{"id":18453,"date":"2026-02-28T21:43:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T21:43:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/?p=18453"},"modified":"2026-02-28T21:43:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T21:43:23","slug":"wonz-348-rnzaf-helicopter-procurement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/2026\/02\/wonz-348-rnzaf-helicopter-procurement\/","title":{"rendered":"WONZ 348 &#8211; RNZAF Helicopter Procurement"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_483\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-18453-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/media.blubrry.com\/wonz\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/WONZ_Ep_348_Patch_Nelson_Helicopters.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/media.blubrry.com\/wonz\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/WONZ_Ep_348_Patch_Nelson_Helicopters.mp3\">http:\/\/media.blubrry.com\/wonz\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/WONZ_Ep_348_Patch_Nelson_Helicopters.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_links_mp3\" style=\"margin-bottom: 1px !important;\">Podcast: <a href=\"http:\/\/media.blubrry.com\/wonz\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/WONZ_Ep_348_Patch_Nelson_Helicopters.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_pinw\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Play in new window\" onclick=\"return powerpress_pinw('https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/?powerpress_pinw=18453-podcast');\" rel=\"nofollow\">Play in new window<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/media.blubrry.com\/wonz\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/WONZ_Ep_348_Patch_Nelson_Helicopters.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_d\" title=\"Download\" rel=\"nofollow\" download=\"WONZ_Ep_348_Patch_Nelson_Helicopters.mp3\">Download<\/a><\/p><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_subscribe_links\">Subscribe: <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/au\/podcast\/wings-over-new-zealand-show\/id606143097?mt=2&amp;ls=1#episodeGuid=https%3A%2F%2Fcambridgeairforce.org.nz%2FWONZShow%2F%3Fp%3D18453\" class=\"powerpress_link_subscribe powerpress_link_subscribe_itunes\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Subscribe on Apple Podcasts\" rel=\"nofollow\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/feed\/podcast\/\" class=\"powerpress_link_subscribe powerpress_link_subscribe_rss\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Subscribe via RSS\" rel=\"nofollow\">RSS<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Guest:<\/strong>&nbsp;Wing Commander Barry &#8220;Patch&#8221; Nelson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Host:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dave Homewood<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Recorded:<\/strong>&nbsp;\u200e29th of \u200eDecember \u200e2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Released:<\/strong> 1st of March 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:<\/strong>\u00a01 hour 15 minutes 26 seconds<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever wondered what is involved when a new aircraft type is selected for service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force? In this episode of the Wings Over New Zealand Show, Dave Homewood speaks with Wing Commander Barry &#8220;Patch&#8221; Nelson on this very topic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Patch was in charge if the Royal New Zealand Air Force team who were responsible for the their part in the selection of the NHIndustries NH90 twin-engined medium utility helicopters, to replace the Bell UH-1H Iroquois fleet; and also the selection of the AgustaWestland A109 Light Utility Helicopters that replaced the Bell 47G Sioux fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is an inordinate amount of work involved in selecting a new type, and a massive number of people from all sorts of government departments and community groups all have an input, as Patch explains. This is a fascinating look into the inner workings of a selection team, deep in the heart of Defence Headquarters in Wellington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The NH90 was selected to replace the Iroquois, and the contract to buy nine NH90-TTH variant helicopters was finalised in July-August 2006. The first and second examples of the fleet, NZ3301 and NZ3302, were delivered on the 6th of December 2011, and deliveries followed as they were built, through till 2014. The fleet became fully operational in 2015, and eight examples now form the backbone of No. 3 Squadron. And additional ninth NH90 is held as an Attrition Airframe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The A109LUH is a lightweight, twin-engined helicopter with a modern glass cockpit and a retractable wheeled undercarriage. The A109s were acquired under a NZ$139 million contract signed in May 2008 for the acquisition of the five A109s, plus an additional A109 airframe to be used as a source of spares, as well as a simulator and a spares and support package. The A109s began arriving at Ohakea in May 2011, and five of them are now are operated by the Helicopter Transitional Unit, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, at Ohakea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quick Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2022<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nzdf.mil.nz\/air-force\/\">The Royal New Zealand Air Force<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2022<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nzdf.mil.nz\/nzdf\/our-equipment\/aircraft\/nh90-helicopter\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nzdf.mil.nz\/nzdf\/our-equipment\/aircraft\/nh90-helicopter\/\">The NHIndustries NH90 helicopter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2022<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nzdf.mil.nz\/nzdf\/our-equipment\/aircraft\/a109-light-utility-helicopter\/\">The AugustaWestland A109 helicopter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2022<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhindustries.