Warplanes: February 24, 2000

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The Royal New Zealand Air Force has formed an aerial display team, the Black Falcons, from instructor pilots in the 14th Squadron. This unit flies MB339CB trainers, and will perform exhibitions in order to recruit youth into the military. The RNZAF is fitting its C-130 aircraft with defensive systems including cockpit armor, APR-39AV2 radar warning receivers, LEM2160 Missile Warning Systems, and ALR47 chaff/flare dispensers. The New Zealanders have modified all five of their C-130s to accept the system, but only bought three sets. These will be used mostly for New Zealand units sent to dangerous foreign areas on peacekeeping or UN missions.--Stephen V Cole