Scooter handover at Omaka

[DaveM2]

One of the mothballed RNZAF A-4Ks was officially handed over to the Aviation Heritage Centre at Omaka , Blenheim this morning, one of several being gifted to museums throughout NZ (and one to Australia), following the canned sale of the fleet. NZ6216 served with the USN aboard the USS Ranger and Hancock during the Vietnam War, then with the Royal Oz Navy and finally to the RNZAF from 1984 - 2001 when the aircraft were flown from Ohakea for storage up the road at RNZAF Woodbourne, eventually being shrink wrapped in latex. Engine and all avionics have been removed , and over the next months volunteers will set to work and get her looking her best.

Dave

[avenger2504]

Yep they are coming thick and fast now, here's NZ6204 one of the original RNZAF Skyhawks delivered in 1970 now in the Ashburton Aviation Museum as of a week ago. This was taken Saturday night at the grand opening of their "Super" Hangar.


There's a small issue with the nose gear oleo hence the "spreader" tool in place to mske her sit close to upright!

She's in good company:
Harrier


Meteor


Vampire


Harvard(and the first aircraft they purchased for the museum)


Even the humble Cherokee 140 (which I actually have in my logbook)

[Malo83]

Any BuNo's for these Scooters

[Pat Carry]

Very interesting Dave! thanks for posting this

[jmkendall]

I think it is great that you guys were able to save them for posterity. They look Fantastic! Were the engines removed to keep them from flying again?

[DaveM2]

Don't know the Bu Nos, will try and find out for ours at least. Yes engines had to be removed , as with avionics and weapons systems in order that they cannot be operated ( I think that is part of the agreement with the US State Dept by our Govt.)

Dave

[Dave Homewood]

Some of the RNZAF Skyhawk BuNo's are to be found here:
http://www.adf-serials.com/nz-serials/nz6201.shtml

The ex-RAN ones do not have BuNo's listed though.

[hercules130]

A-4K N6216 was A-4F BuNo 155061 cn 13877 with the USN, then A-4G N13-155061 with RAN code of 874 before Kiwi service.