Project Kahu was a major upgrade program for the A-4K Skyhawk attack aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in the mid-1980s.

The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a single-seat subsonic carrier-capable light attack aircraft designed and produced by the American aerospace manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company, and later, McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated A4D under the United States Navy 's pre-1962 designation system.

First produced in 1954, the Skyhawk was one of the world’s longest-serving attack aircraft. It was also the RNZAF’s longest-serving combat aircraft, as well as its last, with an operational life spanning more than 30 years.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) operated Douglas A-4 Skyhawk attack jet-aircraft from 1970 to 2001. The aircraft equipped the RNZAF's Strike Wing, serving with No. 75 Squadron and, from 1984, No. 2 Squadron. In late 2001, the aircraft were controversially withdrawn from service without being replaced.

A History of the McDonnell Douglas A-4K Skyhawk in the Service of the Royal New Zealand Air Force 1970 – 2001

Oct 15, 2016 · MAY 1959 - Fitch conceived the idea of bomb racks that could carry multiple bombs on the limited number of weapons stations of the A-4C Skyhawk. For his efforts he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal.

Project Kahu was a major upgrade for the A-4 Skyhawk fighter jet. In 1986, the Royal New Zealand Air Force initiated this project which included the installation of a Westinghouse AN/APG-66 radar optimized for maritime tracking, HOTAS controls and a 'glass' cockpit (2 large CRT screens), MIL-STD...

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) A-4K (A-4K-1) Skyhawk was a multirole fighter aircraft that served as a vital component of New Zealand's air defense capabilities. The A-4K is an upgraded variant of the A-4 Skyhawk which featured modern avionics, better radar, and HOTAS.

NZ6254, a two-seat TA-4K Skyhawk, has had its protective coating removed and will shortly be dismantled into its major components ready for movement by NZDF transport to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand at Wigram, Christchurch, the birthplace of New Zealand military aviation.

“NZ 6207” which stands resplendent in the atrium of the Air Force Museum is not as it first appears and is in fact a replica of the aircraft the first Skyhawk lost in RNZAF service. “07” was originally built as an A-4C for the US Navy and later modified to an A-4L in Navy service before being used by a private American Company on military work.