RNZAF’s first P-8A achieves maiden flight
An artist’s rendering of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s first P-8A. It achieved its maiden flight on 16 August. (Image: Boeing)
The first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) took to the skies on its maiden flight in the US on 16 August.
Following this test flight, systems will be fitted, and the aircraft bearing serial number ‘NZ4801’ is scheduled to arrive in New Zealand this December.
The keel for this airframe was laid down in Wichita on 16 March, before it was transferred to Washington State the following month. The aircraft returned from the paint shop on 21 July with its RNZAF No. 5 Squadron livery.
Eight RNZAF personnel have been embedded with
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement
Poland first issued a requirement for up to 24 helicopters and associated training systems in January 2024.
-
Polish Armed Forces agrees deal to acquire 10,000 Warmate loitering munitions
Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister vows that the country “will not be left behind” as the Ministry of Defense (MoD) announces its intention to acquire 10,000 Warmate loitering munitions for the Polish army.
-
Bell’s FLRAA receives MV-75 designation from US Army, first operational division revealed
The US Army also added that it would push to get the long-range assault aircraft online “years ahead” of its original 2030 timeline.