The Douglas, by Stewy Murphy

Filmed in the 1990s this video is the best video tribute around to the now defunct RNZAF Air Combat Force. It shows the updated A-4K Skyhawk in action, includes rarely seen live weapons delivery from both the ground and pilots perspectives, including spectacular HUD footage. Stewy Murphy was an Air Traffic Controller at Ohakea and his camera captured some great footage. Cheers Stewy!

[@eitleoir170]

Brilliant montage. I'm not from New Zealand but I have massive respect for those who flew and maintained No. 75 and No. 2 Squadrons RNZAF. I'm from Ireland and here our air arm, the Irish Air Corps, also doesn't have fast jets anymore. We once did but not as big a fleet as the RNZAF, (only 6 Fouga Magisters, barely considered a fighter but it was better than nothing). New Zealand was a fine example of a small nation that can afford to fly and operate a small but effective combat fleet. Fortunately there has been talk recently of the Air Corps possibly getting fast jets. I hope the same will happen in New Zealand in the future. The Korean Aerospace FA-50 could be an ideal aircraft for both our air forces. Cheap to buy and maintain, advanced trainer and light fighter all in one package. Argentina was actually meant to get a fleet of FA-50s to replace their A4s, but due to the pandemic, had to delay the order. If more money was available then the Saab JAS 39 Gripen would be the best fighter to go for. I know this is all a bit far fetched but you never know what can happen. If the political will is there then it is very doable. 🇳🇿 🇮🇪

[@allgood6760]

Cool vid.. we should reinstate our strike wing 👍🇳🇿

[@imbetterthanyouis]

kiwi skyhawks in the euro 1 pattern , all business , such a shame though one of the best strike wings on the planet and we dont have them anymore

[@alanbrooke144]

Did my FAC training in NZ mostly in Waiouru. It was something of an adjustment working with other air forces, when you had to look up for the aircraft form the hill, rather than down as was the norm with 75 Sqn.

[@goodbill55]

Great video, such a pity their service life ended so abruptly without any replacement

[@ruahinesrider]

Magnificent 👍 I miss the days when they thundered overhead in NZ.As a kid I watched them intercept illegal fishing off the coast at Ocean Beach & listen in.

[@ayfj4572]

Stew did a great job on these videos, lucky bastard getting all those rides on the A4. Probably the best footage the RNZAF has. I knew stew when he was ATC in Dubai, great guy.

[@earfors]

Travesty to know those A4s were parked up and then corroded to pieces.

[@mikey9999]

Some good shots...thanks Don...Cheers Roo

[@donsimms1843]

Thanks 👍