5454 x 4483 px | 46,2 x 38 cm | 18,2 x 14,9 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
24 marzo 2014
Ubicazione:
RAF Lossiemouth, Morayshire, Grampian. Scotland. UK
Altre informazioni:
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) (Maori: Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa, previously Te Hokowhitu o Kahurangi is the air force component of the New Zealand Defence Force. It was formed from New Zealand elements of the British Royal Air Force, becoming an independent force in 1923, although many RNZAF aircrew continued to serve in the Royal Air Force until the end of the 1940s. The RNZAF fought in World War II, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Gulf War plus various United Nations peacekeeping missions. From a 1945 peak of over 1, 000 combat aircraft the RNZAF has shrunk to a strength of around 62 aircraft in 2010, focusing on maritime patrol and transport duties in support of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the New Zealand Army. The Air Force is led by an air vice-marshal who holds the appointment of Chief of Air Force. The RNZAF motto is the same as that of the Royal Air Force, Per ardua ad astra, meaning "Through adversity to the stars." 1 History 1.1 World War I 1.2 The New Zealand Permanent Air Force 1.3 World War II 1.3.1 New Zealanders serving with the RAF 1.3.2 The RNZAF in the Pacific 1.4 Postwar RNZAF 1.5 Airbase reductions in the post–Cold War period 1.6 21st century government defence changes 1.7 Recent activities 2 Current strength 2.1 Squadrons 2.2 Other units New Zealand's military aviation began in 1913 when the New Zealand Army was presented with two Blériot monoplanes by the United Kingdom. These machines were grounded after a young woman was given a joyride Both aircraft were however handed back after war broke.
