List of aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal New Zealand Navy explained

This is a list of aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal New Zealand Navy.

Aircraft

NameVariantsNumberOriginRoleIntroducedRetiredNotesSerial numbers
Aermacchi MB-339MB-339CB18 ItalyTwo-seat advanced pilot, weapons trainer aircraft19912001Operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and the Black Falcons aerobatic team.NZ6460 - 6477
AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma1Unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle
AESL AirtourerT.6/244 New ZealandTwo-seat elementary pilot trainer, aircraft19701995Operated by the Pilot Training Squadron RNZAF. See also CT4NZ1760 - 1763
AgustaWestland A109A109 LUH6 ItalyLight utility helicopterCurrent, operated by No. 3 Squadron. Ordered in 2007 (one used for spares)NZ3401 - 3406
Aichi E13A JakeE13A1A1Captured enemy aircraft19451945Captured in Rabaul in 1945, flown in theatre.
Airspeed Consul6 United KingdomTwin-engine light transport aircraft19481952Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Converted from Oxfords.NZ1901 - 1906
Airspeed OxfordMk I, II229 United KingdomMulti-engine pilot trainer, crew trainer aircraft19381952Operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAFNZ250 - 290, NZ1201 - 1399, NZ2100 - 2157, R6226
Avro 504504K12 United KingdomTwo-seat pilot trainer biplane19201930New purchases in 1925, others were Imperial Gift aircraft, loaned to private companies 1920–1923 or 24. Some lost in accidents while on loan.E3137, E4153, H1964 - H1966, 201 -206
Avro 626 Perfect6264 United KingdomThree-seat advanced pilot trainer, crew trainer biplane19351943NZ201 - 204
Avro Anson652A, Mk I, Mk XII25Twin-engine navigation, radio research, VIP transport aircraft19421952Two Anson Mk XIIs were used by the British High Commission for VIP transport.Two Anson XIIs were hired or on loan from the RAF. Used by the British High Commission in New Zealand for VIP transport.NZ401 - 423PH599, PH600
Avro LancasterMk I, Mk IIIFour-engine heavy bomber aircraft19431945RAF aircraft operated by No. 75 Squadron RAF. RAF variants were Lancaster Mk I and Mk III.
Avro LincolnMk IIFour-engine heavy long range bomber aircraft19451945RAF aircraft operated by No. 75 Squadron RAF. RAF variant was the Lincoln Mk II.
Auster J/5, Auster T Mk 7C AntarcticJ/5, T Mk 7C7Three-seat light utility, army observation, forestry, patrol, communications aircraft19471969The Austers were operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, No. 6 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. The Auster T Mk 7C was acquired for use in the Antarctic. NZ1701 - 1707
BAC StrikemasterBAC 167, Mk 8816 United KingdomTwo-seat advanced pilot trainer, light attack aircraft19721991Operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF.NZ6361 - 6376
Beechcraft 17C-17L Staggerwing1 United StatesSingle-engine cabin biplane19391946One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Used for communications.NZ573
Beechcraft King AirKing Air 2009 United States19982018Operated by No. 42 SquadronNZ1881 - 1885, NZ7121 - 7124
Beechcraft Super King AirKing Air 3504 United StatesTwin-engine multi-engine trainer2018Current, operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAFNZ2350 - 2353
Beechcraft T-6 Texan IIT-6C11 United StatesTwo-seat pilot trainer aircraft2014Current, operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF, Central Flying School RNZAF and the Black Falcons aerobatic team.NZ1401 - 1411
Bell H-13 Sioux47G-3B-1, 47G-3B-213 United StatesArmy observation, pilot trainer, light utility helicopter19652010Operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAFNZ3701 - 3713
