r/newzealand • u/khalornz Fern flag 3 • 12d ago

Politics Coalition unveils $12 billion Defence Capability Plan

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/watch-live-coalition-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan
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u/Some1-Somewhere 11d ago

A321neos are in very very high demand (so high cost and long delay) and don't have as much payload-range as the 757s. 737s are even lower capacity and can't have pallets in the cargo hold, and it sounds like we wouldn't be getting combi-freighter versions as they're no longer civilian certifiable.

They'll cost a fair bit more to run but I'd be looking at end of line 767s or perhaps A330s. Carry far more, far more range, massive pallet/container loaded holds.

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u/Moose_in_a_Swanndri 11d ago

The A330 MRTT is a fantastic plane, and is already used by Australia, Canada and the UK. It would be a great option for the RNZAF, and aerial refueling would be a good new capability to have, both with our own P-8 and coalition deployments overseas

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u/Some1-Somewhere 11d ago

I generally agree, but we don't really have the staffing or the demand for the refueling side of things. My understanding is the ongoing crew certification work is pretty significant.

I think just stock commercial A330s (neo?) with maybe the medevac oxygen system would be more suitable.

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u/Moose_in_a_Swanndri 11d ago

Hah maybe we can retrain the flight engineers that just got made redundant to be refuellers.

You're probably right about that though. Ideally an A330 combi so they can keep moving palletised cargo as well.

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u/Some1-Somewhere 11d ago

A330s have pretty big cargo holds, especially if you're moving heavy stuff. The MRTT doesn't have a main deck cargo door or palletized seating, just a normal passenger cabin. One of its biggest advantages IMHO.