Dear Ministry of Defence,
I request the following information relating to the lease of Beechcraft KingAir KA350 announced on 10 May 2018 by the Minister of Defence:
a. What model aircraft has been leased, specifically whether these are fitted with a cargo door, underwing hardpoints or extended range capabilities?
b.Is aerial delivery or parachuting included in the projected role for these aircraft?
c. What avionics systems are included in the lease?
d. Do the New Zealand lease aircraft have any other specialised characteristics not usually seen in the KA350 aircraft?
e. What is the number of flying hours per year assigned to the lease and is this the same for each aircraft?
f. Is this the same number of flying hours carried undertaken by the B200 fleet?
g. What is the approximate split of flying hours into pilot training, other aircrew training, maritime surveillance, VIP transport, light airlift, humanitarian and any other projected roles (please specify the latter)?
h. What is the annualised difference in cost between the previous lease of KingAir B200 plus aircrew training for air warfare officers, and the like, currently carried out overseas versus the cost of the new lease plus the same training conducted in New Zealand?

This request is made under the Official Information Act 1982. I am a NZ citizen.

Yours faithfully,

Simon Ewing-Jarvie

Dear Ministry of Defence,

I have not received acknowledgement of this request and would appreciate one thanks.

Yours faithfully,

Simon Ewing-Jarvie