Armée Neo-Zélandaise / New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

Rappel du premier message :

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Le nouveau patrouilleur neo-zélandais déjà en panne


Le nouveau patrouilleur de la marine néo-zéalndaise, le HMNZS Otago, a retardé son arrivée en Nouvelle-Zélande après que des problèmes de moteur l’aient affecté durant le weekend au large de l’Australie.

Le patrouilleur HMNZS Otago devait arrivé vendredi dernier à Auckland. Il est maintenant de retour au chantier Williamstown de Melbourne (Australie) où il était resté amarré depuis 2 ans à cause d’un problème financier avec ses constructeurs.
Le porte-parole de la marine, le Commander Phil Bradshaw, a expliqué que l’Otago effectuait des essais à la mer au large de Melbourne lorsqu’ils ont eu un problème d’injection de carburant sur un moteur. Ils étaient en train de réparer quand une alarme s’est déclenché sur l’autre moteur.
"Ils ont jugé plus prudent de retourner au port pour s’assurer que les moteurs étaient parfaits avant d’appareiller," a-t-il indiqué en précisant que le bâtiment était toujours sous garantie.
Le patrouilleur est rentré à Melbourne par ses propres moyens. Le premier moteur a été réparé, mais le second a besoin d’une pièce de rechange. Elle doit être acheminée depuis l’Allemagne, mais le Commander Bradshaw a indiqué qu’il était possible qu’une puisse être trouvée en Australie.
"Si c’est le cas, l’Otago pourrait appareiller pour la Nouvelle-Zélande à la fin de la semaine."

Stuff

en fait le retard n'était pas du au probléme financier, mais ces navires seraient trop lourd de 100 tonnes (font un surpoids de 6,25 %, ce qui n'est pas si extraordinaire que ça ) et incapables de naviguer en Antartique.

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New Zealand Contract Signed for MBDA’s Sea Ceptor


27/05/2014


The New Zealand Ministry of Defence signed a contract on 21st May with MBDA for the provision of Sea Ceptor for the Local Area Air Defence element of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s ANZAC Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) project. This contract confirms the selection of the system by the RNZN for its ANZAC frigates that was announced in October 2013.

Steve Wadey, MBDA UK Managing Director and Group Executive Director Technical, said: “I am delighted that New Zealand has confirmed its selection of Sea Ceptor for the ANZAC FSU project. This first success in the global market outside the United Kingdom for Sea Ceptor is due not only to its advanced operational and through-life cost advantages, but also to the invaluable support provided by the UK Government and the Royal Navy during discussions with the New Zealand Ministry of Defence. Cooperation between the Governments and the Navies of the United Kingdom and New Zealand will continue to be important to delivering an excellent Sea Ceptor capability throughout the life of the project.”

Notes to Editors

The appeal of Sea Ceptor is creating significant interest in a number of markets around the world and its versatility makes it the ideal choice for the ANZAC upgrade. As an active radar system, Sea Ceptor does not require the dedicated tracker/illuminator radars on which semi-active systems depend. Sea Ceptor deploys the CAMM (Common Anti-air Modular Missile) which, due to its soft launch technology, requires no efflux management system. This minimizes the system’s mass and footprint thereby allowing for greater flexibility regarding ship installation positions. CAMM missile canisters are compatible with a wide range of vertical launch systems.

http://www.mbda-systems.com

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RNZN's maritime helicopter flies with Penguin missiles in test flight


An SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite in RNZN livery carrying a pair of Penguin Mk 2 Mod 7 missiles during flight tests. (RNZN)

A Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite maritime helicopter fitted with Penguin anti-ship missiles underwent a successful test flight on 22 May at Kaman Aerospace's facilities in Connecticut, USA, said the RNZN.

The Penguin Mk 2 Mod 7 missiles are supplied by Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence Systems under a contract announced in November 2013 to replace the RNZN's AGM-65D Maverick air-to-surface missiles.

The 385 kg Penguin can deliver a 120 kg semi-armour piercing warhead over a range of 34 km, combining inertial midcourse guidance with an infrared homing seeker. The anti-ship missiles are being procured by New Zealand together with ten SH-2G(I) maritime helicopters and a mission flight simulator at a cost of NZD242 million (USD206 million).

