U.S. And New Zealand Secretly Tested 'Tsunami Bomb'

U.S. And New Zealand Secretly Tested 'Tsunami Bomb' Designed To Trigger Tidal Waves And Destroy Coastal Cities In WWII

Countries carried out covert tests of a device designed to use underwater explosions to trigger massive tidal waves

Testing saw almost 4,000 bombs detonated in waters around New Caledonia and Auckland during the Second World War

Details of top secret Project Seal unearthed in military files in New Zealand's national archives by an author researching a new book

The U.S. and New Zealand collaborated on a top-secret plan to develop a 'tsunami bomb' capable of devastating coastal cities, it has emerged.
The countries carried out covert tests of the potential weapon of mass destruction - designed to use underwater explosions to trigger huge tidal waves - in waters around Auckland and the Pacific island of New Caledonia during the Second World War.
Details of the secretive operation, code-named Project Seal, were discovered in military files buried in New Zealand's national archives by author and film-maker Ray Waru.

Mr Waru, who came across the files while carrying out research for his new book, described the evidence of the plot to create a possible rival to the nuclear bomb as 'absolutely astonishing'.

Above the waterline propeller system debut

New Zealand based marine propulsion research and development company Contrapel Ltd has released details of its new propulsion system for boats.

The system is claimed to be capable of making future boats more economical, manoeuvrable, safer, stronger and better for the environment.
Shown to an enthusiastic marine industry for the first time at the recent Auckland On Water Boat Show, the Contrapel Hybrid Drive carries out all the functions of both propellers and waterjets with none of the drawbacks of either.
“The Contrapel technology is a propeller system working above the waterline, said Contrapel founder and managing director Barry Davies. “Externally it resembles a traditional waterjet, however internally the method for developing thrust has much more in common with conventional propeller systems.”
The Contrapel drive uses a pair of contra-rotating, fully enclosed hybrid propellers, capable of operating above the water line. The mode of operation of the hybrid propellers is to accelerate the water from out of the intake (pick-up) duct and then discharge it through the outlet, requiring only enough backpressure downstream from the propellers to keep the system primed. This contrasts with the traditional jet, which does not accelerate the water until further downstream in the nozzle section, which requires the generation of high pressure.
The Contrapel Hybrid propellers produce lift in a similar way to open water propellers, by using slippage. The use of hybrid propellers enables the mass component for each revolution be maximized and the plume velocity to be minimized. This contrasts with the low mass per impeller revolution and high-plume velocities present in conventional high speed waterjet designs.

New Zealand to Upgrades Frigates

Tenders will be sought to upgrade the self-defence and sensor capabilities of the Royal New Zealand navy frigates HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana, Defence Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman announced today.

“The frigates are a vital part of our Defence Force but the weapons and sensor systems were designed in the late 1980s and require a mid-life upgrade,” said Dr Coleman.

Cabinet has approved a Detailed Business Case and a Request for Tender will be issued by the Ministry of Defence early next year.

The project aims to replace the hardware and software of the Combat Management Systems on the ships, modernise radars and sensors, and replace the self defence missile systems.

“This will address issues of obsolescence with the ships technology as well as ensuring the vessels are a credible capability which can operate in the South Pacific and wider Asia Pacific region” said Dr Coleman.

“The Defence White Paper 2010 identified the ANZAC frigates would require an upgrade by 2017 to address obsolescence, surveillance systems, and anti-missile protection.  The government is delivering on the White Paper,” said Dr Coleman.

The ANZAC frigates’ propulsion and close-in weapon systems have already been upgraded. The next tier of work would effectively complete a mid-life upgrade ensuring another 15 years service life.

NZ Conducts Exercise BLACKBIRD for Expertise Helicopter Flying in the Mountains

 

 Exercise Blackbird is the Air Force’s annual rotary wing mountain flying exercise designed to familiarize crews with high altitude flying operations and took place between 2 and 8 December 2012.

 

Weather Halts Training

Spin cycle: New Zealand Air Force Flight Sergeant Glenn Whitley at the door of the A109 Light Utility Helicopter as it hovers over Dip Flat near St Arnaud.

One of New Zealand's five A109 light utility helicopters managed to get a few metres off the ground at Dip Flat near St Arnaud yesterday before it was grounded because of heavy rain and low cloud.

The flight was part of Exercise Blackbird, an annual New Zealand Air Force mountain training drill that gives pilots and crew the chance to practise the skills needed for mountain flying.

Almost 100 people, including five Iroquois helicopter crews from No 3 Squadron and two A109 crews from the Helicopter Transition Unit, are based at Dip Flat for the week-long exercise, which started on Monday.

