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No. 42 Squadron of the RNZAF was formed at Rongotai Airport (Wellington) in December 1943 to provide a communications service around New Zealand, initially using impressed civilian types. It was briefly officially disbanded in 1946, but its aircraft continued with general purpose operations at RNZAF Station Ohakea (near Bulls). When reformed the squadron was equipped with various numbers of Harvard IIB & III, Auster, Avenger TBM-1, Oxford, Devon C.1, P-51D Mustang and DC-3A/C-47D Dakota. TBF Avengers flown by 42 Squadron pilots were involved in the first aerial topdressing trials carried out in the world, spreading superphosphate fertiliser alongside the runways at Ohakea. Their main purpose was to tow gunnery targets (drogues and banners) for air-to-air gunnery and for the navy and army. The P-51 Mustang also provided high-speed towing of banner targets, especially for Vampire jets, and was used extensively for co-operation in army manoeuvres. == Transformation and VIP role == The role of the squadron gradually changed to VIP flights (DC-3 and Devon), multi-engine conversion courses (Oxford and Devon), and general transport flying around New Zealand and the South Pacific. During the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1953/54, 42 Squadron DC-3 Dakotas carried her around New Zealand. In the late 1950s the squadron's inventory comprised only Dakotas and Devons, and in the mid 1960s the Dakota fleet was enlarged to six aircraft. The reliable but aging Dakotas were retired in 1977 and replaced by four Andover twin-engine transports. Two (NZ7622 and NZ728), were converted to full VIP configuration; NZ7625 was semi-converted and NZ7627 remained in the utility configuration. To accommodate the reformed No. 2 Squadron RNZAF with A-4 Skyhawks at Ohakea in 1984, 42 Squadron moved to Whenuapai) and absorbed the Andovers of No. 1 Squadron RNZAF which was disbanded. The squadron then had 10 Andovers. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「No. 42 Squadron RNZAF」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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