-range tactical transport, VIP transport aircraft | 1976–1998 | Ten ex-RAF aircraft. Operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, later No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | NZ7620 -27629 |
Hawker Hind | Hind, Hind Trainer | 63 | UK | Two-seat army co-operation, advanced pilot trainer biplane | 1940–1943 | Only 63 actually received, 15 lost at sea due to enemy action in 1940. Operated by No. 22 Squadron RNZAF | NZ1501 - 1563 |
Hawker Hurricane | Mk IIB | 9 | UK | Single-seat fighter aircraft | 1942 | Additional aircraft were operated by 486 and 488 Squadrons; Apparently 75 Squadron also received at least one Hurricane as a hack – a pilot was posted as missing presumed killed while flying it. The RAF variants were the Hurricane Mk I, Mk IIA and Mk IIB. Nine aircraft were hired or on loan from the RAF. | |
Hawker Tempest | Mk V | UK | Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft | 1944–1945 | RAF aircraft were operated by 486 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Tempest Mk V. | ||
Hawker Tomtit | 4 | UK | Two-seat elementary, intermediate pilot trainer biplane | 1931–1939 | 50 - 53 | ||
Hawker Typhoon | UK | Single-seat fighter bomber, ground attack aircraft | 1942–1944 | RAF aircraft were operated by 486 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Typhoon Mk IB. |
K
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kaman Seasprite | SH-2F, SH-2G(NZ), SH-2G(I) | 25 | US | Anti-submarine naval helicopter | Current, operated by No. 6 Squadron RNZAF. 4 SH-2F, 5 SH-2G(NZ), 10 SH-2G(I) & 6 SH-2F purchased for use as instructional airframes only | NZ3441 - 3444, NZ3601 - 3605, NZ3611 - 3620, 0231G - 0236G |
L
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lockheed Hercules | C-130H, C-130H(NZ) | 5 | US | Four engine medium/long-range, tactical transport aircraft | 1965-- | Current, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF | NZ7001 - 7005 |
Lockheed Hudson | Mk III, Mk IIIA, Mk V, Mk VI | 94 | US | Twin-engine general reconnaissance bomber, trainer, target tug aircraft. | 1941–1948 | The Hudsons were operated by Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 40, 41 and 42 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific. | NZ2001 - 2094 |
Lockheed Lodestar | C-60A | 9 | US | Twin-engine medium-range transport aircraft. | 1943–1949 | The Lodestars were operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF | NZ3507 - 3515 |
Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon | PV-2 | 4 | US | Twin-engine general reconnaissance bomber aircraft. | 1945 | See also Ventura | NZ4701 - 7004 |
Lockheed Orion | P-3B, P-3K, P-3K2 | 6 | US | Four-engine maritime reconnaissance aircraft. | 1966– | Current, operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF, soon to be replaced by P-8 Poseidons | NZ4201 - 4206 |
Lockheed Ventura | PV-1 Ventura, B-34 Lexington | 139 | US | Twin-engine general reconnaissance bomber aircraft. | 1943–1946 | The Aircraft were operated by Nos. 1 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 Squadrons in New Zealand and South Pacific. RAF aircraft were operated by 487 (NZ) Squadron from 1942 to 1943. RAF variants were the Ventura Mk I and II. See also Harpoon. | NZ4501 - 4639 |
M
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
McDonnell Douglas Skyhawk | A-4G, TA-4G, A-4K, TA-4K | 24 | US | Single-seat jet fighter, ground attack, maritime strike aircraft. Two-seat conversion trainer aircraft. |
1970–2001 | The Skyhawks were operated by No. 2 Squadron RNZAF No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF. See Project Kahu | NZ6201 - 6218, NZ6251 - 6256 |
Messerschmitt Bf 109 | E4 | 1 | Nazi Germany | Captured enemy fighter aircraft | 1940–1944 | Captured in Europe, shipped from the United Kingdom to New Zealand, used for fund raising purposes, display and technical training. | INST111 |
Miles Aerovan | 2 | UK | Twin-engine topdressing, magnetic survey aircraft. | 1949–1950 | Used for topdressing trails. | NZ1751 - 1752 | |
Miles Hawk | M.2F, M.2H, M.2P Hawk Major | 4 | UK | Two-seat light aircraft | 1939–1943 | Four civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Used for Training and communications. | NZ578, NZ587 - 589, |
Miles Magister, Hawk Trainer | M.14A | 2 | UK | Two-seat elementary trainer aircraft | 1939–1946 | Two civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ585 - 586 |
