List of aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal New Zealand Navy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a list of aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal New Zealand Navy.

Aircraft[edit]

Name Variants Number Origin Role Introduced Retired 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
AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma 1  United States Unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle
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  Empire of Japan Captured enemy aircraft 1945 1945 Captured in Rabaul in 1945, flown in theatre.
Airspeed Consul 6  United Kingdom Twin-engine light transport aircraft 1948 1952 Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Converted from Oxfords. NZ1901 - 1906
Airspeed Oxford Mk I, II 229  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom Three-seat advanced pilot trainer, crew trainer biplane 1935 1943 NZ201 - 204
Avro Anson 652A, Mk I, Mk XII 25  United Kingdom Twin-engine navigation, radio research, VIP transport aircraft 1942 1952 Two Anson Mk XIIs were used by the British High Commission for VIP transport.

Two Anson XIIs were hired or on loan from the RAF. Used by the British High Commission in New Zealand for VIP transport.

NZ401 - 423

PH599, PH600

Avro Lancaster Mk I, Mk III  United Kingdom Four-engine heavy bomber aircraft 1943 1945 RAF aircraft operated by No. 75 Squadron RAF. RAF variants were Lancaster Mk I and Mk III.
Avro Lincoln Mk II  United Kingdom Four-engine heavy long range bomber aircraft 1945 1945 RAF aircraft operated by No. 75 Squadron RAF. RAF variant was the Lincoln Mk II.
Auster J/5, Auster T Mk 7C Antarctic J/5, T Mk 7C 7  United Kingdom 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 the Antarctic. NZ1701 - 1707
BAC Strikemaster BAC 167, Mk 88 16  United Kingdom Two-seat advanced pilot trainer, light attack aircraft 1972 1991 Operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF. NZ6361 - 6376
Beechcraft 17 C-17L Staggerwing 1  United States 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  United States 1998 2018 Operated by No. 42 Squadron NZ1881 - 1885, NZ7121 - 7124
Beechcraft Super King Air King Air 350 4  United States Twin-engine multi-engine trainer 2018 Current, operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF NZ2350 - 2353
Beechcraft T-6 Texan II T-6C 11  United States 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 H-13 Sioux 47G-3B-1, 47G-3B-2 13  United States Army observation, pilot trainer, light utility helicopter 1965 2010 Operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF NZ3701 - 3713
Bell UH-1 Iroquois UH-1D, UH-1H 18  United States 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.

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.