Tenders Sought for Pilot Training Aircraft

Tenders are about to be sought for a new military pilot training capability says Defence Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman.

“The requirement for a modernised pilot training system with suitable aircraft is clear and Cabinet has agreed to the next step in the process with the Ministry of Defence to issue a Request for Tender.

Pilot training is currently conducted using the single engine CT-4E Airtrainers for the primary stage and the twin engine turbo-prop King Air B200s for the advanced stage of the “Wings Course”.

The service life of the current CT-4Es is due to end in 2018 and the King Air B200s lease expires in 2018.

“The tender being offered is to supply a new permanent pilot training capability including aircraft (leased or owned), a simulator package, and a maintenance and support package, said Dr Coleman.We have invested in a modern generation of new and upgraded aircraft and helicopters. The Air Force’s entire operational fleet is being replaced or upgraded including modern avionics and cockpits. The tools to develop the flying standards of our trainee pilots are also required.”

New Zealand, Philippines agree to strengthen ties

The leaders of the Philippines and New Zealand have agreed to strengthen their economic and defense ties.
Philippines President Benigno Aquino III met New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Tuesday in Wellington as part of a visit to New Zealand and Australia. Mr Aquino brought with him a large entourage of 70 in a symbolic show of friendship.
After the meeting, the two countries signed agreements that would increase the number of defense training exercises, improve geothermal energy cooperation and launch a new working-holiday exchange programme for a small number of workers.
The agreements come as the two countries seek to increase trade and at a time the relationship between

Singapore and New Zealand navies conduct Exercise Lion Zeal 2012

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) ships

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) are conducting a joint annual training exercise, Lion Zeal 2012, off the east coast of the North Island, New Zealand.

Hosted by the RNZN, Lion Zeal was established in 1999 and aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance interoperability, as well as professionalism between the two navies while maintaining regional security.

During the exercise, personnel will conduct operational planning and tactical drills in maritime operations, including a sea phase for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

The bilateral exercise involves participation of RSN's Formidable-class stealth frigate RSS Stalwart as well as RNZN's Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (F77) and RNZN replenishment tanker HMNZS Endeavour.

As well as performing professional exchanges in conventional operations at sea and onshore, the naval crew will also conduct anti-air and live firing exercises against a towed air target.

"Our navy's Anzac frigates are a valuable contributor to regional security, so it's important that we work seamlessly with other navies."

Afghanistan: withdrawal of New Zealand before April 2013 (Minister)

The withdrawal of New Zealand troops deployed in Afghanistan will be completed by April 2013, six months earlier than planned, announced Monday the Minister of New Zealand Defence Jonathan Coleman during a visit in the Afghan province of Bamyan, reports Pajvak agency.

According to the minister, the withdrawal does not mean the end of the engagement in Afghanistan New Zealand, Wellington Hearing to send its military instructors supposed to train Afghan officers under the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF ).

The bulk of the New Zealand troops (153 soldiers in all) still present in Afghanistan is in Bamyan province and is dedicated to the work of reconstruction.

New Zealand Confirms Intentions for Bamyan Withdrawal

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman today confirmed Cabinet has agreed the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) will be withdrawn from Bamyan province in Afghanistan by the end of April 2013.

The Ministers say the announcement is the culmination of months of planning and is part of an orderly and sequenced International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) plan for transition.

The April withdrawal, which will follow the expected completion of transition of security responsibility to local Bamyan forces at the beginning of October, has been endorsed by ISAF and has been signalled well in advance to partners.

Dr Coleman says today’s announcement is a significant milestone in New Zealand’s decade of involvement in Afghanistan.

New Zealand's Upgraded Orion Transition Course Starts Flying

A significant milestone has been passed in the New Zealand Defence Force's P-3K2 Orion Introduction Into Service process—on 17 August the first Transition Course sortie was flown. Training sorties are now being flown frequently from Whenuapai.

Flying training on the newly upgraded Orions is an important step for the operational test and evaluation of the upgraded aircraft, one of the major projects undertaken by the RNZAF and the Ministry of Defence.

Group Captain Kevin McEvoy, the Officer Commanding 485 Wing, said
‘I was delighted that we have accomplished this major advance in training for the aircraft’s improved capability. The initial aim of our test and evaluation programme is to release the Search and Rescue and Maritime Surveillance capabilities of the upgraded aircraft. The flying phase of the aircrew training marks a step change in our work towards that aim.”

Squadron Leader Bill Rowling, the P-3K2 Introduction Into Service Manager explained that another two aircraft should be joining the sole P-3K2 in the upgraded fleet by the end of September.

Kiwi, Australian and Japanese Navies Work Together

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has successfully completed a short tri-lateral exercise with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Royal Australian Navy.