Miles Whitney Straight | M.11A | 3 | UK | Two-seat light cabin aircraft | 1939–1946 | Three civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ576 - 577, NZ579 |
Mitsubishi Ki-46 "Dinah" | Ki-46-II | 1 | Japan | Captured enemy aircraft | 1945 | Captured in Rabaul in 1945. | |
Mitsubishi Zero | A6M3, A6M5 "Zeke" | 3 | Japan | Captured enemy fighter aircraft. | 1945 | One was captured in Bougainville Island in 1945. Flown by RNZAF pilots, shipped back to New Zealand. The aircraft is on display at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. | NZ6000, INST113 |
Mitsubishi MU-2 | Ground-based instructional airframe. | 4 | Japan | 2009– | Used as an instructional airframes | 0222G - 0225G |
N
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NHIndustries NH90 | 8 | France | Medium utility transport helicopter | 2012– | Current, operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF. Deliveries started 2012 | NZ3301 - 3309 | |
Nakajima B5N2 "Kate" | B5N2 | 1 | Japan | Captured enemy aircraft | 1945 | Captured in Rabaul, flown in theatre in 1945. | |
North American Harvard | Mk II, IIA, IIB, III | 202 | US | Two-seat advanced pilot trainer aircraft | 1941–1977 | Later used as an elementary training aircraft. The aircraft were operated by Nos 1 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 42 Squadrons, and the Red Checkers aerobatic team. | NZ901 - 1102 |
North American Harvard | 2 | USA | Two-seat advanced trainer aircraft | 1946 - 1948 | Hired or on loan from the RAF. Two aircraft were operated by No. 14 Squadron in Japan between 1946 - 1948. | KF 113 | |
North American Mustang | P-51D (Mustang Mk III) | 30 | USA | Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft. | 1945–1951, 1951–1957 | In storage from 1945 to 1951. The Mustangs were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 2 Squadron RNZAF, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. | NZ2401 - 2430 |
P
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PAC CT/4 | CT/4B, CT/4E | 32 | New Zealand | Two-seat basic pilot trainer, aerobatic aircraft | 1976–2014 | Bought by the RNZAF as a replacement for the North American Harvard. Operated by the Central Flying School RNZAF, Pilot Training Squadron RNZAF and the Red Checkers aerobatic team. | NZ1930 - NZ1948, NZ1985 - 1997 |
Percival Gull Four | Gull Four | 1 | UK | Utility aircraft | 1939–1940 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ572 |
Percival Vega Gull | P.10 Vega Gull | 1 | UK | Three-seat light cabin aircraft | 1939–1946 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ571 |
Porterfield 35W | Model 35W | 1 | US | Two-seat light cabin aircraft | 1939–1946 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ581/NZ598 |
R
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial number |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rearwin 9000 Sportster | 9000L KR Sportster, | 4 | US | Two-seat light cabin aircraft | 1940, 1942–1946 | Four civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service. | NZ565, 568, 569, 599 |
Robinson Redwing | II | 1 | UK | Ground-based instructional airframe | 1941-1946 | INST 112 |
S
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saro Cutty Sark | A-17M | 1 | UK | Twin-engine utility transport, trainer, communications flying boat. | 1930–1936 | L3 | |
Short Singapore | Mk III | 4 | UK | Four-engine maritime reconnaissance flying boat | 1941–1943 | Operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF | K6912, K6916 - 6918 |
Short Stirling | UK | Four-engine heavy bomber aircraft | 1942–1943 | RAF aircraft were operated by 75 (NZ) Squadron. RAF variants were the Stirling Mk I, Mk II and Mk III. | |||
Short Sunderland | Mk.3, MR.5 | 20 | UK | Four-engine long-range transport Flying boat Four-engined maritime reconnaissance flying boat |
1944–1967 | The Sunderlands were operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF, No. 6 Squadron RNZAF and 490 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Sunderland Mk III. | NZ4101 - 4120 |
Supermarine Seafire | Mk XV | 1 | UK | Ground-based instructional airframe. | 1946–1952 | Ex-804 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm. | No serial number. |