Bell UH-1 IroquoisUH-1D, UH-1H18 United StatesUtility transport helicopter19662015Operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF. The UH-1 Iroquois were used for casualty evacuation, search and rescue, supply and troop transport. Plus an unknown number of aircraft leased for UN work in the Sinai. One UH-1H was donated for display at the Wigram museum, and never saw service. The UH-1Ds were converted to UH-1H standard.Two helicopters were leased from the US Army in 1982. Used by the United Nations, Multinational Force and Observers peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula.NZ3801 - 381666–0809, 66-16450
Blackburn Baffin29 United KingdomTwo-seat general reconnaissance biplane19371942Designed as a torpedo bomber, but the torpedo gear was not fitted. The Baffins were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 2 Squadron RNZAF and No. 3 Squadron RNZAFNZ150 - 178
Bleriot XI-21 FranceTwo-seat general purpose aircraft19131914New Zealand's first military aircraft. A replica is on display in the Air Force Museum, Wigram, Christchurch."Britannia"
Boeing 727727-22QC3 United StatesThree-engine long range transport aircraft.19812003Operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. NZ7271 & NZ7272 entered service, while NZ7273 was used as an attrition airframe.NZ7271 - 7273
Boeing 757757-2002 United StatesTransport aircraft2003Current, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAFNZ7571 - 7572
Boeing P-8 PoseidonP-8A4 United StatesTwo-engine maritime reconnaissance aircraft.2022Flown by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF, replacing the Lockheed P-3 Orion.[1] NZ4801 - 4804
Brewster BuffaloBuffalo Mk I23 United StatesSingle-seat fighter aircraft19411942Operated by 488 (NZ) Squadron in the defence of Singapore. 23 aircraft hired or on loan from the RAF.
Bristol Beaufighter United KingdomTwin engine night fighter, torpedo fighter aircraft19421945RAF aircraft were operated by 488 (NZ) and 489 (NZ) Squadrons. The RAF Variants were the Beaufighter Mk IIF, MK VIF and TF Mk X
Bristol Beaufort United KingdomTwin engine torpedo bomber, reconnaissance aircraft19411942RAF aircraft were operated by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Beaufort Mk I
Bristol Blenheim United KingdomTwin-engine long range fighter aircraft19421942RAF aircraft were operated by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Blenheim Mk IVF.
Bristol F2B FighterF2B fighter7 United KingdomTwo-seat general-purpose biplane19191938Imperial Gift aircraft. Operated as army co-operation, advanced trainers and aerial survey aircraft.H1557 - H1558, H6856 - H6857, H7120 - H7122
Bristol Type 170 FreighterMk 31(NZ)M12 United KingdomTwin-engine medium-range tactical transport aircraft19511977The Bristol Freighters were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAFNZ5901 - 5912
British Aircraft SwallowSwallow II1 United KingdomTwo-seat light aircraft19391940One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. See Mount Cook AirlineNZ583
Cessna 421C Golden Eagle421C3 United StatesTwin-engine light passenger, VIP transport aircraft19811990Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF.NZ7940 - 7942
Consolidated PBY CatalinaPBY-5, PB2B-156 United StatesTwin-engine maritime reconnaissance, air sea rescue flying boat19431953Used for long-range anti-submarine and maritime reconnaissance patrols. The Catalinas were operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF and No. 6 Squadron RNZAF in New Zealand and the South Pacific. RAF aircraft were operated by 490 (NZ) Squadron from 1943 to 1944. The RAF variant was the Catalina Mk IB. See Consolidated PBY Catalina in New Zealand serviceNZ4001 - 4056
Curtiss P-40 KittyhawkP-40E, P-40K, P-40L, P-40M, P-40N301 United StatesSingle-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft19421946The Kittyhawk and Warhawks were operated by Nos 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific. Total includes four lost on delivery.NZ3001 - 3293
