• NZ Warbirds

Curtiss P-40-N1 Kittyhawk

Fighter

The Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk is an American aircraft that was the United States Army Air Corp’s (USAAC) first mass-produced fighter. Developed from the P-36, the Kittyhawk’s easy flying characteristics was praised by its pilots but loathed for its lack of performance at high altitude.  However, with its robust, rugged build, it went on to become a successful, low level, ground attack/fighter for the Allies.

Our Kittyhawk (A29-448) is an ex Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) machine which served with 75 and 78 squadrons in Papua New Guinea where it saw combat against Japanese forces.  A landing mishap saw the aircraft left in Papua New Guinea until it was recovered in 1973 and brought back to NZ for restoration.  She is painted in her authentic 75 squadron markings.

During its restoration it was converted to a two-seat status with the addition of a seat in place of the rear fuel tank. The rear seat is complete with dual controls and instruments for conversion training in what is a remarkable feat of engineering. This has allowed the fighter to retain its original lines but provide the public with a unique opportunity to experience what it was like to fly in an authentic fighter.

The RNZAF operated 293 Kittyhawks where they were used in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Here they supported American, Australian and New Zealand ground troops during the landings of Guadalcanal.

Book a Flight

Country of Origin: United States of America
Engine: Allison V-1710-39, 1360 HP V12, single stage supercharged piston engine
Length: 10.20m (33ft 6in)
Height: 3.76m (12ft 4in)
Wing Span: 11.42m (37ft 5in)
Maximum Speed: 378mph (609 kmh or 329 knots)
Range: 750 miles (1200km)
Service Ceiling: 38,150ft (11,630m)
Armament: 6 x M2 Brownings 0.5 calibre machine guns, 250 to 2000Ib of bombs

Ryan STM S-2

Sport Aircraft & Trainer

Country of Origin: United States of America
Engine: LOM Prague M332A, 140 Hp straight 4 | Originals: Menasco C4 125 Hp inverted straight 4
Top Speed:

 

BAC 167 Strikemaster Mk.88

Jet Trainer/Light Attack

Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Engine: Rolls-Royce Viper Mk.535 turbojet, 3,140 lbf
Top Speed:

 

Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros

Jet Trainer/Light Attack

Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia
Engine: Ivchenko AI-25, 3,800 lb turbofan engine
Top Speed: 750 Km/h, 466 MPH, 404 Knots

 

@nz_warbirds

It’s been 14 years since this beauty took to the skies for its 1st post restoration flight after a 5 year restoration. How time flies😁 Painted in the colours of Alan Deere, NZ second highest scoring ace, Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX PV270 is based at at RNZAF base Ohakea. 📷 Paul Johnston 📍Omaka Aerodrome, New Zealand #keepemflying #warbird #avgeek #aviation #aviator #aviationlovers #spitfire #merlin #supermarine #aviationphotography #pilot #flying #flight #photographer #instagood #onlyinnz #nz #newzealand #aotearoa #purenz #IfYouSeekNZ #history #supermarinespitfire #restoration
AIRSHOW TIME! Yes, the rumors are true. We are excited to announce that Auckland’s local AIRSHOW is back this June!😁 ✈️WARBIRDS ON PARADE 📆Sunday 04 June 2023 📍Ardmore Airport, Auckland, New Zealand. Join us for a day of aerobatics, formation fly pasts and aerial displays. See New Zealand’s aviation heritage where it belongs – in the sky. ⏰Flying display slots at 10:30am | 12:30pm | 2:30pm (gates open at 9:00am) Static aircraft, classic cars and military vehicles on display. Merchandise and refreshments will be available🍟️🥤 The perfect outing for the whole family👨‍👧‍👦 Pricing and ticket details will be announced when live. Follow us on Facebook or visit our website to keep up to date with details such as ticketing and aircraft announcements as they come. Mark it on your calendars and we will see you there👍 Note this will be our only show for 2023. #KeepEmFlying #Airshow #WarbirdsOnParade #VisitAuckland #purenz #airshow #spitfire #mustang #aviation #flight #show #nz #auckland #newzealand #mustdotravels #events #warbirds #avgeek
ZK-TAF cruising. P-51s are cool 😎 #keepemflying #warbird #avgeek #aviation #aviator #aviationlovers #mustang #p51 #gopro #aviationphotography #pilot #flying #flight #photographer #instagood #airshow #reels #onlyinnz #nz #newzealand #auckland #ardmore #VisitAuckland #IfYouSeekNZ #instagood #p51mustang #picoftheday
#repost No explanation needed. Steadfast is just too cool!😎 This high-performance Yak 3U-R2000 holds nine world records including the under 3000kg World Speed Record at 416 MPH!✈️ 📷 @mike_gannaway 📍 @wingsoverwairarapa #keepemflying #warbird #avgeek #aviation #aviator #aviationlovers #yakinthebox #yak3u #aerobatics #yakinthebox #aviationphotography #pilot #flying #flight #photographer #instagood #airshow #show #onlyinnz #nz #newzealand #aotearoa #auckland #ardmore #pioneer #VisitAuckland #ifyouseeknz
It is with sadness that we learn of the passing of Max Collett, aged 99. He was the last surviving New Zealand Spitfire pilot from the Second World War and flew with No. 485 (NZ) Squadron RAF. The @royalnzairforce will be conducting a Spitfire fly-past at the venue for Max's Memorial Service on Friday 6th January. The Spitfire will depart Ohakea at 10:50 and is expected to be overhead the Beth Shan Funeral Home in Napier at the conclusion of the service around 11:30 to 11:40. Blue Skies✈️ #rip
Flying out of 2022 like…. Happy New Year to all our followers and supporters 🎉🍾🥳 #2023 #happynewyear #keepemflying #warbird #avgeek #aviation #aviator #aviationlovers #spitfire #aviationphotography #pilot #flying #flight #photographer #instagood #onlyinnz #nz #newzealand #aotearoa #auckland #ardmore #pioneer #VisitAuckland #IfYouSeekNZ #love
#flashbackfriday P40 Magic✨ Earlier in the year when 2x P40 Kittyhawks flew together at Ardmore. Such a great day! #avgeek #warbird #aviation #curtis #p40 #kittyhawk #formation #restoration #nzwarbirdsatardmore #onlyatardmore #nz #newzealand #keepemflying #pioneer #aero #airplane #aeroplane #alison #v12 #horsepower #airshow #display
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