Supermarine Spitfire | UK | Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft. | 1941–1945 | RAF aircraft were operated by 485 (NZ) Squadron. RAF variants were the Spitfire Mk IA, Mk IIA, Mk VB, Mk VC, Mk IX, LF Mk IX, LF Mk IXC, LF Mk XVI and LF XVIE. | |||
Supermarine Walrus | Mk I | 11 | UK | Three-seat reconnaissance spotter amphibian aircraft Single-engine reconnaissance, pilot trainer amphibian aircraft |
1936–1947 | Nine other aircraft were serving onboard the ships of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. The aircraft were embarked on board the light cruisers HMNZS Achilles HMS Gambia and HMNZS Leander. All RN loan aircraft were either lost on service or returned to RN, RCAF, or RAAF. | NZ151 - 160, K8558 |
V
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vickers Vildebeest | Mk II, Mk III, Mk IV | 39 | UK | Three-seat general reconnaissance, advanced pilot trainer, target tug biplane. | 1935–1944 | The Aircraft were operated by Nos 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 Squadrons. Also see Vickers Vincent | NZ101 - 139 |
Vickers Vincent | 62 | UK | Three-seat general purpose, bomber, general reconnaissance, advanced pilot trainer, target tug biplane. | 1939–1944 | The aircraft were operated by Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 42 Squadrons. See also Vildebeest | NZ300 - 361 | |
Vickers Wellington | Mk I | 30 | UK | Twin-engine medium bomber aircraft | 1939–1942 | Only 18 were taken on charge before all 30 aircraft and their crews were loaned to the RAF in August 1939, additional RAF aircraft were operated by 75 (NZ) Squadron. RAF variants were the Wellington Mk I, MK IA, Mk IC and B Mk III. | NZ300 - 329 |
Vought Corsair | F4U-1, F4U-1D, FG-1D | 424 | US | Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft | 1944–1948 | The Corsair was operated by Nos 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific. | NZ5201 - 5487, NZ5501 - 5577, NZ5601 - 5660 |
W
Model | Variants | Number | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes | Serial numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Waco QDC | Model QDC | 1 | US | Single-engine light cabin biplane | 1940–1941 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1940. Impressed from Mount Cook Airline in 1940. | NZ570 |
Waco UIC | Model UIC | 1 | US | Single-engine light cabin biplane | 1939–1946 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. | NZ574 |
Waco UOC | Model UOC | 1 | US | Single-engine light cabin biplane | 1939–1946 | One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. An additional 2 Waco cabin biplanes with RAF serials were privately purchased by servicemen of the New Zealand Army in the Long Range Desert Group (a special forces type organization) for use behind enemy lines by that organization during the North African campaign, and flown with logo of a white kiwi on black background). | NZ575 |
Westland Wasp | Wasp HAS 1 | 18 | UK | Naval anti-submarine, utility helicopter | 1966–1998 | Operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF in support of the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Wasps were embarked on board the frigates HMNZS Canterbury, HMNZS Southland, HMNZS Waikato, HMNZS Wellington, and the survey ship HMNZS Monowai. Eight original ordered and an additional 10 former Royal Navy helicopters were acquired in 1989 for spares, one was later rebuilt to flying condition, others were never flown. | NZ3901 - 3909 |
Guided missiles of the RNZAF, RNZN and New Zealand Army
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AIM-9 Sidewinder | AIM-9H AIM-9L |
United States | Short-range infra-red homing air-to-air missile | 1970–2001 | Obsolete, no longer in service with the RNZAF. Carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk aircraft. |
AGM-65 Maverick | AGM-65B AGM-65G AGM-65NZ |
United States | Air-to-surface missile Air-to-surface anti-ship missile |
1986– | Obsolete, on longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, or the Royal New Zealand Navy. Carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk aircraft, SH-2F Seasprite and SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters. |
AGM-119B Penguin Missile | AGM-119 Penguin Mk 2 Mod 7 | Norway | Air-to-surface anti-ship missile | 2013–Current | Operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Royal New Zealand Navy. Carried by the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite. |
