RNZAF helicopters break another flight record – Australia to New Zealand

Two Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopters have flown from Australia to New Zealand, via Norfolk Island, on a record-breaking journey for the aircraft.

CAPTION: A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter arrives home to New Zealand after flying from Australia. NZDF photo.

Over the course of two days, the aircraft flew from Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley to RNZAF Base Auckland, a distance of 1534 nautical miles (nm), or 2840 kilometres over water.

The distance was roughly equivalent to a flight between Auckland and Samoa. Both aircraft landed safely home at RNZAF Base Ohakea yesterday afternoon.

The flight broke the RNZAF NH90s’ previous over-water record, achieved at the end of last month, of 453nm across the Coral Sea Basin between Cairns, Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) capital Port Moresby.

On their latest journey home, the helicopters also stopped in Rockhampton, Coffs Harbour, and Lord Howe Island.

The longest leg of the trip, between Norfolk and RNZAF Base Auckland, was 573nm and took around four and a half hours.

Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott said the long-distance flight was important because it demonstrated the utility of the aircraft and the ability for it to self-deploy over a vast area.

“These types of flights give our crews confidence in the system,” he said.

“This demonstrates that given sound planning and an understanding of the actual risk, we don’t have to shy away from activities which stretch the system when they are properly planned for, risks mitigated and robust procedures are in place.”

The No. 3 Squadron helicopters have been away from RNZAF Base Ohakea since June when they deployed to Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, before flying to PNG for the country’s 50th independence anniversary.

No. 3 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Chris Ross said the flight gave crews the opportunity to gain valuable long-distance flying skills.

“Between the flight to PNG and now back from Australia, we’ve now got a generation of crews who have this depth and breadth of experience of flying a significant distance.

“It’s a terrific achievement,” Wing Commander Ross said.

NH90 Flight Commander, Squadron Leader Lachie Johnston said the crews were very happy to have accomplished the flight.

It had been a long time coming, with the capability signed off in 2023, but the opportunity hadn’t arisen until this year, he said.

“We knew the aircraft could do it and we knew the crews were appropriately trained.”

Factoring in the extra distance between Port Moresby and RNZAF Base Ohakea, the journey has spanned about 3000nm, or 5500km, Squadron Leader Johnston said.

“It’s not unheard of for helicopters to fly long trips, but this is a unique capability in the context of doing such long legs over large bodies of water.”

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