The air force's new helicopters, delivered by one of the world's largest jets, will be seen in New Zealand skies this month.

The powerful new European NH90 helicopters come into RNZAF service this year, replacing the venerable, Vietnam-era Iroquois.



Two NH90s were packed inside the massive Antonov AN-124 and flown to Ohakea from Marseilles, France, where they were built. They arrived at Ohakea in December, 2011.



According to Squadron Leader Carl Smith, getting the Antonov with its 73.3-metre span wing span into Ohakea involved careful planning.



Things like stop signs on the perimeter road had to be removed and distance-to-run marker boards identified as obstructions because the engine nacelles came close to them while taxiing, he wrote in the latest Air Force News.



If the Antonov were to turn too tightly while following some taxiway lines it might drop its main wheels into the soft grass verges, or have its wingtips hit the Fire Station.



But after a great deal of planning, and some temporary taxiway lines made from flour, the arrival and departure went smoothly.



The AN-124 is an ex-Soviet military jet now operated commercially out of Moscow. It is an occasional visitor to Auckland for large cargo movements such as Americas Cup yachts.



Air Force News listed some of the big aircraft to visit the base in the past, including Lancaster bombers and B-17s from World War Two, to Valiant, Vulcan and Victor RAF bombers and the massive C-5 Galaxy aircraft flown by the US Air Force.