In what is believed to be a first for the RNZN, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ship JS SHIMAKAZE has been refuelled at sea from HMNZS ENDEAVOUR.

HMNZS TE KAHA and ENDEAVOUR conducted a number of training manoeuvres with HMAS DARWIN and PERTH and JMSDF JS SHIMAKAZE enroute to Darwin, Australia. Exercise Pacific Bridge, was conducted on passage between Guam and Darwin from 22-28 August.

It has been an unique opportunity for the three nations to operate jointly and further enhance the tactical level of working together conducting ship manoeuvring and warfare training scenarios, says Commanding Officer of HMNZS ENDEAVOUR, Commander Keith Robb.

$43 Million Workshop Opens at New Zealand Air Base

Another milestone in the upgrade of the Ohakea air base of the New Zealand Defence Force was reached today with the Defence Minister opening the new $43 million aircraft maintenance workshop.

The Air Force Maintenance Support Squadron workshops will house 140 staff in two main buildings and three small ancillary buildings, with a foot print of nearly 13 thousand square metres.

The facility will provide all the aviation engineering for the new NH-90 and A109 helicopters as well as providing engineering support for other Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft for work such as structural maintenance and hydraulic component overhauls.

“The new workshop is an excellent facility which will serve the RNZAF well. It is further evidence of the government’s commitment to providing the infrastructure to support the new and upgraded aircraft coming into service,” said Dr Coleman.

NZ Defence Force Personnel Leaves Syria

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel will withdraw from Syria this week as the United Nations Supervision Mission (UNSMIS) ends, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman announced today. “The UN Security Council’s mandate for the mission expired on 19 August. The UN has indicated it will have all international military observers, including all NZDF personnel, out of Syria by 23 August,” Mr McCully says. “We acknowledge the bravery and commitment of the NZDF officers who have served in a dangerously volatile situation. Unfortunately, the worsening violence in Syria has made it impossible for the mission to carry out its mandated task. “New Zealand was quick to provide assistance to the UN and deploy personnel to support Kofi Annan’s six point plan to end the violence and monitor a ceasefire.

Two New Zealand soldiers killed in Afghan attack

Two New Zealand soldiers have been killed and six wounded in a battle in Afghanistan’s central province of Bamiyan, Prime Minister John Key said Sunday.
The deaths bring to seven the total number of New Zealand soldiers killed in Afghanistan since deployment to the war-torn country.
The soldiers were killed in an attack on Saturday when they went to the aid of local security forces who encountered suspected insurgents near a village in the northeast of Bamiyan.
Two local security personnel were also killed in the attack while six New Zealand soldiers, 10 local security personnel and a civilian were injured.
“It is with enormous sadness that I acknowledge that these soldiers have paid the highest price,” Key said.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the two brave soldiers killed and also with the families and friends of those injured.

New Zealand Defence Force Plays its Part in Worlds Largest Maritime Exercise

As the world’s largest maritime exercise draws to a close, the New Zealand Defence Force personnel participating in Exercise RIMPAC have demonstrated their skills and capabilities on the international stage.

The frigate HMNZS TE KAHA, fleet replenishment ship HMNZS ENDEAVOUR, and the Navy's Operational Diving Team, Mine Counter Measures Team and Maritime Survey Team; a Rifle Platoon from 1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment of the NZ Army; and a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K Orion, as well as large number of headquarters staff have taken part in Exercise Rim of the Pacific which finishes on Friday.

The New Zealand contingent h elp make up the more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel from 22 nations that participated in RIMPAC from 29 June, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and mainland San Diego.

The NZ Defence Force has made a valuable contribution to RIMPAC, and it has been a unique opportunity for our people to train alongside a host of nations as part of a complex large scale exercise, says Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Dave Gawn.

“Our participation in RIMPAC has enabled our people to demonstrate their capability, their skills, as well as their ability to work well with a range of partners. Our people have certainly proven themselves and have been well respected.”

Navy frigate tests missile off Hawaii

The New Zealand Navy frigate, Te Kaha, has test fired a missile worth almost a million dollars off the coast of Hawaii for the first time.
Currently stationed around 280 kilometres from Honolulu, the frigate is part of the New Zealand contingent participating in the bi-annual Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) international maritime warfare exercise.
RIMPAC is hosted by the United States Navy's Pacific Command, in conjunction with the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, and Hawaii National Guard forces.
In a rare chance, the HMNZS Te Kaha tested the ship's most powerful weapon - a missile worth around $800,000 - in a special US navy firing range.

NZDF to participate in largest international maritime exercise

Around 350 NZ Defence Force personnel are in the United States as the world's largest international maritime exercise, Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC 2012), gets underway.

