Two Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) helicopters have made a record-breaking flight across the sea from Australia to New Zealand. The NH90 helicopters travelled 2,840 kilometres over two days, arriving safely at RNZAF Base Ohakea on Tuesday afternoon.
The aircraft began their journey at RAAF Base Amberley in Australia. Along the way, they stopped at Rockhampton, Coffs Harbour, Lord Howe Island, and Norfolk Island. Their longest single flight was from Norfolk Island to Auckland, which took four and a half hours.
This journey set a new record for RNZAF NH90 helicopters flying over water. Their previous record, set last month, was 839 kilometres across the Coral Sea between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Air Commodore Andy Scott said the mission showed how the NH90s could fly long distances without needing extra help. He explained that well-planned trips like this give crews confidence and show what the helicopters are capable of.
The helicopters belong to No. 3 Squadron, which had been away since June. They first went to Australia for Exercise Talisman Sabre, then visited Papua New Guinea for the country’s 50th independence celebrations.
Wing Commander Chris Ross said the flight helped pilots gain important experience in long-distance flying. Squadron Leader Lachie Johnston, the NH90 Flight Commander, added that while this kind of journey had been planned since 2023, this was the first time they had a real chance to try it.
In total, the helicopters have flown around 5,500 kilometres since leaving Papua New Guinea. While helicopters don’t usually fly such long trips, this journey shows how powerful and prepared the RNZAF’s NH90s truly are.
