One of the world’s largest military aircraft, a United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed C-5M Galaxy, is scheduled to touchdown in Auckland shortly, to deliver components for the construction of a new Hercules C-130J-30 flight simulator.
An integrated project team, led by the Ministry of Defence, is working with USAF, CAE USA and Lockheed Martin to deliver the full-motion flight simulator, which will train Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) crews operating the new fleet of five Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules.
“The Hercules flight simulator will be a critical tool for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), providing a safe and secure space for pilot training, loadmaster systems training and engine run training, as well as procedural and mission systems training for aircrew and ground crews,” said Sarah Minson, Deputy Secretary of Capability Delivery at the Ministry of Defence.
“Once constructed, the simulator will look and move just like a real cockpit, simulating a range of scenarios - from emergency operations to poor weather conditions. Training tools like this reduce maintenance and flight time on actual aircraft, saving money and time, and reducing risk. Simulators also improve crew preparedness and free up the aircraft for NZDF operations.”
USAF will deliver 58 crates that weigh a combined 49 tonnes to RNZAF Base Auckland, Whenuapai, via two C-5M Galaxy flights over the coming days.
“We are grateful to the United States Air Force for their support delivering the Hercules simulator. It is another demonstration of our strong partnership,” said Sarah Minson.
The delivery is part of the $1.5 billion project to introduce five new C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft to the New Zealand Defence Force, as part of a US Foreign Military Sales process.
Construction and installation of the simulator at Base Auckland will commence shortly within a purpose-built facility, which has already been completed. The simulator will be ready for use from 2026.
The RNZAF Hercules fleet is a mission-critical capability for Defence and a significant national asset.
In recent months, it has been used to transport personnel and equipment to the Middle East. It has also deployed to Guam for the United States-led multinational Exercise Mobility Guardian and has conducted multiple flights to Antarctica, carrying cargo to support the work of the New Zealand and United States scientific research programmes.
Photo caption: A USAF C-5M Galaxy lands at RNZAF Base Auckland at night, carrying components for the New Zealand Defence Force's new Hercules flight simulator. The aircraft is loaded up with components bound for New Zealand at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
