NZ1050

Finally we have a Harvard Mk IIA (NA88) aircraft in the RAF Grey/Red training aircraft paint scheme which was adopted in New Zealand in (about) 1968 replacing a post war silver/flourescent red scheme. The particular aircraft, NZ1050 has been the gate guardian of RNZAF Base Wigram since about 1976. The Base closed in 1995, but the airfield is still open and is the home of the RNZAF Museum, and of a detachment of No 3 (Helicopter) Squadron. As presented NZ1050 has the chequered cowling which was fitted to aircraft being flown by the "Red Checkers" aerobatic team of the RNZAF Central Flying School. These cowlings were fitted only for the actual displays, and replaced with plain grey cowlings when being used for normal pilot or flying instructor training.

While these particular Harvards at one stage sported an extensive radio fit including HF (with both a fixed and a trailing aerial), VHF, radio range receiver and fan marker receiver, all of this was removed in the mid to late 1950s and replaced with a single VHF radio using the rod aerial depicted.