Resurrected RNZAF

[dwomby]

After disbandment of the Air Combat Force in 2001, the RNZAF languished rather until late 2007.  Then joint ANZUS/NATO planning for the increasing North Korean threat re-energized efforts to resurrect the capabilities of the RNZAF.  It was agreed that New Zealand would not provide combat aircaft for the newly formed Joint Rapid Deployment Korean Defence Wing that was to be assembled in times of crisis in South Korea and neighbouring countries.   The aircraft earmarked for that endeavour were to come from the USA, RoKAF, RAAF, JASDF and Canada.   The RAAF F-18 force would be deployed to airfields in the frontline states and the RNZAF, with the Indonesian and Singapore Air Forces, would take on the role of home air defence for Northern and Eastern Australia.

Funding was still an issue, so an urgent search was made for a suitable, available and relatively inexpensive solution.    In late 2008, the remaining  6 A-4K Kahu aircraft that could be restored to airworthiness were reformed as 2 Sqdn RNZAF.  Then in early 2009, 75 Squadron RNZAF reformed on it's newly acquired F-5K Kea. 



This is NZ6301, the first aircraft that was unveiled to the New Zealand public with an Anzac Day flyover of Auckland in early 2009.

12 of these aircraft and 2 F-5Fs were bought from Switzerland and refurbished in New Zealand where they obtained their locally installed In Flight Refueling equipment and small avionics upgrades.

The F-5K Keas have given excellent service for the last 3 years although, thankfully, there has been no need to deploy the Joint Rapid Deployment Korean Defence Wing so far.   The RNZAF is currently looking at a single replacement for both the A-4K and F-5K, with the Gripen being their preference but the F/A-18E being the leading contender, to enter service in 2015.

I chose this scheme as I had a F-5E sharknose that had been lurking unfinished since 2005 and when I came to paint it this year, I found I had no decals for it.  I also have great admiration for the RNZAF and New Zealand in general and so the F-5K Kea was born.   The IFR is a bent paperclip.  My home made decals are a bit low-resolution and did not settle well.  I messed up making the decals and would have had one Kiwi roundel facing in the wrong direction if I had put it on the lower wing where it should be, so I put both the wing roundels on the top!





David

[NARSES2]

Like the low viz 

[Army of One]

Great looking model there......good use of a paper clip....looks very effective...

[CammNut]

Great back story, cool colour scheme, David - and isn't it a relief to have to be faithful only to the limits of one's imagination?

[NARSES2]

- and isn't it a relief to have to be faithful only to the limits of one's imagination?

That's almost a Wiffers mission statement 

[PR19_Kit]

Almost?