de Havilland DH.42 United KingdomTwo-seat advanced pilot trainer biplane19191929Imperial Gift aircraft.A7893, A7929
de Havilland DH.93 United KingdomTwo-seat advanced pilot trainer biplane19231929Imperial Gift aircraft. On loan to private companies 1921–23D3136, D3139, H5636
de Havilland DH.50DH.50A1 United KingdomFive-seat aerial survey, communications, transport biplane19271930Five-seat communications aircraft135
de Havilland DH.60 MothDH.60G, DH.60M28 United KingdomTwo elementary pilot trainer, utility biplane.19291943870 - 873, 995, 1560, 1567, NZ501 - 522
de Havilland DH.80 Puss MothDH.80A4 United KingdomThree-seat aerial survey, utility aircraft193119362125, NZ567, NZ582, NZ590, NZ593 - 594
19391946
de Havilland DH.82 Tiger MothDH.82A, Mk II335 United Kingdom / New ZealandTwo-seat elementary pilot trainer biplane19391956The Tiger Moths were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 2 Squadron RNZAF, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF.NZ650 - 689, NZ701 - 724, NZ730 - 749, NZ751 - 900, NZ1401 - 1500
de Havilland DH.83 Fox MothDH.831 United KingdomFour-seat cabin biplane.19431948One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1943. Impressed from Air Travel (NZ) Ltd in 1943, used for communications.NZ566
de Havilland DH.84 DragonDH.84 Dragon II2 United KingdomTwin-engine radio and navigation trainer, transport biplane19391943Two civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Impressed from Union Airways of New Zealand in 1939.NZ550 - 551
de Havilland DH.86 ExpressDH.863 United KingdomFour-engine navigation trainer, reconnaissance, transport biplane19391943Three civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service. The aircraft were operated by No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Impressed from Union Airways of New Zealand in 1939.NZ552 - 554
19451946
de Havilland DH.89 Dragon RapideDH.89, DH.89A Dragon Rapide, DH.89B Dominie II14 United KingdomTwin-engine navigation trainer, reconnaissance, transport biplane19391953Also known as the Dominie. The aircraft were operated by No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAFNZ523 - 531, NZ555 - 559
de Havilland DH.94 Moth MinorDH.945 United KingdomTwo-seat trainer, communications aircraft19401946Five civilian aircraft were Impressed into RNZAF service in 1940.NZ591 - 592, NZ595 - 597
de Havilland DH.98 MosquitoFB 6, FB 40, T 3, T 4389 United KingdomTwo-seat twin-engine fighter bomber aircraft.19431955Four lost during delivery. The Mosquitos were operated by Nos 14, 75, 487, 488 and 489 (NZ) Squadrons. RAF variants were the Mosquito FB Mk VI fighter bomber, NF Mk XII, NF Mk XIII, NF Mk 30 night fighters and T Mk III trainers.NZ2301 - 2308, NZ2320 - 2396
de Havilland DH.104 Devon / DoveDH.10430 United KingdomTwin-engine light transport, pilot, navigation and radio trainer aircraft19481981Operated by No. 42 Squadron RNZAFNZ1801 - 1830
de Havilland DH.110/DH.115 VampireFB 5, FB 52, T 11, T 5563 United KingdomSingle-seat fighter bomber aircraft.Two-seat advanced pilot trainer, instrument continuation trainer aircraft.19511972The RNZAF's first operational jet aircraft. The Vampires were operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF.NZ5701 - 5711, NZ5721 - 5738, NZ570 - 5778, INST166, 167, 170, 171, WZ516
FB 9, T 11Single-seat fighter-bomber aircraft.Two-seat continuation trainer aircraft.19521958
de Havilland DH. 112 VenomFB 148 United KingdomSingle-seat fighter bomber aircraft19551958The aircraft were hired or on loan from the RAF. The Venoms were operated by No. 14 Squadron in Singapore, they saw action during the Malayan Emergency.
de Havilland Canada DHC-2 BeaverDHC-21 CanadaSingle engine light transport aircraft19561960Acquired for use in Antarctic.NZ6010
