The results are in...
Aircraft of the Year
Which Aircraft took the title of Aircraft of the Year 2023? Well over 2000 of you voted, we've got the results for you.
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"Veterans of the two world wars and later conflicts have frequently grouped together to remember their service, lost comrades and shared experiences together. This is the story of those New Zealanders participated in World War One as airmen and who met to remember their service at a time when New Zealand had no Air Force of its own..."
Read our latest blog on our website: airforcemuseum.co.nz/blog/1914-18-airmens-association/ ... See MoreSee Less
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David Tudhope was a fresh-faced 22-year-old pilot, just out of training, when he was posted to No. 139 Squadron in June 1943 at about the time the squadron was brought into the Pathfinder Force. He was to survive two tours of operations with the squadron, in one of the most difficult and dangerous roles in Bomber Command.
David was born in Hamilton in 1921 and joined the RNZAF in October 1941 to become a pilot. Initially training at New Plymouth, then Canada and finally England where he converted to Mosquitos. No. 139 Squadron was only the second bomber squadron to re-equip with Mosquitos and were a well-seasoned operational unit when he arrived.
The Pathfinder’s job was to mark the target so the main stream of bombers could more accurately bomb the target.
His first operation, just four days after his first flight with No. 139 Squadron, was to Berlin, where he records in his log book “Operations Berlin. Very Slight Activity….” He flew this and all his first tour operations with his Navigator, Nick Carter and on their 5th operation he records “Operations Cologne. Considerable heavy accurate flak… Coned by S/L [search lights] 6 mins. Holed in starboard wing and tail.”
David was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) after his first tour and a second DFC after his second tour. The citation stated “…his exemplary courage in the face of the enemy opposition have proved a high example to all.” He completed 74 war operations, 24 of which were to Berlin. In the 1984 Queen’s Birthday Honours he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath for service to the development of energy. He died in Wellington in 1996.
In a romantic finale, his log book lists two short flights in October 1946 where his passenger was “Chat”. This was Charity, his future wife and her first ever flight in an aircraft.
Keep a look out on Facebook for more of David Tudhope’s service.
Photos:
1) Flying Officer DH Tudhope (pilot)(left) and Flying Officer Nick Carter (Navigator)(right), No. 139 Squadron Mosquito crew standing beside their Mosquito aircraft DZ421 XD-G 'Sir Peter' at RAF Station Wyton, England. 28 January 1944 . Ref ALB991972008
2) No. 139 Squadron air and ground crew in front of their Mosquito DZ421 XD-G 'Sir Peter' at RAF Station Wyton.
Handwritten under the print "Plane DZ 421 "G" - "Sir Peter"| Crew. Lac Wakefield, self [DH Tudhope], Nick [Flying Officer Carter], Sgt Phillips, AC Ashbee | 28.1.44". Ref ALB991972007 ... See MoreSee Less
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Attention rookie cargo masters!
You’ve got the green light to come to the museum and fly our fantastic new interactive game – Drop Zone.
Test your skills as you guide your Lockheed Hercules C130H through the Otira Valley, making sure you deliver your cargo safely along the way.
Drop Zone is free and waiting for you to have a go – see if you can qualify for duty and even beat the high score. ... See MoreSee Less
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And the winner of Aircraft of the Year is... The Lockheed P-3K2 Orion!
It started strong with nearly 30% of the votes on day 1, and remained in first place even though the other aircraft came closer and closer over the last two weeks.
Read our winner announcement blog here:
airforcemuseum.co.nz/blog/aircraft-of-the-year-2023-winner/
Thank you all for participating, we received well over 2000 votes!
#aircraftoftheyear #aircraftoftheyear2023 #AOTY #AirForceMuseumNZ ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations Orion. A true testament to an amazing hunter. I am proud to have worked with the RNZAF to keep her in the air for so many years.
Excellent
Never in doubt ! 👏👏👏👏
Awesome _x_x_0_x_x_
I wonder if a similar number of votes will be generated for newer P-8A Poseidon ?! 🛫
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