NZ3801 - 3816

66–0809, 66-16450

Blackburn Baffin 29  United Kingdom 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  United States 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  United States Transport aircraft 2003 Current, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF NZ7571 - 7572
Boeing P-8 Poseidon P-8A 4  United States Two-engine maritime reconnaissance aircraft. To be delivered starting in late 2022, replacing the Lockheed P-3 Orion.[1] NZ4801 - 4804
Brewster Buffalo Buffalo Mk I 23  United States 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  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom Twin-engine long range fighter aircraft 1942 1942 RAF aircraft were operated by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Blenheim Mk IVF.
Bristol F2B Fighter F2B fighter 7  United Kingdom 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 Type 170 Freighter Mk 31(NZ)M 12  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom Two-seat light aircraft 1939 1940 One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. See Mount Cook Airline NZ583
Cessna 421C Golden Eagle 421C 3  United States Twin-engine light passenger, VIP transport aircraft 1981 1990 Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. NZ7940 - 7942
Consolidated PBY Catalina PBY-5, PB2B-1 56  United States 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. See Consolidated PBY Catalina in New Zealand service NZ4001 - 4056
Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk P-40E, P-40K, P-40L, P-40M, P-40N 301  United States 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
de Havilland DH.4 2  United Kingdom Two-seat advanced pilot trainer biplane 1919 1929 Imperial Gift aircraft. A7893, A7929
de Havilland DH.9 3  United Kingdom Two-seat advanced pilot trainer biplane 1923 1929 Imperial Gift aircraft. On loan to private companies 1921–23 D3136, D3139, H5636
de Havilland DH.50 DH.50A 1  United Kingdom Five-seat aerial survey, communications, transport biplane 1927 1930 Five-seat communications aircraft 135
de Havilland DH.60 Moth DH.60G, DH.60M 28  United Kingdom Two elementary pilot trainer, utility biplane. 1929 1943 870 - 873, 995, 1560, 1567, NZ501 - 522
de Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth DH.80A 4  United Kingdom Three-seat aerial survey, utility aircraft 1931 1936 2125, NZ567, NZ582, NZ590, NZ593 - 594
1939 1946
de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth DH.82A, Mk II 335  United Kingdom /  New Zealand 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 DH.83 Fox Moth DH.83 1  United Kingdom 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 DH.84 Dragon DH.84 Dragon II 2  United Kingdom 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 DH.86 Express DH.86 3  United Kingdom Four-engine navigation trainer, reconnaissance, transport biplane 1939 1943 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
1945 1946
de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide DH.89, DH.89A Dragon Rapide, DH.89B Dominie II 14  United Kingdom 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 DH.94 Moth Minor DH.94 5  United Kingdom Two-seat trainer, communications aircraft 1940 1946 Five civilian aircraft were Impressed into RNZAF service in 1940. NZ591 - 592, NZ595 - 597
de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito FB 6, FB 40, T 3, T 43 89  United Kingdom 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 DH.104 Devon / Dove DH.104 30  United Kingdom Twin-engine light transport, pilot, navigation and radio trainer aircraft 1948 1981 Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF NZ1801 - 1830
de Havilland DH.110/DH.115 Vampire FB 5, FB 52, T 11, T 55 63  United Kingdom 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
FB 9, T 11 Single-seat fighter-bomber aircraft.
Two-seat continuation trainer aircraft.
1952 1958
de Havilland DH. 112 Venom FB 1 48  United Kingdom 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 Canada DHC-2 Beaver DHC-2 1  Canada Single engine light transport aircraft 1956 1960 Acquired for use in Antarctic. NZ6010
de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter DHC-3 1  Canada Single-engine light transport aircraft 1960 1963 Acquired for use in Antarctic. NZ6081
DJI Mavic Pro 26  China Training and experimentation unmanned aerial vehicle
DJI Phantom 4 1  China Training and experimentation unmanned aerial vehicle
Douglas DC-6 DC-6 3  United States Four-engine long range transport aircraft 1961 1968 Three ex-TEAL aircraft, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. NZ3631 - 3633
Douglas A-20 Boston  United States 1942 1943 RAF aircraft loaned to 487 (NZ) Squadron.
Douglas C-47 Dakota C-47, C-47A, C-47B 49  United States 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 SBD Dauntless SBD-3, SBD-4, SBD-5 69  United States Two-seat dive bomber aircraft 1943 1944 Operated by No. 25 Squadron RNZAF in the South Pacific. Total includes one lost on delivery. NZ5001 - 5068
English Electric Canberra B(I).12, T.13 13  United Kingdom 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
B.2, T.4 15 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,
Fairey III IIIF, Mk IIIM, Mk IIIB 3  United Kingdom Two or three-seat bomber, general purpose biplane
Naval co-operation floatplane
1929 1939 F1133 - 1134, S1805
Fairey Battle Mk I 1  United Kingdom Ground-based instructional airframe 1941 Ex-RAF K9177
Fairey Firefly Mk I 1  United Kingdom Ground-based instructional airframe Ex-Royal Navy
Fairey Gordon Mk I, Mk II 41  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom Two-seat light cabin aircraft. 1939 1942 One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. NZ580
General Aircraft Monospar ST-25 Jubilee ST-25 1  United Kingdom Twin-engine light cabin aircraft 1939 1941 One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Used for communications. NZ584
Gloster Grebe 3  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom Single-seat jet fighter aircraft. 1945 1950 The Meteor F.III was presented to the RNZAF by the RAF in 1945. NZ6001
T.7 2 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 TBM Avenger TBF-1, TBF-1C 48  United States 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
