Ohakea Open Day # 9: P3K Orion

The P3K Orion is the RNZAF's primary surveillance aircraft. It's capable of extended range and time operations. Depending on configuration [particularly if 2 engines are shut down], these aircraft have an endurance of up to 15 hours - this can be very helpful when flying longer range missions, such as protecting New Zealand's maritime interests in the deep southern ocean, or conducting SAR operations around New Zealand or the Pacific.

Despite what seemed to be a false start early on in the day [The P3K got to the runway holding point, then turned back to the apron], the P3K crew put on an awesome display. The following are a couple of the better pictures I managed to capture.