The RNZN is replacing its fleet of five ageing SH-2Gs that have been in service since the 1990s with the ten platforms, two of which are being purchased as spare airframes. The first three SH-2G(I)s are scheduled for delivery by late 2014 while the total fleet is scheduled to be in service by 2016.

The SH-2G(I) can carry eight fully armed troops and two crew members. The aircraft has a maximum range in excess of 500 n miles on an endurance of more than five hours. It has a maximum cruise speed of 120 kt.

The RNZN said on 23 May that the SH-2G(I)s will be based with the No. 6 Squadron at RNZAF Base Whenuapai in Auckland and indicated that it may also deploy the helicopters on board its Canterbury-class multirole vessel as well as its Otago-class offshore patrol vessels and ANZAC (Meko 200)-class missile frigates.

http://www.janes.com

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New Zealand Plans to Grow Combat Capabilities by 2020

A new government document describes New Zealand’s short and longer term defense ambitions.

On Tuesday, New Zealand released its new Defense Capability Plan (DCP). The document outlines the country’s broad strategic priorities on defense matters. New Zealand Defense Minister Jonathan Coleman notes that the 2014 DCP reflects well on the New Zealand Defense Force’s (NZDF) capabilities. The 2014 DCP is a follow up to the 2011 document.

“The 2014 Defence Capability Plan describes the new equipment and assets that the NZDF will purchase over the next decade. It resets capability and investment priorities, and focuses on the NZDF’s ability to deliver joint operations, and grow combat and support capabilities,” noted Coleman.

The DCP emphasizes enhancing the NZDF’s “proficiency at joint operations and growing its combat, combat support and combat service support capabilities.” The shortest term goal for the NZDF as explained in the DCF is to achieve Joint Taskforce Capability by 2015. In the medium term, by 2020, the NZDF will focus on enhancing its combat capability. According to the DCP, the NZDF will be charged with:

   defending New Zealand’s sovereignty;
   discharging [New Zealand’s] obligations as an effective ally of Australia;
   contributing to and, where necessary, leading peace and security operations in the South Pacific;
   making a credible contribution in support of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region;
   protecting New Zealand’s wider interests by contributing to international peace and security, and the international rule of law;
   contributing to whole of Government efforts to monitor the international strategic environment; and
   being prepared to respond to sudden shifts and other disjunctions in the strategic environment.

The DCP sets out some of New Zealand’s longer term procurement concerns. The country will have to replace its aging C-130H and Boeing 757 fleets “in the early 2020s.” Additionally, ANZAC frigates and the highly versatile P-3K2 Orion maritime surveillance aircraft “will also reach the end of their service life in the 2020s.”

“It is vital that the NZDF has well trained personnel with the right equipment to deliver on the Government’s expectations. The Government is committed to investing in the NZDF’s capabilities by upgrading equipment and developing its workforce. A number of significant capability investments have been made in the past year, and further investment is planned,” said Coleman. He additionally emphasized the need for New Zealand to modernize its defense without fiscal irresponsibility: “While defense funding has increased, stringent management must continue. The NZDF is committed to making ongoing savings and efficiencies as part of its future planning. This is crucial for the NZDF to sustain its capability.”

The DCP notes New Zealand’s recent defense acquisitions, including a series of NH90 helicopters and three SH-2G(I) Seasprites (expected to arrive in early 2015). The NH90s are replacing the NZDF’s current fleet of Iroquois helicopters, according to the DCP. While the DCP does not discuss unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in great detail, it is worth noting that New Zealand’s former Chief of Air Force said that while the NZDF plans to add these to its current capabilities, it sees their role as “complementary” to existing air assets. The DCP sets out a vision and goal for the NZDF in 2035; it aspires to exist as “an integrated defense force tailored for future security challenges,” and to “continue to demonstrate expertise in the Maritime, Land, Air and Information domains delivering operational effects in innovative ways.”

http://thediplomat.com

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CAE wins $110m global contracts for defence training systems

