History
Narrative Summary
The Royal New Zealand Navy started life as the New Zealand Naval Forces, part of the British Royal Navy from 1913. In 1921 this became the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, and in October 1941 became a fully independent naval force as the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Beginning in 1936, the NZD operated catapult-launched Walrus amphibian biplanes from HMS Achilles and HMS Leander. The former ship took part in the Battle of the River Plate in 1939. The aircraft were retired at the end of World War II.
In 1966 the RNZN became a helicopter operator, forming a squadron of Westland Wasp helicopters. Deployed on the Navy’s Leander Class Frigates, the Wasp provided excellent service for the next 32 years. In 1998 the Kaman SH-2 Seaprite replaced the Wasp in RNZN service. Initially an interim standard SH-2F version was operated, but this was later replaced by the more advanced SH-2G version.
Key Dates
| 1 October 1941 |
|
Royal New Zealand Navy established as a separate organisation. |
| 1966 |
|
First helicopter type obtained – Westland Wasp. |
| 1998 |
|
Kaman SH-2 Seasprite begins to replace the Wasp helicopter. |
Current Status
All RNZN helicopters currently are currently active.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
National Insignia
The Walrus aircraft operated in standard Fleet Air Arm colours. The Wasp helicopter carried the high visibility version of the red Kiwi roundel on the fuselage sides, with ‘RNZN’ service titles. The Seaprites carry the low visibility version of the roundel with ‘NAVY’ service titles.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Aircraft operating with the RNZN carry serials in the same sequence as the RNZAF, e.g. Wasp NZ3907.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
| Aircraft Type |
Total Del’d |
Total Active |
Still on Order |
Role |
| Kaman SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite |
5 |
5 |
0 |
ASW |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type |
Quantity |
Service Entry |
Out of Service |
Origin |
| Kaman SH-2F Seasprite |
4 |
1998 |
2001 |
USA |
| Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite |
8 |
2014 |
n/a |
USA |
| Kaman SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite |
5 |
2001 |
current |
USA |
| Supermarine Walrus I |
? |
1936 |
1947 |
UK |
| Westland Wasp HAS.1 |
15 |
1966 |
1998 |
UK |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand, Trentham, Upper Hutt, Wellington.
Organisational Structure
The only current flying unit is No. 6 Squadron.
Current Order of Battle
As above.
Historical Orders of Battle
To be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
3 Squadron RNZAF
6 Squadron RNZAF
Naval Support Flight
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
RNZN aircraft have been based at Whenuapai since July 1998.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
No.3 Squadron was originally based at Hobsonville until 1998.
Aircraft-Carrying Ships Listing
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
To be added
Websites
wikipedia: Royal New Zealand Navy
Official website
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.
