Two of New Zealand’s NH Industries NH90 rotorcraft have embarked on their maiden deployment, supporting aid delivery to Fiji in response to the cyclone that struck on 20 February.

As part of the Pacific Relief task force for tropical cyclone Winston the two medium transports, plus two Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprites, have deployed on board HMNZS Canterbury to Suva in Fiji, where they will be used to transport aid and supplies to areas not accessible by land.

The Fijian government and international aid agencies began delivering aid on 24 February to the Pacific nation's remote islands and coastal villages, supported initially by a Royal New Zealand Air Force Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules and a Lockheed P-3K2 Orion, plus a Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed P-3C Orion.

Early aid supplies included tool kits, generators, water, ration packs, water containers, chainsaws and tarpaulins.

The decision was made to deploy HMNZS Canterbury, with four rotorcraft on board, to the area with the ship due to set sail on 28 February.

It is planned for the vessel and helicopters to arrive in Suva on 3 March, after which the NH90 will move on to Nausori airport, with a primary role of transporting personnel and relief supplies into areas inaccessible by road.

Peter Clark

Sqn Ldr Ben Pryor, NH90 detachment commander for the NZDF, says the biggest logistical problem early on will be with fuel only being located at the major airports. However planning is in place to bring in a refuelling capability to allow the NH90s to operate to outlying islands.

The mission to Fiji with the Seasprites is also of note because it is expected to be the last operational deployment for the older variants that will be retired in April as eight new Kaman SH-2G(I)s become fully operational. Having the two rotorcraft on board will allow for one to be operational while the other is kept in reserve.

Source: FlightGlobal.com