GBU-16 Paveway II | United States | Air-to-surface laser guided bomb | Obsolete, on longer operated by the RNZAF. Carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk |
New Zealand Army
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FGM-148 Javelin | United States | Light weight infantry anti-tank missile | 1997–current | ||
Mistral | France | Short-range man-portable surface-to-air missile | 1997–current |
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sea Ceptor | Italy and the United Kingdom | Surface-to-air missile | 2018–current | Part of the armament of the Anzac-class frigates. | |
Ikara | GWS-40 Ikara | Australia | Surface-to-surface anti-submarine missile | 1983–1989 | Obsolete missile, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Ikara was fitted to HMNZS Southland. One of the Leander-class frigates. |
Sea Cat | Seacat GWS-22 | United Kingdom | Short-range surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile | 1960-1990s | Obsolete missile, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Seacats were fitted to the Leander-class frigates, and the modified Rothesay-class frigates. |
Sea Sparrow | RIM-7P Sea Sparrow | United States | Maritime surface-to-air missile | 1997–2018 | Fitted to the Anzac-class frigates. However, soon to be upgraded to Sea Ceptor. |
Homing Torpedoes of the Royal New Zealand Air Force
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark 44 torpedo | United States | Air-launched anti-submarine homing torpedo | 1966– | Obsolete, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Carried by the P-3K Orion, SH-2F Seasprite and Wasp HAS 1 | |
Mark 46 torpedo | United States | Air-launched anti-submarine homing torpedo | 1972–Current | Carried by the P-3K2 Orion and SH-2G Super Seasprite |
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark 20 Bidder 21-inch torpedo | Mark 20(E) Bidder | United Kingdom | Anti-submarine torpedo | Part of the armament of the Rothesay-class frigates | |
Mark 44 torpedo | United States | Air-launched anti-submarine torpedo | 1983–1989 | Obsolete, on longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Mark 44 torpedo was carried by the Ikara anti-submarine missile. | |
Mark 46 torpedo | United States | Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo | Current | Currently in service on board the Anzac-class frigates. The Mark 46 torpedo was part of the armament of the Leander-class frigate. |
Unmanned aerial vehicles
New Zealand Army
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
KAHU-HAWK | New Zealand | ||||
AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven | United States | Loaned by the US for use in Afghanistan |
Unguided Rocket Weapons
New Zealand Army
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bazooka | M20 Mk II Super Bazooka | United States | 3.5-inch (90-mm) recoilless anti-tank rocket launcher | 1954- | Obsolete, on longer in service with the New Zealand Army. |
M72 LAW | United States | 66-mm (2.6-inch) anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher | 1970- |
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Model | Variants | Origin | Role | Service period | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CRV7 | Canada | 70-mm (2.75-inch) air-to-surface rocket | Carried by the MB-339, A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk | ||
70-mm (2.75-in) Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket | United States | 70-mm (2.75-inch) air-to-surface rocket | Carried by the A-4G, A-4K Skyhawk | ||
Zuni | United States | 127-mm (5.0-inch) air-to-surface rocket | Carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk |
List of Weapons of the Royal New Zealand Air Force
Free-Fall Bombs
- 500-lb (227-kg) Mark 82 bomb – Carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk
- 1000-lb (454-kg) Mark 83 bomb – Carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk, P-3K Orion
Machine Guns
- 7.62-mm FN MAG-58 machine-gun – Current
- 7.62-mm M60 machine-gun – Fitted to the UH-1H Iroquois, SH-2F Seasprite and SH-2G Super Seasprite
References
- Aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. By David Duxbury, Ross Ewing and Ross MacPherson, published by Heinemann Publishers (NZ), Auckland 1987, ISBN 0 86863 412 3.
- The Oxford Companion To New Zealand Military History. Edited by Ian McGibbon, published by Oxford University Press (NZ), Auckland 2000, ISBN 0 19 558 376 0.