Second RNZAF Orion retires

On 20 January 2022, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-3K2 Orion serial NZ4206 (construction number 5401) made its last flight before retirement.

The Orion, former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-3B A9-291, was purchased from Lockheed in 1985 and after the replacement of all operator stations by Boeing's Universal Display And Control System (UDACS) it was delivered as a P-3K in May 1985 to 5 Squadron at RNZAF Base Whenuapai near Auckland. The aircraft has accumulated more than 22,000 flying hours.

NZ4206 will be flown to RNZAF Base Woodbourne where it will possibly be dismantled. This Orion is the second to be retired.

On 24 September 2021, Scramble Magazine reported on P-3K2 NZ4203 that was retired after 55 years' service.

The Orions will be replaced by the Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime patrol Aircraft (MPA). In July 2018, New Zealand announced their plans to buy four P-8A Poseidons. Delivery of the first P-8A to the RNZAF is expected by April 2023 with initial operating capability achieved by July of the same year. The entire fleet of four aircraft is slated to reach final operating capability by 2025.

Photo by RNZAF