de Havilland Canada DHC-3 OtterDHC-31 CanadaSingle-engine light transport aircraft19601963Acquired for use in Antarctic.NZ6081
DJI Mavic Pro26Training and experimentation unmanned aerial vehicle
DJI Phantom 41Training and experimentation unmanned aerial vehicle
Douglas DC-6DC-63 United StatesFour-engine long range transport aircraft19611968Three ex-TEAL aircraft, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF.NZ3631 - 3633
Douglas A-20 Boston United States19421943RAF aircraft loaned to 487 (NZ) Squadron.
Douglas C-47 DakotaC-47, C-47A, C-47B49 United StatesTwin engine medium range transport, VIP transport, target tug aircraft19431977The Dakotas were operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF, No. 41 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Used as a transport, target tug, paratroop and VIP transport aircraft.NZ3501 - 3506, NZ3516 - 3558
Douglas SBD DauntlessSBD-3, SBD-4, SBD-569 United StatesTwo-seat dive bomber aircraft19431944Operated by No. 25 Squadron RNZAF in the South Pacific. Total includes one lost on delivery.NZ5001 - 5068
English Electric CanberraB(I).12, T.1313 United KingdomTwin-engine strike bomber aircraftTwin-engine type conversion trainer aircraft19591970The Canberras were operated by No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF.NZ6101 - 6111, NZ6151 - 6152
B.2, T.415Twin-engine medium-bomber aircraftTwin-engine type conversion trainer aircraft19581962Hired or on loan from the RAF. Operated by No. 75 Squadron in Singapore.WD963, WJ859, WJ864,
Fairey IIIIIIF, Mk IIIM, Mk IIIB3 United KingdomTwo or three-seat bomber, general purpose biplaneNaval co-operation floatplane19291939F1133 - 1134, S1805
Fairey BattleMk I1 United KingdomGround-based instructional airframe1941Ex-RAFK9177
Fairey FireflyMk I1 United KingdomGround-based instructional airframeEx-Royal Navy
Fairey GordonMk I, Mk II41 United KingdomTwo-seat bomber, advanced pilot trainer, target tug biplane19391943NZ601 - 641
Fokker FriendshipF27-1203 NetherlandsTwin-engine navigation, radio and electronic trainer, maritime reconnaissance aircraft.19801992Three ex-Air New Zealand aircraft. Operated by the Navigation and Air Electronics Training Squadron RNZAF. See Air New Zealand fleetNZ2781 - 2783
Foster Wikner WickoGM.11 United KingdomTwo-seat light cabin aircraft.19391942One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939.NZ580
General Aircraft Monospar ST-25 JubileeST-251 United KingdomTwin-engine light cabin aircraft19391941One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Used for communications.NZ584
Gloster Grebe3 United KingdomSingle-seat fighter biplaneTwo-seat advanced trainer biplane19281938Later used as instructional airframes broken up 1943–44NZ501 - 503
Gloster MeteorF.III1 United KingdomSingle-seat jet fighter aircraft.19451950The Meteor F.III was presented to the RNZAF by the RAF in 1945.NZ6001
T.72Two-seat instrument continuation trainer aircraft19521955Two T.7 aircraft were hired from the RAF. They were operated No. 14 Squadron RNZAF in Cyprus.WH206, WL400
Grumman TBM AvengerTBF-1, TBF-1C48 United StatesTwo-seat light bomber, target tug, topdressing aircraft19431959The Avengers were operated by No 30, 31, 41, 42 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific. Used for top dressing trials in 1948.NZ2501 - 2548
Handley Page HP.52 Hampden United KingdomTwin-engine medium bomber aircraft19421943RAF aircraft used by 489 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Hampden Mk I.
Handley Page HP.67 HastingsC.34 United KingdomFour-engine long range transport aircraft19521965The RNZAF's first long-range aircraft, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAFNZ5801 - 5804
Hawker Siddeley HS 780 AndoverC.110 United KingdomTwin-engine medium-range tactical transport, VIP transport aircraft19761998Ten ex-RAF aircraft. Operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, later No. 42 Squadron RNZAFNZ7620 -27629
