Farewell tour RNZAF P-3K2 Orions
On 24 January 2023, the last three Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-3K2 Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) made a farewell flight over the North Island. By the end of this month, 5 Squadron Keitou Kalawaca Na Wasaliwa (We span the ocean) will retire the Orion after more than 55 years of service.
Scramble Magazine first reported on the early retirement last December.
The three-ship formation, serials NZ4201, NZ4202 and NZ4205, departed RNZAF Base Whenuapai, and flew over Waikato, Manawatū, Napier, Tauranga, Coromandel Coast, Great Barrier Island and Whangārei, with close formation fly-pasts over Ohakea, and Wellington and Auckland harbours, before returning to Whenuapai.
After the farewell flight was completed, NZ4202 flew from Whenuapai to Woodbourne for retirement. This leaves NZ4201 and 4205 active untill 31 January when they will leave Whenuapai for the last time, complete a two-ship tour of the South Island and then end their run at Woodboure for retirement.
On 25 January, the first Boeing P-8A Poseidon, serial NZ4801, flew its maiden flight in New Zealand, departing from RNZAF Base Ohakea at 10:30 hrs LT, travelling up to Whenuapai for a missed approach, heading out to sea for low level flying, and return to Ohakea.
According to the RNZAF, the six Orions have flown just under 150,000 hours of service. An overview of the individual number of flight hours is as follows:
Photos by RNZAF and Andrew Hamblyn