3 July 2014


CAE has won a total of C$110m ($103.3m) contracts to provide training systems and services to global defence customers, including New Zealand, Germany and Iraq.
Under a contract awarded by Beechcraft Defense, the company will develop and support a T-6C ground-based training system (GBTS) for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Beechcraft will provide 11 T-6C Texan II aircraft and 30 years of logistics support to New Zealand.
The T-6C GBTS will feature two T-6C operational flight trainers (OFTs), computer-based classroom training systems and courseware customised for RNZAF pilot training.
The T-6C OFTs will include a high-fidelity replica of T-6C cockpit with a CAE Medallion-6000 image generator-driven 270° x70° field-of-view display system, and the CAE-developed common database, which enhances the ability to correlate and rapidly update databases to support training and mission rehearsal needs.
"CAE's contract with Germany requires it to replace ageing components and upgrade the visual systems on Eurofighter's simulators."
CAE Defence and Security Group president Gene Colabatistto said the integrated pilot training solution will cost-effectively meet RNZAF current and future pilot training requirements.
The company will deliver the T-6C GBTS to RNZAF Base Ohakea in 2015 and provide long-term training support and maintenance services.
CAE's contract with Germany requires it to replace ageing components and upgrade the visual systems on the German Air Force's Eurofighter simulators.
The upgrade will include the addition of CAE Medallion-6000 image generator and new high-resolution projectors and dome display systems for the Eurofighter full-mission simulators and Eurofighter cockpit trainers located in Laage, Norvenich, Wittmund and Neuburg, Germany.
CAE will also supply the Medallion-6000 image generator and a database modelling station for a T-50IQ full-mission simulator being built by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the Iraqi Air Force.
Another contract by an undisclosed international customer requires CAE to supply a KC-135 boom operator weapon systems trainer, which will provide tanker boom operators with enhanced synthetic training capabilities.

Image: New Zealand's T-6C Texan II aircraft will be similar to the Royal Moroccan Air Force's T-6 trainers. Photo: courtesy of Ndunruh.

http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newscae-wins-110m-global-contracts-to-supply-defence-training-systems-4309366

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Royal New Zealand Navy seeking new tanker to support Pacific Defense Operations


The Royal New Zealand Navy is to buy a new tanker vessel that will enable the New Zealand Defence Force ( NZDF) to expand the scope of its operations in the South Pacific, Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman said Wednesday. The new vessel would replace the navy's current tanker, HMNZS Endeavour, which would reach the end of its service life in 2018 and would fail to comply with new international maritime regulations, Coleman said in a statement.



"To operate effectively the NZDF needs to provide fuel and logistical support to its deployed ships, helicopters and vehicles, " said Coleman.

"This capability is crucial given New Zealand's vast maritime area, and our security and disaster relief responsibilities in the South Pacific. Without it NZDF operations would be limited in duration or dependent on our partners," he said.

"The new tanker will be a significant enhancement in capability. It will increase the NZDF's ability to support and sustain navy, army and air force operations at home and further afield."

The tanker would be able to store a large amount of fuel, including aviation fuel, supplies and ammunition, and accommodate an NH90 or Seasprite helicopter.

The capability was needed as the NZDF had more ships that could embark new helicopters, and it was crucial that the tanker could support the NZDF's Joint Task Force.

"Possible winterisation features will also be considered which could enable the tanker to resupply bases in Antarctica," said Coleman.

The request for tenders was expected to be issued by the ministry of defence in early 2015, and a final recommendation would be made to the government in mid-2016.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

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NZ Navy's Newest Ships May Have Short Life

http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140812/DEFREG03/308120014/NZ-Navy-s-Newest-Ships-May-Short-Life

Citation :

NZ Defence Force

NEW T-6C TEXAN II AIRCRAFT ARRIVE AT OHAKEA

Two new Beechcraft T-6C Texan II pilot training aircraft arrived at their new home today at RNZAF Base Ohakea, in the Manawatu.

They are the first of 11 aircraft that will be used as the new pilot training aircraft from 2016, replacing the current CT-4E Airtrainers.

The Secretary of Defence, Helene Quilter, and Pilot Officer Nicole Brooke, a trainee pilot representing the next generation of Naval and Air Force pilots, were passengers in the new aircraft from RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai to Ohakea, the final leg of their journey from Wichita, Kansas in the United States.

The aircraft were delivered by the manufacturer, Beechcraft Defense Company, and will be formally handed over to the RNZAF on 31 October after the completion of maintenance training in New Zealand and pilot conversion courses in the United States.