Hawker HindHind, Hind Trainer63 United KingdomTwo-seat army co-operation, advanced pilot trainer biplane19401943Only 63 actually received, 15 lost at sea due to enemy action in 1940. Operated by No. 22 Squadron RNZAFNZ1501 - 1563
Hawker HurricaneMk IIB9 United KingdomSingle-seat fighter aircraft19421942Additional aircraft were operated by 486 and 488 Squadrons; Apparently 75 Squadron also received at least one Hurricane as a hack – a pilot was posted as missing presumed killed while flying it. The RAF variants were the Hurricane Mk I, Mk IIA and Mk IIB. Nine aircraft were hired or on loan from the RAF.
Hawker TempestMk V United KingdomSingle-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft19441945RAF aircraft were operated by 486 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Tempest Mk V.
Hawker Tomtit4 United KingdomTwo-seat elementary, intermediate pilot trainer biplane1931193950 - 53
Hawker Typhoon United KingdomSingle-seat fighter bomber, ground attack aircraft19421944RAF aircraft were operated by 486 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Typhoon Mk IB.
Kaman SH-2 SeaspriteSH-2F15 United StatesAnti-submarine naval helicopter199720164 SH-2F, 5 SH-2G(NZ) formerly operated by No. 6 Squadron RNZAF, 6 SH-2F purchased for use as instructional airframes onlyNZ3441 - 3444, NZ3601 - 3605, 0231G - 0236G
Kaman SH-2 Super SeaspriteSH-2G(I)10 United StatesAnti-submarine naval helicopter2015Current, operated by No. 6 Squadron RNZAF.NZ3611 - 3620
Lockheed C-130 HerculesC-130H, C-130H(NZ)5 United StatesFour engine medium/long-range, tactical transport aircraft1965Current, operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF to be replaced with C-130J-30 starting 2024NZ7001 - 7005
C-130J Super HerculesC-130J-305 United StatesFour engine medium/long-range, tactical transport aircraft2024On 5 June 2020 the New Zealand government announced that five C-130J-30 would purchased to replace the current C-130H(NZ) aircraft. [2] Delivery to commence in 2024 with the aircraft to be operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF
Lockheed HudsonMk III, Mk IIIA, Mk V, Mk VI94 United StatesTwin-engine general reconnaissance bomber, trainer, target tug aircraft.19411948The Hudsons were operated by Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 40, 41 and 42 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific.NZ2001 - 2094
Lockheed C-60 LodestarC-60A9 United StatesTwin-engine medium-range transport aircraft.19431949The Lodestars were operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAFNZ3507 - 3515
Lockheed PV-2 HarpoonPV-24 United StatesTwin-engine medium-range transport aircraft.19431949The Lodestars were operated by No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAFNZ3507 - 3515
Lockheed P-3 OrionP-3B, P-3K, P-3K26 United StatesFour-engine maritime reconnaissance aircraft.19662023Flown by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF. Replaced by P-8 PoseidonsNZ4201 - 4206
Lockheed VenturaPV-1 Ventura, B-34 Lexington139 United StatesTwin-engine general reconnaissance bomber aircraft.19431946The Aircraft were operated by Nos. 1 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 Squadrons in New Zealand and South Pacific. RAF aircraft were operated by 487 (NZ) Squadron from 1942 to 1943. RAF variants were the Ventura Mk I and II. See also Harpoon.NZ4501 - 4639
McDonnell Douglas A-4 SkyhawkA-4G, TA-4G, A-4K, TA-4K24 United StatesSingle-seat jet fighter, ground attack, maritime strike aircraft.Two-seat conversion trainer aircraft.19702001The Skyhawks were operated by No. 2 Squadron RNZAF No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF. See Project KahuNZ6201 - 6218, NZ6251 - 6256