Handley Page HP.52 Hampden  United Kingdom Twin-engine medium bomber aircraft 1942 1943 RAF aircraft used by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Hampden Mk I.
Handley Page HP.67 Hastings C.3 4  United Kingdom 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 HS 780 Andover C.1 10  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom Single-seat fighter aircraft 1942 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  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom Two-seat elementary, intermediate pilot trainer biplane 1931 1939 50 - 53
Hawker Typhoon  United Kingdom 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.
Kaman SH-2 Seasprite SH-2F 15  United States Anti-submarine naval helicopter 1997 2016 4 SH-2F, 5 SH-2G(NZ) formerly operated by No. 6 Squadron RNZAF, 6 SH-2F purchased for use as instructional airframes only NZ3441 - 3444, NZ3601 - 3605, 0231G - 0236G
Kaman SH-2 Super Seasprite SH-2G(I) 10  United States Anti-submarine naval helicopter 2015 Current, operated by No. 6 Squadron RNZAF. NZ3611 - 3620
Lockheed C-130 Hercules C-130H, C-130H(NZ) 5  United States 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  United States 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 C-60 Lodestar C-60A 9  United States 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  United States 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 P-3 Orion P-3B, P-3K, P-3K2 6  United States Four-engine maritime reconnaissance aircraft. 1966 2023 Flown by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF. Replaced by P-8 Poseidons NZ4201 - 4206
Lockheed Ventura PV-1 Ventura, B-34 Lexington 139  United States 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
McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk A-4G, TA-4G, A-4K, TA-4K 24  United States 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 M.2 Hawk M.2F, M.2H, M.2P Hawk Major 4  United Kingdom 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 M.11 Whitney Straight M.11A 3  United Kingdom Two-seat light cabin aircraft 1939 1946 Three civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. NZ576 - 577, NZ579
Miles M.14 Magister M.14A 2  United Kingdom Two-seat elementary trainer aircraft 1939 1946 Two civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. NZ585 - 586
Miles M.57 Aerovan 2  United Kingdom Twin-engine topdressing, magnetic survey aircraft. 1949 1950 Used for topdressing trails. NZ1751 - 1752
Mitsubishi Ki-46 Dinah Ki-46-II 1  Empire of Japan Captured enemy aircraft 1945 1945 Captured in Rabaul in 1945.
Mitsubishi A6M Zero A6M3, A6M5 "Zeke" 3  Empire of Japan Captured enemy fighter aircraft. 1945 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 4  Japan 2009 Used as an instructional airframes 0222G - 0225G
NHIndustries NH90 8  NATO Medium utility transport helicopter 2012 Current, operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF. Deliveries started 2012 NZ3301 - 3309
Nakajima B5N Kate B5N2 1  Empire of Japan Captured enemy aircraft 1945 1945 Captured in Rabaul, flown in theatre in 1945.
North American T-6 Harvard Mk II, IIA, IIB, III 202  United States 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
2  United States 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 P-51 Mustang P-51D (Mustang Mk III) 30  United States Single-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft. 1945 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. See North American P-51 Mustang in New Zealand service NZ2401 - 2430
Pacific Aerospace Corporation CT/4 Airtrainer 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  United Kingdom Utility aircraft 1939 1940 One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. NZ572
Percival Vega Gull P.10 Vega Gull 1  United Kingdom Three-seat light cabin aircraft 1939 1946 One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. NZ571
Porterfield Model 35 Flyabout Model 35W 1  United States Two-seat light cabin aircraft 1939 1946 One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. NZ581/NZ598
Rearwin 9000 Sportster 9000L KR Sportster 4  United States Two-seat light cabin aircraft 1940 1940 Four civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service. NZ565, 568, 569, 599
1942 1946
Robinson Redwing II 1  United Kingdom Ground-based instructional airframe 1941 1946 INST 112
Saro A-17 Cutty Sark A-17M 1  United Kingdom Twin-engine utility transport, trainer, communications flying boat. 1930 1936 L3
Short Singapore Mk III 4  United Kingdom Four-engine maritime reconnaissance flying boat 1941 1943 Operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF K6912, K6916 - 6918
Short Stirling  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom 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. See Short Sunderland in New Zealand service NZ4101 - 4120
Skycam Kahu  New Zealand Unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle
Supermarine Seafire Mk XV 1  United Kingdom Ground-based instructional airframe. 1946 1952 Ex-804 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm.
Supermarine Spitfire  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom Three-seat reconnaissance spotter amphibian aircraft
Single-engine reconnaissance, pilot trainer amphibian aircraft
1936 1947 Nine other aircraft were serving on board 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
Vickers Vildebeest Mk II, Mk III, Mk IV 39  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom 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  United Kingdom 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  United States 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
Waco QDC Model QDC 1  United States 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  United States Single-engine light cabin biplane 1939 1946 One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. NZ574
Waco UOC Model UOC 1  United States 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 organisation) for use behind enemy lines by that organisation during the North African campaign (and flown with logo of a white kiwi on black background). NZ575
Westland Wasp Wasp HAS 1 18  United Kingdom 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[edit]