  

PHOTOS:

Crown copyright, some rights reserved
 

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AIR FAN

Dans le ventre de la bête.
Comment livre t-on huit NH90 aux antipodes quand l'hélicoptère n'a qu'un rayon d'action de 800 km ? On les "enfourne" dans les entrailles d'un An-124 qui va les enlever à Marignane pour les livrer à son client 19 000 km plus loin, les deux premiers arrivant en mars 2012 et les deux derniers cette année.
Les huit hélicoptères néo-zélandais remplacent les UH-1D/H Iroquois à bout de souffle (depuis 1966!), même si les "Kiwi" ont fait des merveilles pour les maintenir au delà de leur potentiel initial.
Ils servent au sein du No 3 Sqn avec les Agusta 109LUH.
 

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NZ Defence Force

Air Mobile Insertion

16 Field Regiment's 161 Battery was busy yesterday practising, with the help of the NH90, airlifting their light field guns.
They worked with personnel from 5 Movements to ensure the uplift ran perfectly.  

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Lockheed Martin Canada has awarded Thales Nederland for the delivery of two SMART-S Mk2 radars

These medium-to-long range surveillance radars are to be installed on the two ANZAC class frigates operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy, in the scope of the ANZAC Frigate System Upgrade, performed by Lockheed Martin Canada.



The first system is to be delivered early 2016, the second one early in 2017. SMART-S Mk2 supports the full range of MBDA's multi-mission missile, the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile as well as it being excellent price/performance value in the market. These elements were a key factor in Lockheed Martin Canada's decision.

This contract marks yet another success for Thales's SMART-S Mk2, the world's best-selling medium-to-long range naval surveillance radar. This radar has been sold well over 50 times, to navies on all continents. Geert van der Molen, Thales's vice-president, in charge of Surface Radar activities: "SMART-S Mk2's proven capability to support Evolved SeaSparrow Missile, Vertical Launch MICA, and now the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile sets the standard for 3D medium range radar market. It's no coincidence SMART-S Mk2 is the radar of choice for Navies around the world".

SMART-S Mk2 is a modern naval air and surface surveillance radar that applies the unique multi-beam concept. Its high reliability and stealth target detection, even in cluttered environments, support long missions and operation in littoral environments. The SMART-S Mk2 is very easy to operate by only two fully automatic operational modes. Furthermore the SMART-S Mk2 is easy to install and integrate and easy to maintain.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

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Exercise puts new helicopters to work




Eight helicopters will be rumbling across the skies of Marlborough and Kaikoura in the air force's largest annual helicopter training exercise.

Exercise Blackbird trains crews in high-altitude and low-level mountain flying techniques and operates out of Dip Flat near St Arnaud. It kicked off on September 22 and runs until October 5.

Three Iroquois, three A109 and two NH90 helicopters, along with 80 air force pilots are taking part in the exercise.

Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Mike Yardley said the training provided core skills needed for air force missions in New Zealand and overseas.

The air force conducted operations every year with New Zealand Land Search and Rescue and police, he said.

"This training ensures we are prepared for the wide variety of terrain and environments we encounter on operations."

Exercise Blackbird was a great opportunity to train junior crew members in alpine operations, and the mountainous regions in Marlborough and Kaikoura were ideal training grounds, he said.

It is the first year the NH90 helicopter is part of the exercise. The aircraft will be used for high altitude flying operations from next year.

The NH90 has a significantly longer range and endurance, can fly to Australia or the South Pacific Islands, and can lift up to 3.2 tonnes of cargo.

"The NH90 helicopter is a big step up from Iroquois for the air force," Yardley said.

"This helicopter is a key asset in any future disaster relief and search and rescue operations undertaken by the RNZAF."

Helicopter crewman Sergeant Timmy Wilson is with 3 Squadron in Ohakea and is taking part in Exercise Blackbird.

Wilson, who grew up in Palmerston North, said he always knew he wanted to be in the military and loves being in the air force.

"I love the pace of my job, if we're not on a tasking then we're on a search and rescue," he said.

"My job is never boring."

www.stuff.co.n

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More T-6C trainers head for New Zealand


Beechcraft has transferred its second batch of two T-6C trainers to New Zealand, with the aircraft having left its Wichita production site in Kansas.



Carrying the registrations NZ1404 and NZ1405, the turboprop-powered aircraft made stops in Canada, Greenland and Iceland, before passing through Glasgow, Scotland (above) and making an overnight stop in Stansted, England on 23 September during the long range transfer. The pair follow an initial two trainers which completed the ferry flight to Ohakea air base in late August.

Ordered in January 2014 under an 11-aircraft deal worth NZ$154 million ($119 million), New Zealand’s T-6Cs are due to enter full training use in 2016, according to the nation’s defence force.

