A United States Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy has landed at Base Auckland carrying parts for the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s new C-130J Hercules flight simulator. A final shipment is due to arrive in the coming days.
The simulator will be used to train crews from No. 40 Squadron, which now operates the RNZAF’s fleet of five C-130J Hercules aircraft. Once assembled, the full-motion system will replicate the Hercules cockpit and allow crews to practice scenarios ranging from emergency procedures to difficult weather conditions.
Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott said the simulator would provide pilot, loadmaster and mission systems training, while also helping ensure interoperability with international partners. He added that the use of simulators improves crew preparedness while reducing wear and tear on aircraft.
The delivery involves 58 crates of equipment, weighing 49 tonnes in total. The system is being supplied through a joint effort between the Ministry of Defense, the USAF, CAE USA and Lockheed Martin, with construction and installation set to begin soon at a purpose-built facility at Base Auckland.
The simulator is scheduled to be operational by mid-2026. It is part of a wider $1.5 billion project that has already delivered the five new aircraft, along with spare parts and training support.
