WIGRAM - A4k (CANTERBURY) Traditional Cache
WIGRAM - A4k (CANTERBURY)
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Size: 
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Small cache. On the edge of a ½ BBall court. Bring your own pen. Magnetic. Please replace with care to keep it hidden.
Welcome to RNZAF Wigram!!! Skyhawk Rd, recognises the venerable McDonnell Douglas A4K Skyhawk. The Sky hawk was an excellent little plane developed by the Douglas (later McDonnell-Douglas, and then Boeing) Company, in answer to a US Navy specification for a Carrier borne attack aircraft. Douglas designer Ed Heinemann opted for a design that would minimize its size, weight, and complexity. The result was an aircraft that weighed only half of the Navy's weight specification. It had a wing so compact that it did not need to be folded for carrier stowage. The story goes, the Navy scoffed at the design, but Heinemann challenged them to buy it if he could make it. It would be great if it were true, but the result was an extremely tough aircraft that could sustain a fearful amount of damage, and still fly. It was well loved by its pilots, but probably not so much by those underneath it! When production ended in 1979, a total of 2960 frames had been built, of which 555 were T-Birds. The NZ Govt ordered 14 Skyhawks – 10 single seat A4K, and 4 2 seater T-A4k in 1969. These were delivered by sea to Auckland in 1970 where they were towed by road to Whenuapai where they were activated and flown to Ohakea. The Skyhawk was operated by No’s 75 and 2 Sqns. In latter years, 2 Sqn moved to RNAS Nowra and operated with the Australian Navy providing training for the Navy. In 1984 a further 8 A4 and 2 T-A4’s were bought from the Australian Navy after they retired their only Carrier. The fleet was numbered NZ6201 - 18 for the single seaters and NZ6251 - 56 for the T- Birds. In the mid 80’s, the Skyhawk fleet was upgraded to have a glass cockpit and weapon delivery system in line with the most modern aircraft of the era under Project Kahu. Jenny Shipleys Govt decided to replace the now aging Skyhawks with F-16’s at the end of the 90’s. But Helen Clarkes Govt cancelled the order, and retired the Skyhawks and Aermacchi trainer in 2001. During its service life 7 aircraft and 3 pilots were lost in accidents. There are still a few examples to be seen – try Air Force World, there are a couple there. Also Ashburton, MOTAT, Warbirds in Wanaka.
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Unir n frng... Va gur pbeare...
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