The remaining seven aircraft contained within the order will be delivered in 2015, with the type to be flown by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 14 Sqn.

http://www.flightglobal.com

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New Zealand receives final NH90 helo

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly


New Zealand has now received the eight operational NH90s (pictured) it will use to replace its ageing UH-1H 'Huey' helicopters.
Photo: Airbus Helicopters

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has received into service the last of eight operational NHIndustries NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters (TTHs) it ordered in 2006, the defence force announced on 31 October.

The final helicopter arrived at Base Ohakea on North Island on the same day as the announcement, joining the other NH90s being used for search and rescue (SAR), disaster relief, troop transport, and cargo resupply duties.

Having selected the NH90 in March 2005 to replace its ageing fleet of Bell UH-1H 'Huey' helicopters, New Zealand signed a NZD770 million (USD600 million) contract for nine helicopters on 31 July 2006.  

http://www.janes.com/article/45210/new-zealand-receives-final-nh90-helo

Conjointes américano-néo-zélandais de la doctrine, le Kiwi, le Koru

Spoiler:

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Sergeant Major of the New Zealand Army a partagé le statut de New Zealand Army.

A Battle Handling Exercise during Exercise Kiwi Koru 2014 shows Task Group Black soldiers attacking the Opposing Forces in their insurgent camp in Taranaki.

PHOTOS:

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Royal New Zealand Navy Accepts First SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite Helicopter from Kaman

Kaman Corp. announced on December 1st that the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) has accepted the first SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopter for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Acceptance occurred at Kaman’s Bloomfield, Connecticut facility.



“We are pleased to have achieved this significant program milestone, which in addition to the acceptance of the first aircraft signifies acceptance of the aircraft design. This accomplishment was the result of significant effort and cooperation between Kaman, the MoD, and the NZDF,” stated Greg Steiner, President Kaman Aerospace Group.

Kaman and the MoD entered into a $120 million contract in May 2013 for the purchase of ten state-of-the-art Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite aircraft, spare parts, a full mission flight simulator, and related logistics support. Additional aircraft are scheduled to be accepted by the MoD in the next few weeks. The first three aircraft are projected to arrive in Auckland in early 2015 with the remaining deliveries of helicopters and equipment expected to occur by the end of 2015.

The SH-2G Super Seasprite is an advanced maritime weapon system and proven day/night/all-weather multi-mission helicopter. Originally designed to meet the exacting requirements of the U.S. Navy, the SH-2G Super Seasprite has the highest power-to-weight ratio of any maritime helicopter, assuring a safe return-to-ship capability even in single-engine flight conditions. Its robust design, outstanding stability, and excellent reliability have been proven through more than 1.5 million flight hours. The SH-2G is a multi-mission maritime weapon system designed to fulfill anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), over the horizon targeting, surveillance, troop transport, vertical replenishment, search and rescue, and utility missions. It is the largest, most powerful small ship helicopter in use today and is recognized for its mission effectiveness, support, and unmatched performance. The SH-2G Super Seasprite is currently operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Egyptian Air Force and the Polish Navy.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

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Ultra Electronics to Supply Sea Sentor Torpedo Defence systems to Royal New Zealand Navy

Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems Inc. (Ultra) is pleased to announce that it will supply towed arrays to its sister company, UK-based Ultra Electronics Sonar Systems, that will ultimately be used by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), as reported on 21st July 2014.



The Sonar Systems business announced a contract valued at approximately $18M (CAD) to supply two Sea Sentor Surface Ship Torpedo Defence systems for the RNZN Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) programme. Ultra's towed array is the key acoustic sensor for Sea Sentor, a system installed in naval ships to detect, classify and localize incoming torpedoes, and to activate countermeasures against them.

Ultra designs, develops, and manufactures various towed arrays for surface ships and submarines at its facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. New Zealand joins Canada, the UK, Australia, The Netherlands, and Turkey in the company's portfolio of international customers

Ken Walker, president of Ultra, commented: "I am very proud to be extending our made in Canada solutions deeper into international waters with the Royal New Zealand Navy. This contract is proof that Ultra continues to provide world-class sonar systems."



