Wings Over Wairarapa :: Other Feature Aircraft

Air Tractor: Often seen working around New Zealand on farms, but rarely seen displaying at airshows, the Air Tractor AT-402B is a crowd favourite at Hood. Powered by a 680shp turbine giving the aircraft plenty of power for John Bargh to show the crowd the impressive handling of this workhorse.

		Albatros: The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance jet trainer developed in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s to replace the L-29 Delfín. It's the most widely used jet trainer in the world with over thirty five countries having used them for basic and advanced training, as well as ground attack. They are now a popular 'Warbird' around the world with large numbers of them in private ownership. There are currently four in New Zealand and for the first time at a New Zealand airshow, you will see a formation display by L-39's.
		Crop Dusting Tiger: The de Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth is a 1930s biplane designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and was operated by a number of air forces including the Royal Air Force and the RNZAF as a primary trainer, 345 were built by the Havilland Aircraft Company of New Zealand Limited, at Rongotai, Wellington. After the type was released from RNZAF service, large numbers were put to service as cropdusters, until the mid 1950's when they were progressively replaced by more modern types. This was achieved by replacing the front seat with a hopper to hold the superphosphate. Tigers can be seen all over New Zealand at aero clubs and at private airfields, their owners enjoying them as often as possible. Tigermoths play a big part at Wings over Wairarapa with a number of displays based around them, including the very rare sight of a crop dusting Tigermoth in action.
		Sioux and Iroquois: The RNZAF has five Sioux helicopters for use as an initial trainer. Built by Bell in the 1960's these aircraft are in the process of being replaced by AgustaWestland A109LUH is a training and light utility helicopter. The Iroquois is instantly recognisable by the distinctive noise made by it's rotor blades as they break the sound barrier. They have been in RNZAF service since 1966 and in that time have proved themselves to be popular workhorses with both their crews and the general public. The crews put on an impressive display, getting the aircraft talk do things that Bell never envisaged that they would ever do. After a long and distinguished service career the Iroquois are to be replaced by NATO Helicopter Industries NH90's.
		The Red Checkers: The RNZAF have had a flying display team in one form or another since the 1940s and the team we see today, The Red Checkers, were formed in 1969. North American Harvards were the aircraft of choice from 1967 to 1973, then Aerospace Industries CT/4B Airtrainers til 1998 and now the CT/4E version of the Airtrainer. The team is made up of pilots from the central flying school who spend all of their spare time practicing the precision displays you see at events all over New Zealand. The Red Checkers have had a number of signature moves over the years, but the Spaghetti Break is probably the crowds favourite so far. Even for those who have seen it before, it still draws a gasp when they perform it!
		MX2: The MX2 is a aerobatic aircraft built entirely of high-grade pre-impregnated epoxy carbon-fiber composite material, it has a top speed of 220 knots (410 km/h) and can roll at more than 420 degrees per second. You will have watched a number of these aircraft at various Red Bull Air Race events around the world. Former New Zealand Aerobatic Champion, Doug Brooker is a favorite at New Zealand airshows as he uses the MX2 to its maximum capabilities, trailing smoke so you can see the manoeuvers.

Watch this space for regular Display Aircraft updates.

Other Feature Aircraft

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