Messerschmitt Bf 109E41Captured enemy fighter aircraft19401944Captured in Europe, shipped from the United Kingdom to New Zealand, used for fund raising purposes, display and technical training.INST111
Miles M.2 HawkM.2F, M.2H, M.2P Hawk Major4 United KingdomTwo-seat light aircraft19391943Four civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. Used for Training and communications.NZ578, NZ587 - 589,
Miles M.11 Whitney StraightM.11A3 United KingdomTwo-seat light cabin aircraft19391946Three civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939.NZ576 - 577, NZ579
Miles M.14 MagisterM.14A2 United KingdomTwo-seat elementary trainer aircraft19391946Two civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service in 1939.NZ585 - 586
Miles M.57 Aerovan2 United KingdomTwin-engine topdressing, magnetic survey aircraft.19491950Used for topdressing trails.NZ1751 - 1752
Mitsubishi Ki-46 DinahKi-46-II1Captured enemy aircraft19451945Captured in Rabaul in 1945.
Mitsubishi A6M ZeroA6M3, A6M5 "Zeke"3Captured enemy fighter aircraft.19451945One was captured in Bougainville Island in 1945. Flown by RNZAF pilots, shipped back to New Zealand. The aircraft is on display at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.NZ6000, INST113
Mitsubishi MU-24 Japan2009Used as an instructional airframes0222G - 0225G
NHIndustries NH908Medium utility transport helicopter2012Current, operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF. Deliveries started 2012NZ3301 - 3309
Nakajima B5N KateB5N21Captured enemy aircraft19451945Captured in Rabaul, flown in theatre in 1945.
North American T-6 HarvardMk II, IIA, IIB, III202 United StatesTwo-seat advanced pilot trainer aircraft19411977Later used as an elementary training aircraft. The aircraft were operated by Nos 1 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 42 Squadrons, and the Red Checkers aerobatic team.NZ901 - 1102
2 United StatesTwo-seat advanced trainer aircraft19461948Hired or on loan from the RAF. Two aircraft were operated by No. 14 Squadron in Japan between 1946 - 1948.KF 113
North American P-51 MustangP-51D (Mustang Mk III)30 United StatesSingle-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft.19451957In storage from 1945 to 1951. The Mustangs were operated by No. 1 Squadron RNZAF, No. 2 Squadron RNZAF, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, No. 4 Squadron RNZAF and No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. See North American P-51 Mustang in New Zealand serviceNZ2401 - 2430
CT/4B, CT/4E32 New ZealandTwo-seat basic pilot trainer, aerobatic aircraft19762014Bought by the RNZAF as a replacement for the North American Harvard. Operated by the Central Flying School RNZAF, Pilot Training Squadron RNZAF and the Red Checkers aerobatic team.NZ1930 - NZ1948, NZ1985 - 1997
Percival Gull FourGull Four1 United KingdomUtility aircraft19391940One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939.NZ572
Percival Vega GullP.10 Vega Gull1 United KingdomThree-seat light cabin aircraft19391946One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939.NZ571
Porterfield Model 35 FlyaboutModel 35W1 United StatesTwo-seat light cabin aircraft19391946One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939.NZ581/NZ598
Rearwin 9000 Sportster9000L KR Sportster4 United StatesTwo-seat light cabin aircraft19401940Four civilian aircraft were impressed into RNZAF service.NZ565, 568, 569, 599
19421946
Robinson RedwingII1 United KingdomGround-based instructional airframe19411946INST 112
Saro A-17 Cutty SarkA-17M1 United KingdomTwin-engine utility transport, trainer, communications flying boat.19301936L3
Short SingaporeMk III4 United KingdomFour-engine maritime reconnaissance flying boat19411943Operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAFK6912, K6916 - 6918