The SEA SENTOR™ Surface Ship Torpedo Defense system has been in-service since October 2004, protecting fleets from the increased threat of torpedo attack. With 16 systems delivered to the UK’s Royal Navy, installations on US naval platforms and a recent order by the Turkish Navy, SEA SENTOR™ is the most advanced system available in the market today.

The SEA SENTOR™ system utilizes a towed acoustic passive array especially designed for the detection of torpedoes to classify and localize in-water threats. Tactical advice is presented by the system that is specifically geared to the make, model and current operating mode of the detected threats – single or salvo. Detection ranges to initiate successful defeating tactics are achieved in all conditions; whether operating solo in deep water or in-convoy in busy shipping lanes and littoral waters Countermeasure action is automatically performed according to the tactical advice for the towed system elements. Expendable countermeasures are launched by the operator when prompted to do so.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

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New Zealand to spend $332m on upgrade of P-3K Orion aircraft


The New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) is likely to spend $332.3m on the modernisation of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) P-3K Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

Responding to an official information act request from Radio New Zealand, the MoD's acquisition division deputy secretary Des Ashton said the original budget for the project was $377m, but was reduced by the fluctuating exchange rates.

The P-3K Orion upgrade project was undertaken by a mixture of foreign and local contractors in Texas, US, and Blenheim, New Zealand. It covers modernisation and retrofit of a total of six P-3K


With completion of upgrade of the equipment such as computers, mission systems, radar systems, wiring, and antennas, the project is expected to finish halfway through this year, leaving only a software upgrade to be performed.

Ashton said: "If you go back to the configuration of the aeroplane it was quite modern compared to some P3s in the world, but the computing power that was put in the original upgrade back in the 80s/90s was about the power of a commodore 64."

The P-3 Orion is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft and is used search and rescue missions, fishery protection, anti-piracy operations, and surveillance by several navies worldwide.

The P-3K Orions are currently used by 5 Squadron based in RNZAF Base Auckland, and are scheduled to be retired from service in 2025.

http://www.airforce-technology.com

NZSAS

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SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite Helicopter Formally Handed over to Royal New Zealand Navy

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) officially accepted ownership of the new Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters from Kaman Aerospace in a ceremony at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland on March 6 2015. There are three new Seasprites at Base Auckland and the remaining five will be delivered by September. The new SH-2G(I) replaces the SH-2G model that is presently being used.

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Jack Steer said the handover marked a significant milestone for the Defence Force’s maritime aviation capability.

“The Seasprites perform a vital function for the Navy, and enhance the roles of our ships at sea, by undertaking a range of tasks including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, counter-terrorism and utility lift. We’ve operated Seasprites since the 1990s and they have proven to be a great capability for us.

“We deployed a Seasprite on HMNZS TE MANA to the Gulf of Aden in 2014 in support of the multi-national Combined Task Force undertaking anti-piracy activities in the region. The Seasprite flew over 120 hours and was used for surveillance and reconnaissance adding substantial value to the operation. We currently have a Seasprite embarked on HMNZS TE KAHA who is on operational deployment until May and the helicopter is an integral part of this mission,” said Rear Admiral Steer.

Operation of the Seasprites is a joint effort between the Navy and Air Force. Seasprites are flown by Navy personnel and maintained by Air Force engineers and technicians who form No.6 Squadron at Whenuapai.



Kaman and the MoD entered into a $120 million contract in May 2013 for the purchase of ten state-of-the-art Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite aircraft, spare parts, a full mission flight simulator, and related logistics support. Additional aircraft are scheduled to be accepted by the MoD in the next few weeks. The remaining deliveries of helicopters and equipment is expected to occur by the end of 2015.

The SH-2G Super Seasprite is an advanced maritime weapon system and proven day/night/all-weather multi-mission helicopter. Originally designed to meet the exacting requirements of the U.S. Navy, the SH-2G Super Seasprite has the highest power-to-weight ratio of any maritime helicopter, assuring a safe return-to-ship capability even in single-engine flight conditions. Its robust design, outstanding stability, and excellent reliability have been proven through more than 1.5 million flight hours. The SH-2G is a multi-mission maritime weapon system designed to fulfill anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), over the horizon targeting, surveillance, troop transport, vertical replenishment, search and rescue, and utility missions. It is the largest, most powerful small ship helicopter in use today and is recognized for its mission effectiveness, support, and unmatched performance. The SH-2G Super Seasprite is currently operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Egyptian Air Force and the Polish Navy.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

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01/04/2015

Nouvelle-Zélande : les T-6C au complet !



