The reason for this (as in real life with the A-4K) was not an economy measure as most references state (including the Third Wire manual) but because the equipment was in such demand by US forces for use in Vietnam. This means the wiring, sensors and cockpit RHAW display are installed but the actual 'black box' control units are not. However like the A-4K in real life they are 'fitted for but not with' ECM/ RHAW equipment. The RNZAF F-4D models are built to the same standard as the last USAF F-4D coming off the production line in the late 60's. I chose the F-4D as when the order would have likely been placed in late 1966/ early 1967 the F-4D was the current USAF production model as the first of the F-4E models were only just being built as part of the USAF F-4D contract. So if the Treasury Department hadn't intervened in the procurement process towards the end of 1966 it seems entirely likely that New Zealand would have placed and order for the F-4 Phantom II at the end of that year!Īnd so I give you the F-4D Phantom II in RNZAF Service 1969 to 2002. It was either 11 Phantoms or 16 Skyhawks. Then at the end of 1967 the New Zealand Currency was devalued and a squadron of F-4 Phantoms was now instantly out of New Zealand’s price range. Over the next year the RNZAF, Cabinet Defense Committee, Treasury, the Finance Minister and the Chief of Defense wrangled over purchasing the F-4 or an alternative (F-5 or A-4). The purchase of the F-4 seemed to be all but done.īUT the Treasury department now intervened and recommended purchasing the F-5! The RNZAF High Command was furious! But ultimately powerless to halt the path to purchasing the A-4 Skyhwak that had just begun. The minister of Defense then announced the final stage of the evaluation had been reached and a decision was a few weeks away. Now remember AVM Morrison making it known he wanted the F-111? He would later go on to admit he never wanted the F-111 he had wanted the F-4 all along but given the cost of the F-4 he wanted to make it look more attractive (cost wise) by putting it next to the F-111. In August 1966 the RNZAF officially asked the government to purchase 16 F-4 Phantoms at a total cost of £19 million. Ability to operate closely with American and Australian forces.īy May 1966 the RNZAF had finished evaluating six candidate aircraft: Self defense capability to evade or counter supersonic interceptors and surface-to-air missiles. Ability to provide effective air support to ground forces. 12 with the following requirements of the new combat aircraft: In December came Air Staff Requirement No. In August 1965 the Chiefs of Staff Committee rejected the idea of acquiring long-range interdiction aircraft and in September agreed that close air support should be the primary role of the new combat aircraft. The public and media supported the idea but the Chief of Defense Staff (who was a Naval Officer) and the acting Prime Minister publicly opposed the purchase. In June 1965 The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Morrison was quoted as wanting 18 F-111 aircraft for the RNZAF at a cost of £1.5 million per aircraft. Specifically a long range aircraft with the primary role of counter-air/interdiction and secondary roles of close air support and air defense. 5/Air called for a tactical combat aircraft to replace the Canberra. F-4 Phantom II in Royal New Zealand Air Force service ('What If')
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