40-я эскадрилья ВВС Новой Зеландии: История и современность

Unbulleted list
| Douglas DC 6 (1954 unknown)
| Handley Page Hastings (1954 unknown)
| Lockheed C 130H Hercules (1965 present) The 727s were purchased by the administration of Sir Rob Muldoon and used by the fourth and fifth Labour governments, as well as the administration of Jenny Shipley. The Boeing 727s were replaced in 2003 by two Boeing 757s.

Located at RNZAF Base Whenuapai 40 Squadron today operates five C 130H(NZ) Hercules and two Boeing 757 2K2's. The squadron saw action throughout the Pacific War against Japan, helped supply New Zealand forces fighting in Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, East Timor, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and provided transport to United States and United Kingdom forces in the 1990 Gulf War. Humanitarian missions have included flying in the first Cyclone Tracy relief supplies to Darwin, assisting victims of the Bali bombing and the Boxing Day tsunami. Since the late 1960s the squadron has detached aircraft each summer to work in the Ross Dependency of Antarctica. During the period 29 November to 12 December 1979, the squadron flew flights to Antarctica in support of body recovery operations associated with the Air New Zealand Flight 901 DC 10 crash which impacted the slopes of Mt Erebus with the loss of all 257 lives. A major operation for the squadron was the 2011 Christchurch earthquake which saw nearly the entire fleet working around the clock distributing personnel, freight, SAR teams and medical supplies to the people of Christchurch. 40 Squadron aircraft worked in conjunction with C 130s from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and U. S. Air Force. 40 Squadron is held in high regard internationally having won various tactical flying competitions in the USA competing against other air forces in exercises such as Green Flag East at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

In 2003 two second hand Boeing 757 200s were purchased from Transavia, which 40 Squadron operate in transport, freight, cargo and troop movement roles. They can also be converted for medical use in emergencies. Their registrations are NZ7571 and NZ7572.

The RNZAF purchased the three first ever, H model Hercules (NZ 7001, NZ 7002, NZ 7003) from the US in April 1965 and then another two aircraft (NZ 7004, and NZ 7005) in 1968. Since the introduction of the type they have been involved extensively carrying freight, troops, and providing humanitarian relief to countries all over the world.

In 2008, the squadron began modernising its Hercules aircraft with new avionics, centre wing refurbishment, aircraft systems upgrade, and complete re wiring and replacement of major parts and interior to extend their life expectancy (for NZ$234 million). The package for each aircraft was known as the Life Extension Programme (LEP). Initially two aircraft were completed in Canada however the programme ran into difficulties when the company tasked with carrying out the refurbishments went into receivership. The remaining aircraft were then completed by Safe Air in Blenheim, New Zealand. The Hercules fleet now operate with glass cockpits and had one of the most extensive upgrades ever completed on this type of aircraft anywhere in the world. The Boeing 757s were also upgraded with new avionics and more powerful engines. A cargo door was also fitted to allow pallet loading and an aero medical facility if needed.

Since 2015 the RNZAF has been looking to replace the C 130 Hercules fleet and the Boeing 757s. The Lockheed Martin C 130J Super Hercules was announced as the replacement for the C 130Hs in June 2019. The RNZAF opted for the stretched C 130J 30 model that has an extra 4.6 metre longer fuselage, providing space for an additional two pallets of extra freight. The first of the aircraft is expected to be delivered from mid 2024 with the full fleet of five operational in 2025. however it is now expected between 2028 and 2030.