Short Stirling United KingdomFour-engine heavy bomber aircraft19421943RAF aircraft were operated by 75 (NZ) Squadron. RAF variants were the Stirling Mk I, Mk II and Mk III.
Short SunderlandMk.3, MR.520 United KingdomFour-engine long-range transport Flying boatFour-engined maritime reconnaissance flying boat19441967The Sunderlands were operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF, No. 6 Squadron RNZAF and 490 (NZ) Squadron. The RAF variant was the Sunderland Mk III. See Short Sunderland in New Zealand serviceNZ4101 - 4120
Skycam KahuUnmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle
Supermarine SeafireMk XV1 United KingdomGround-based instructional airframe.19461952Ex-804 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm.
Supermarine Spitfire United KingdomSingle-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft.19411945RAF aircraft were operated by 485 (NZ) Squadron. RAF variants were the Spitfire Mk IA, Mk IIA, Mk VB, Mk VC, Mk IX, LF Mk IX, LF Mk IXC, LF Mk XVI and LF XVIE.
Supermarine WalrusMk I11 United KingdomThree-seat reconnaissance spotter amphibian aircraftSingle-engine reconnaissance, pilot trainer amphibian aircraft19361947Nine other aircraft were serving on board the ships of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. The aircraft were embarked on board the light cruisers and . All RN loan aircraft were either lost on service or returned to RN, RCAF, or RAAF.NZ151 - 160, K8558
Vickers VildebeestMk II, Mk III, Mk IV39 United KingdomThree-seat general reconnaissance, advanced pilot trainer, target tug biplane.19351944The Aircraft were operated by Nos 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 Squadrons. Also see Vickers VincentNZ101 - 139
Vickers Vincent62 United KingdomThree-seat general purpose, bomber, general reconnaissance, advanced pilot trainer, target tug biplane.19391944The aircraft were operated by Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 42 Squadrons. See also VildebeestNZ300 - 361
Vickers WellingtonMk I30 United KingdomTwin-engine medium bomber aircraft19391942Only 18 were taken on charge before all 30 aircraft and their crews were loaned to the RAF in August 1939, additional RAF aircraft were operated by 75 (NZ) Squadron. RAF variants were the Wellington Mk I, MK IA, Mk IC and B Mk III.NZ300 - 329
Vought CorsairF4U-1, F4U-1D, FG-1D424 United StatesSingle-seat fighter, fighter bomber aircraft19441948The Corsair was operated by Nos 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Squadrons in New Zealand and the South Pacific.NZ5201 - 5487, NZ5501 - 5577, NZ5601 - 5660
Waco QDCModel QDC1 United StatesSingle-engine light cabin biplane19401941One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1940. Impressed from Mount Cook Airline in 1940.NZ570
Waco UICModel UIC1 United StatesSingle-engine light cabin biplane19391946One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939.NZ574
Waco UOCModel UOC1 United StatesSingle-engine light cabin biplane19391946One civilian aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service in 1939. An additional 2 Waco cabin biplanes with RAF serials were privately purchased by servicemen of the New Zealand Army in the Long Range Desert Group (a special forces type organisation) for use behind enemy lines by that organisation during the North African campaign (and flown with logo of a white kiwi on black background).NZ575
Westland WaspWasp HAS 118 United KingdomNaval anti-submarine, utility helicopter19661998Operated by No. 3 Squadron RNZAF in support of the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Wasps were embarked on board the frigates, HMNZS Southland,,, and the survey ship . Eight original ordered and an additional 10 former Royal Navy helicopters were acquired in 1989 for spares, one was later rebuilt to flying condition, others were never flown.NZ3901 - 3909