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nhindustries.com\/\">NHIndustries Site<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2022<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/helicopters.leonardo.com\/en\/home\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/helicopters.leonardo.com\/en\/home\">Leonardo Helicopters (successor to AugustaWestland) site<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NH90-and-sunset-1-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NH90-and-sunset-1-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NH90-and-sunset-1-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NH90-and-sunset-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NH90-and-sunset-1-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NH90-and-sunset-1-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NH90-and-sunset-1-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NH90-and-sunset-1-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NH90-and-sunset-1-1.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NH90 Helicopter\u2019s depart from Westport during EXERCISE SOUTHERN KATIPO 2017, which is a combined joint and interagency Field Training Exercise focused on developing, exercising and evaluating the New Zealand Defence Force&#8217;s ability to project forces anywhere in the South West Pacific and either operate independently or with coalition partners. (NZDF Official Photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20231126_NZDF_H1060583_013-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20231126_NZDF_H1060583_013-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20231126_NZDF_H1060583_013-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20231126_NZDF_H1060583_013-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20231126_NZDF_H1060583_013-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20231126_NZDF_H1060583_013-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20231126_NZDF_H1060583_013-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20231126_NZDF_H1060583_013-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20231126_NZDF_H1060583_013-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An NH90 and an A109 of the RNZAF together at Wings Over Wairarapa Airshow in 2023. (NZDF Official Photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3302-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3302-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3302-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3302-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3302-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3302-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3302-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3302-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3302-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of the RNZAF&#8217;s new AgustaWestland A109s, NZ3403, over northern Italy, circa 2010. Agusta-Westland Photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3329-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3329-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3329-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3329-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3329-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3329-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3329-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3329-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3329-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of the RNZAF&#8217;s new AgustaWestland A109s, NZ3403 over northern Italy, circa 2010. Agusta-Westland Photo.<br> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3323-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3323-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3323-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3323-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3323-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3323-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3323-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3323-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_3323-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of the RNZAF&#8217;s new AgustaWestland A109s, NZ3403 over northern Italy, circa 2010. Agusta-Westland Photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_6814-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_6814-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_6814-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_6814-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_6814-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_6814-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_6814-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_6814-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MG_6814-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The official handover of the first A109&#8217;s at the production and flight test facility in Vergiate, north of Milan, Ialy. The group from left to right: SQNLDR Chris Moody, FLTLT Wayne Thomas, WGCDR Patch Nelson, SQNLDR Adam Death, AugustWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini, F\/S Dale Cox and W\/O &#8216;Mario&#8217; Marteletti.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Below:<\/strong> NZDF Photos of NH90s in service. Copyright to NZDF Official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20110628_OH_N1015025_0081.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" data-id=\"18502\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20110628_OH_N1015025_0081-1024x614.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20110628_OH_N1015025_0081-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20110628_OH_N1015025_0081-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20110628_OH_N1015025_0081-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20110628_OH_N1015025_0081-1536x922.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20110628_OH_N1015025_0081-2048x1229.