C-130J Hercules simulator arrives at RNZAF Base Auckland

The United States Air Force’s (USAF) C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft touched down at Base Auckland with components for the C-130J Hercules Weapons Systems Trainer, a full-motion flight simulator. A further and final consignment will arrive in the next few days. 

The equipment will train No. 40 Squadron crews, who operate the RNZAF’s newest fleet of five C-130J Hercules aircraft.

“This is a really exciting time for the New Zealand Defence Force because the flight simulator is a critical tool that will provide pilot training, loadmaster systems training and engine run training, as well as procedural and mission systems training,” Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott said. 

“It will also play a large role in ensuring our fleet is interoperable and our crews will be able to work alongside our international partners.”

The system is a full motion simulator designed to simulate the C-130J in a realistic manner. Once constructed, the simulator will look and move just like a real cockpit, simulating a range of realistic scenarios - from emergency operations to poor weather conditions.

“Simulators improve crew preparedness and free up the aircraft for operations. They reduce maintenance and flight time on actual aircraft, saving money, time and reducing risk,” Air Commodore Scott said.

Over the two flights, the C-5 Galaxy will deliver 58 crates of equipment, weighing a total of 49 tonnes. 

An integrated project team, led by the Ministry of Defence, worked with USAF, CAE USA and Lockheed Martin to deliver the simulator. It will be ready for use from about the middle of next year. 

Construction and installation of the simulator at Base Auckland will start shortly within a purpose-built facility, which has already been completed.

The delivery of simulator components is part of a $1.5 billion project that delivered five C-130J Hercules aircraft, spare parts and training to the NZDF, as part of a Foreign Military Sales process.