Avalon 2017: Saab tries to hook NZ on Swordfish
New Zealand’s future requirement for a maritime patrol aircraft to replace the in-service Lockheed Martin P-3K2 Orion is attracting a number of contenders, including Saab’s Swordfish.
Saab conformed to Shephard that its offering will be based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, with its range of 5,200nm and maximum cruise speed of 450kt suitable for the long distances and vast areas that the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) must patrol.
With neighbouring Australia having selected the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, some think New Zealand might edge towards the same for interoperability reasons.
However, Richard Hjelmberg, Saab’s head
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