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20110628_OH_N1015025_0081-150x90.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20110628_OH_N1015025_0081-400x240.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NH90 Images Supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220216_P1024180_NZDF_082-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"18506\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220216_P1024180_NZDF_082-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220216_P1024180_NZDF_082-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220216_P1024180_NZDF_082-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220216_P1024180_NZDF_082-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220216_P1024180_NZDF_082-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220216_P1024180_NZDF_082-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220216_P1024180_NZDF_082-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220216_P1024180_NZDF_082-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ex Blackbird was held at Dip Flat Feb 2022. The ex is designed to expose the pilots and crew to flying in mountainous terrain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220426_NZDF_P1061532_008-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"18507\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220426_NZDF_P1061532_008-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220426_NZDF_P1061532_008-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220426_NZDF_P1061532_008-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220426_NZDF_P1061532_008-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220426_NZDF_P1061532_008-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220426_NZDF_P1061532_008-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220426_NZDF_P1061532_008-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220426_NZDF_P1061532_008-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Exercise Winchester is 3 Squadron exercise which was held in Waiouru. The purpose of this EX was to qualify and re-qualify Air Force personnel in gunnery in helicopters, and uses the 109 and the NH90.  The exercise also involved stationary targets for self-defense.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220613_NZDF_R1055140_003-copy-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"18509\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220613_NZDF_R1055140_003-copy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220613_NZDF_R1055140_003-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220613_NZDF_R1055140_003-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220613_NZDF_R1055140_003-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220613_NZDF_R1055140_003-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220613_NZDF_R1055140_003-copy-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220613_NZDF_R1055140_003-copy-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20220613_NZDF_R1055140_003-copy-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Training in the NH90 flight simulator.\r\rExercise Steel Talon is a helicopter crew training activity conducted by 3 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The aim of the exercise is to train NH90 helicopter crews in day and night tactical battlefield operations for conventional forces.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230215_NZDF_R1055669_010-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"18505\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230215_NZDF_R1055669_010-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230215_NZDF_R1055669_010-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230215_NZDF_R1055669_010-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230215_NZDF_R1055669_010-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230215_NZDF_R1055669_010-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230215_NZDF_R1055669_010-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230215_NZDF_R1055669_010-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230215_NZDF_R1055669_010-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Navy personnel assist with the clean up of debri on the streets of Auckland after the major flooding event as part of Operation Awhina. Mayor Wayne Brown took the opportunity to assist.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230719_NZDF_K1055157_031-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"18504\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230719_NZDF_K1055157_031-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230719_NZDF_K1055157_031-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230719_NZDF_K1055157_031-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230719_NZDF_K1055157_031-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230719_NZDF_K1055157_031-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230719_NZDF_K1055157_031-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230719_NZDF_K1055157_031-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20230719_NZDF_K1055157_031-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">3SQN and 5 Aviation Regiment crews conduct 131 bty admin move taskings from RAAF Townsville to the Townsville training area.\r\rNZDF personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy, NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force take part in Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS23) across Australia. TS23 is a bilateral, biennial Australian hosted and USA supported combined exercise focused on the planning and conduct of a high end, mid-intensity warfighting scenario. The exercise is designed to improve combat readiness, exercise war-fighting skills and systems, whilst advancing combined staff and force interoperability.