Royal New Zealand Air Force

ModelVariantsOriginRoleService periodNotes
AIM-9GAIM-9L United States 1974–2001 Obsolete, no longer in service with the RNZAF. Carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk aircraft.
AGM-65BAGM-65GAGM-65NZ United States Air-to-surface missileAir-to-surface anti-ship missile 1986– Obsolete, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, or the Royal New Zealand Navy. Carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk aircraft, SH-2F Seasprite and SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters.
AGM-119 Penguin Mk 2 Mod 7 Norway Air-to-surface anti-ship missile 2013–Current Operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Royal New Zealand Navy. Carried by the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite.
United States Air-to-surface laser guided bomb Obsolete, no longer operated by the RNZAF. Carried by the A-4K Skyhawk

New Zealand Army

ModelVariantsOriginTypeCaliber Service periodNotes
United States 5.0-inch (127-mm) 1997–current 24 launchers, 120 missiles.
France 1997–current 12 launchers. Not in active use.

Royal New Zealand Navy

ModelVariantsOriginRoleService periodNotes
Italy, United Kingdom Surface-to-air missile 2018–current Part of the armament of the s.
GWS-40 Ikara Australia 1983–1989 Obsolete missile, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Ikara was fitted to HMNZS Southland. One of the Leander-class frigates.
Seacat GWS-22 United Kingdom Short-range surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile 1960-1990s Obsolete missile, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Seacats were fitted to the s, and the modified s.
RIM-7P Sea Sparrow United States 1997–2018 Fitted to the s. Replaced by the Sea Ceptor.

Torpedoes

Homing Torpedoes of the Royal New Zealand Air Force

ModelVariantsOriginRoleService periodNotes
United States Air-launched anti-submarine homing torpedo 1966– Obsolete, no longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Carried by the P-3K Orion, SH-2F Seasprite and Wasp HAS 1
United States Air-launched anti-submarine homing torpedo 1972–Current Carried by the P-3K2 Orion and SH-2G Super Seasprite

Homing Torpedoes of the Royal New Zealand Navy

ModelVariantsOriginRoleService periodNotes
Mark 20(E) Bidder United Kingdom Anti-submarine torpedo Part of the armament of the s
United States Air-launched anti-submarine torpedo 1983–1989 Obsolete, on longer in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Mark 44 torpedo was carried by the Ikara anti-submarine missile.
United States Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo Current Currently in service on board the s. The Mark 46 torpedo was part of the armament of the .

Unmanned aerial vehicles

New Zealand Army

ModelVariantsOriginRoleService periodNotes
United States Unmanned aerial vehicle Loaned by the US for use in Afghanistan.
United States Unmanned aerial vehicleOne aircraft. A single Puma is in operational service with the New Zealand Army.
Norway Reconnaissance and battlefield surveillance Used by the New Zealand Special Air Service.
DJI Mavic Pro China Training and experimentation purposes 26 aircraft.
DJI Phantom 4 China Training and experimentation purposes one aircraft.
Skycam Kahu New Zealand Training and limited battlefield surveillanceAt least Six aircraft. Kahu was designed by the Defence Technology Agency. It served as a vehicle for technology development and enabled the NZDF to gain first-hand experience as an RPAS operator. Kahu has also been deployed operationally on a limited basis.

Unguided Rocket Weapons

New Zealand Army

ModelVariantsOriginTypeCaliberService periodNotes
M20 Mk II Super Bazooka United States Man-portable recoilless anti-tank rocket launcher 3.5-inch (90-mm) 1954- Obsolete, on longer in service with the New Zealand Army.
United States Short-range anti-tank rocket launcher 2.6-inch (66-mm) 1970- A single shot disposable anti-tank weapon.

Royal New Zealand Air Force

ModelVariantsOriginRoleService periodNotes
Canada 70-mm (2.75-inch) air-to-surface rocket Carried by the MB-339, A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk
Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets United States 70-mm (2.75-inch) air-to-surface rocket Formerly carried by the A-4G, A-4K Skyhawk
United States 127-mm (5.0-inch) air-to-surface rocket Formerly carried by the A-4G and A-4K Skyhawk

List of Weapons of the Royal New Zealand Air Force

Free-Fall Bombs

Machine Guns

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: P-8A Poseidon . 2024-08-09 . www.nzdf.mil.nz . en-NZ.
  2. Web site: C130J-30 . 2024-08-09 . www.nzdf.mil.nz . en-NZ.