HMNZS TE KAHA and HMNZS ENDEAVOUR have berthed at Honolulu port, and a Rifle Platoon from 1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment has embarked on USS ESSEX with the US Marine Corps at Kaneohe Bay.

The Operational Diving Team will operate out of San Diego, while the Mine Counter Measures Team will be based at Pearl Harbour and will embark on Japanese ship BUNGO for part of the exercise. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K Orion will depart from Whenuapai on Wednesday morning and during the exercise will operate out of Kaneohe Bay, and a number of headquarters staff are working out of Pearl Harbour and Ford Island.

"This is the first time in 28 years that the NZ Defence Force has taken part in RIMPAC. As the largest maritime exercise in the world, RIMPAC offers our people a unique training opportunity. It is also a key opportunity to work alongside a large number of Pacific nations building interoperability and relationships," says Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Dave Gawn.

"Participation in exercises like RIMPAC also enables the Defence Force to prepare for a variety of contingencies to ensure that New Zealand can play its part effectively in working with other nations to reduce conflict and improve stability in the Pacific and around the world."

RIMPAC 2012 involves 22 countries, a total of 25,000 personnel, 42 ships, six submarines, and over 200 aircraft. Other nations include; the US, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, India, Mexico, Norway, Philippines, Russia and Tonga.

Exercise RIMPAC 2012, which finishes on 3 August, is hosted by the United States. New Zealand's defence relationship with the US continues to develop. A number of US Marines took part in Exercise Alam Halfa in New Zealand. A number of activities have taken place to mark the 70th anniversary of the arrival of US military personnel in New Zealand following the entry of the US into the Second World War, including commemoration ceremonies, military band performances around New Zealand, and a reciprocal platoon group exchange and combined training exercise with the NZ Army's 1 (NZ) Brigade and USMC 1st Marine Division.

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Austal Appointed Defence Distributor for Kelvin Hughes in Australia and New Zealand

Leading electronics provider Kelvin Hughes has appointed global defence prime contractor Austal to lead its defence, border protection and paramilitary sales and support activities in Australia and New Zealand. The agreement will enable both companies to best support customers in Australasia.

Under the agreement, Austal will sell and support Kelvin Hughes’ naval and marine products, including the KH-2007 Naval Transceiver; Naval MANTADigital (NMD) Display and Processor System; Naval Tactical Display (NTD); SharpEye I- and F-band Transceivers and spare parts. Austal has provided systems maintenance, repair and integration services for Kelvin Hughes products since 1993.

Austal’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bellamy, said: “We have developed a unique relationship with Kelvin Hughes over many years which we have now strengthened to best support our shared customer base. We believe this agreement will provide enhanced value to these customers in terms of cost, expertise and operational efficiency.”

Commenting on Austal’s appointment, Kelvin Hughes’ Chief Executive Officer, Russell Gould, said: “We are very pleased to have formalised our relationship with Austal as there are a number of synergies between our companies. These include growing our regional systems capabilities and the strengthening of our defence offerings to customers including the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.”

Andrew Bellamy said the Kelvin Hughes appointment demonstrated further progress in the expansion of the company’s defence and systems activities.

“This agreement, and the one with mission system integrator General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems we announced in March, demonstrates our ability to leverage our in-house capabilities and market position to expand the Austal business,” he said.
 

Kaman Confirms SH-2G(I) Negotiations with Kaman Confirms SH-2G(I) Negotiations with New Zealand

 
Kaman Corporation confirmed today that The U.S. Department of State has granted authorization that would permit the Company to negotiate a possible sale of SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite Helicopters to the Government of New Zealand. The potential sale would include eleven SH-2G(I) helicopters, a full motion flight simulator, training aids, spares inventory, publications and the introduction into service and through life support of the aircraft.
 
New Zealand officials have been working over the past year to determine the most effective way of meeting their future maritime helicopter requirements and the Cabinet has recently directed defence officials to engage in further discussions with Kaman.
 
The Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite is the latest version of the multi-mission maritime helicopter and would potentially replace the country’s existing fleet of SH-2G’s. These helicopters would significantly enhance New Zealand’s vertical lift capabilities with exceptional performance and low operating costs. Kaman continues to support the Ministry’s objective of extending the Naval Helicopter Capability through 2025. As stated in their Defence Capability Plan, this capability would fulfill a vital national role in the provision of extended reach, surveillance, and air-delivered weapons capability for the ANZAC frigates. These aircraft are also capable of operation from offshore patrol vessels, and the multi-role vessel when required to do so.
 
Negotiations regarding a potential program between the New Zealand Government and Kaman are in process and are confidential. No investment decisions have been made by New Zealand at this time and Kaman continues to work with other potential customers on the sale of the aircraft.