Sea Cat launcher and GWS-21 director on HMNZS Wellington

Royal New Zealand Air Force[edit]

Model Variants Origin Role Service period Notes
AIM-9 Sidewinder AIM-9G
AIM-9L
United States Short-range infra-red homing air-to-air missile 1974–2001 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, no 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, no longer operated by the RNZAF. Carried by the A-4K Skyhawk

New Zealand Army[edit]

Model Variants Origin Type Caliber Service period Notes
FGM-148 Javelin United States Man-portable guided anti-tank missile 5.0-inch (127-mm) 1997–current 24 launchers, 120 missiles.
Mistral missile France Short-range man-portable surface-to-air missile 1997–current 12 launchers. Not in active use.

Royal New Zealand Navy[edit]

Model Variants Origin Role Service period Notes
Sea Ceptor Italy, 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. Replaced by the Sea Ceptor.

Torpedoes[edit]

Homing Torpedoes of the Royal New Zealand Air Force[edit]

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

Unguided Torpedeos of the Royal New Zealand Navy[edit]

Model Variants Origin Role Service period Notes
British 18-inch torpedo Mark VII United Kingdom

Homing Torpedoes of the Royal New Zealand Navy[edit]

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[edit]

New Zealand Army[edit]

Model Variants Origin Role Service period Notes
AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven United States Unmanned aerial vehicle Loaned by the US for use in Afghanistan.
AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma United States Unmanned aerial vehicle One aircraft. A single Puma is in operational service with the New Zealand Army.
Black Hornet Nano Norway Reconnaissance and battlefield surveillance Used by the New Zealand Special Air Service.
Mavic (unmanned aerial vehicle) DJI Mavic Pro China Training and experimentation purposes 26 aircraft.
Phantom (unmanned aerial vehicle series) DJI Phantom 4 China Training and experimentation purposes one aircraft.
Skycam Kahu New Zealand Training and limited battlefield surveillance At least Six aircraft. Kahu was designed by the Defence Technology Agency. It served as a vehicle for technology development and enabled the NZDF to gain first-hand experience as an RPAS operator. Kahu has also been deployed operationally on a limited basis.

Unguided Rocket Weapons[edit]

New Zealand Army[edit]

Model Variants Origin Type Caliber Service period Notes
Bazooka M20 Mk II Super Bazooka United States Man-portable recoilless anti-tank rocket launcher 3.5-inch (90-mm) 1954- Obsolete, on longer in service with the New Zealand Army.
M72 LAW United States Short-range anti-tank rocket launcher 2.6-inch (66-mm) 1970- A single shot disposable anti-tank weapon.

Royal New Zealand Air Force[edit]

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
Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets United States 70-mm (2.75-inch) air-to-surface rocket Formerly carried by the A-4G, A-4K Skyhawk
Zuni United States 127-mm (5.0-inch) air-to-surface rocket Formerly carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk

List of Weapons of the Royal New Zealand Air Force[edit]

Free-Fall Bombs[edit]

  • 5-lb Mark 106 practice bomb
  • 25-lb BDU 33 practice bomb
  • 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[edit]

  • 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[edit]

  1. ^ "P-8A Poseidon". www.nzdf.mil.nz. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  • 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.