RNZAF’s first P-8A achieves maiden flight
An artist’s rendering of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s first P-8A. It achieved its maiden flight on 16 August. (Image: Boeing)
New Zealand's first Poseidon is on track for delivery before the end of 2022.
The first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) took to the skies on its maiden flight in the US on 16 August.
Following this test flight, systems will be fitted, and the aircraft bearing serial number ‘NZ4801’ is scheduled to arrive in New Zealand this December.
The keel for this airframe was laid down in Wichita on 16 March, before it was transferred to Washington State the following month. The aircraft returned from the paint shop on 21 July with its RNZAF No. 5 Squadron livery.
Eight RNZAF personnel have been embedded with
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus awaits USMC decision on Logistics Connector programme]()
Airbus awaits USMC decision on Logistics Connector programme
Airbus has been advancing development of its uncrewed MQ-72C Logistics Connector for the US Marine Corps, with a decision on the programme expected in early 2026.
-
![Northrop Grumman notes $477 million loss as it manages higher B-21 programme costs]()
Northrop Grumman notes $477 million loss as it manages higher B-21 programme costs
In its Q1 earnings call, the company disclosed a US$477 million pretax loss related to the programme as it works to scale up.
-
![India set to sign Rafale-M deal]()
India set to sign Rafale-M deal
New Delhi gears up to sign Navy Rafale deal as talks swirl around a potential assembly line in Nagpur.
-
![Lockheed Martin wants to “supercharge” F-35 after NGAD loss]()
Lockheed Martin wants to “supercharge” F-35 after NGAD loss
The investment in technologies developed for Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft bid will now be applied to its F-35 and F-22 aircraft, according to Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet.