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20151117_AK_Q1032139_0022-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18508\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20151117_AK_Q1032139_0022-1-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20151117_AK_Q1032139_0022-1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20151117_AK_Q1032139_0022-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20151117_AK_Q1032139_0022-1-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20151117_AK_Q1032139_0022-1-1023x1536.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20151117_AK_Q1032139_0022-1-1363x2048.jpg 1363w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20151117_AK_Q1032139_0022-1-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20151117_AK_Q1032139_0022-1-400x601.jpg 400w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20151117_AK_Q1032139_0022-1.jpg 1398w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and its international partners conduct a military assault against a &#8216;Becaran&#8217; &#8216;highland militia&#8217; stronghold on the Rainbow Ski-field near St Arnaud in the Tasman district during SK15. The assault was spear-headed by NZ infantry &#8216;fast-roped&#8217; by Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH-90 helicopters to take the high ground sorrounding the ski-field, and by a combined Australian-New Zealand ANZAC Ready Reaction Force (RRF), utilising Australian Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, which cleared and secured the rebel base at the ski-field\r\rEx Southern Katipo 2015 (SK15) is a combined, joint, international training field exercise focussed on developing, exercising and evaluating the NZDF\u2019s independent amphibious capabilities and ability to project forces anywhere in the South West Pacific. SK15 provides the opportunity to ensure continual preparedness to operate independently or with our coalition partners. The scenario involves a fictional South West Pacific country that has requested international intervention to restore law and order. The scenario allows for an emphasis on amphibious operations within the context of a larger stability and security operation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The following two photos are from Australian Government Defence<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20200120adf8604025_282.jpg.iifdz8_9MV0Tz0NjYBMA.f7U4Ow06wF.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20200120adf8604025_282.jpg.iifdz8_9MV0Tz0NjYBMA.f7U4Ow06wF-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20200120adf8604025_282.jpg.iifdz8_9MV0Tz0NjYBMA.f7U4Ow06wF-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20200120adf8604025_282.jpg.iifdz8_9MV0Tz0NjYBMA.f7U4Ow06wF-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20200120adf8604025_282.jpg.iifdz8_9MV0Tz0NjYBMA.f7U4Ow06wF-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20200120adf8604025_282.jpg.iifdz8_9MV0Tz0NjYBMA.f7U4Ow06wF-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20200120adf8604025_282.jpg.iifdz8_9MV0Tz0NjYBMA.f7U4Ow06wF-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20200120adf8604025_282.jpg.iifdz8_9MV0Tz0NjYBMA.f7U4Ow06wF.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An NH90 assisting with relief in Australian bushfires, 2019-2020. (ADF Official)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250724ran8617977_0041.jpg.iieonc_9MffD2eljYBMA.eHIqXqbTi6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250724ran8617977_0041.jpg.iieonc_9MffD2eljYBMA.eHIqXqbTi6-1024x673.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250724ran8617977_0041.jpg.iieonc_9MffD2eljYBMA.eHIqXqbTi6-1024x673.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250724ran8617977_0041.jpg.iieonc_9MffD2eljYBMA.eHIqXqbTi6-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250724ran8617977_0041.jpg.iieonc_9MffD2eljYBMA.eHIqXqbTi6-768x505.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250724ran8617977_0041.jpg.iieonc_9MffD2eljYBMA.eHIqXqbTi6-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250724ran8617977_0041.jpg.iieonc_9MffD2eljYBMA.eHIqXqbTi6-400x263.jpg 400w, https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250724ran8617977_0041.jpg.iieonc_9MffD2eljYBMA.eHIqXqbTi6.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">RNZAF NH90s operating from a helicopter carrier in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. (ADF Official)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The music at the end of this episode is Wild Flower by Joachim Karud.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n<p>Guest:&nbsp;Wing Commander Barry &#8220;Patch&#8221; Nelson<\/p>\n<p>Host:&nbsp;Dave Homewood<\/p>\n<p>Recorded:&nbsp;\u200e29th of \u200eDecember \u200e2025<\/p>\n<p>Released: 1st of March 2026<\/p>\n<p>Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes 26 seconds<\/p>\n<p>Have you ever wondered what is involved when a new aircraft type is selected for service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force? In this episode of the Wings Over New [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[2676,2670,2929,89,256,951,2930,247,952,258,201,2931,2656,31,2534,2928,917,2655,44,90,2927,5,2374,192,898,2019,378,916],"class_list":["post-18453","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-episodes","tag-3-squadron","tag-a109","tag-augusttawestland","tag-aviation","tag-bell","tag-dave","tag-defence","tag-helicopter","tag-homewood","tag-iroquois","tag-italy","tag-ministry","tag-nelson","tag-new-zealand","tag-nh90","tag-nhindusttries","tag-over","tag-patch","tag-pilot","tag-podcast","tag-procurement","tag-rnzaf","tag-selection","tag-show","tag-sioux","tag-uh-1h","tag-wellington","tag-wings","odd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18453","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18453"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18453\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18521,"href":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18453\/revisions\/18521"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18453"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18453"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cambridgeairforce.org.nz\/WONZShow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18453"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}