La dernière paire de Beechcraft T-6C « Texan II » école a été livrée à l’école de vol de la Royal New Zealand Air Force (NZDF).  Les deux derniers T-6C n° NZ1410 et NZ1411 ont décollé de  Wichita,  le site d'assemblage du constructeur américain dans le Kansas pour rejoindre leur base d’affectation au sein de la NZDF.


Rappel :

Le contrat prévoit en plus des 11 appareils Beechcraft T-6C, un simulateur de vol, ainsi que des postes individuels d’entraînement. Les T-6C seront exploités au sein de l’escadron 14 basé à Ohakea, qui volait des Aermacchi MB339C, jusqu'à la dissolution de la force aérienne de combat de la Nouvelle-Zélande en 2001.


Le T-6 « Texan II » :

Le Hawker-Beechcraft T-6B « Texan II»  est la version la plus moderne disponible de la gamme T6, le cockpit comprend un Head-Up Display (HUD) couplé avec  panneau de configuration Up-Front (UFCP), et Hands-On Throttle and Stick, soit le système mains sur manettes et manche. Le T-6B dispose d’une avionique  avec écrans EFIS et système d’enregistrement des données de vol numérique. Le T-6B est un avion d'entraînement primaire qui permet un enseignement de base aux procédures de vol et aux instruments et permet d’effectuer les figures d’introduction à la  voltige.

Le Beechcraft T-6 «Texan II» est un aéronef à turbopropulseur monomoteur construit par la Raytheon Aircraft Company (maintenant Hawker-Beechcraft). Basé sur une cellule de Pilatus PC-9.

Le T-6 est un développement du Pilatus PC-9, modifiés de manière significative par Beechcraft en vue d'entrer dans le système commun de formation primaire d'aéronef (JPATS) prévu pour les Forces aériennes américaines. Des modifications mineures ont été introduites sur la cellule d’un PC-9, mais des conflits entrer l’USAF et la Navy ont entraîné des retards et des augmentations de coûts (par rapport aux estimations initiales de 3,9 millions à près de 6 millions dollars par avion). De plus, le T-6 se retrouve avec un surpoids de 22% vis-à-vis du PC-9 initial.

Le modèle T-6C est le même que le modèle que le  «B» mais permet l’usage d’armes de bord, telles que : canons, roquettes et bombes.


Photos : Hawker-Beechcraft T-6C « Texan II  NZDF @ NZDF

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2015/04/01/nouvelle-zelande-les-t-6c-au-complet-858546.html

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NZ Defence Force a ajouté 3 nouvelles photos à l’album Kiwi Contingent Settling Into Taji Task.

NZDF trainers and supporting force elements are in Taji and have begun the task of training Iraqi Security Forces

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Rheinmetall delivers last MHOV vehicle to NZDF
29 June 2015

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has taken delivery of an additional medium heavy operational vehicle (MHOV) from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia.
Delivered during a ceremony at Trentham Military Camp, near Wellington, the new vehicle is the last of 194 MHOVs to be supplied by Rheinmetall to NZDF under a $113m deal signed in April 2013.
The 4x4 6t (HX60), 6x6 9t (HX58), and 8x8 15t (HX77) MHOVs are scheduled to replace the NZDF's ageing fleet comprising Unimog and heavier Mercedes trucks, which have been operating for nearly 30 years.
New Zealand Army chief major general Dave Gawn said the MHOVs represent a major leap forward in capability and technology for the NZDF.
Gawn said: "Across a range of employment contexts, the MHOV offers us a significantly enhanced logistics and movements capability as a land force for the future.



"Further to the normal troop and equipment carrying roles, additional vehicles are fitted with winches and cranes, which will enable fully independent operations."

Featuring high-capacity electrical systems, air conditioners, and Euro 4 emissions compliant engines, the MHOVs offer increased carrying capacity for cargo and supplies and are also fitted with bolt-on armour kits and weapon mounts, providing greater crew protection and self-defence.
Transportable through the HMNZS Canterbury's side ramp, the fully deployable HX58, HX60, and HX77 variants can also be loaded on and off the vessel using landing craft.
The NZDF has supplied four HX60 models and a HX77 carrying a gap crossing (Bridge) system to Australia, through HMNZS Canterbury for participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015.
The MHOVs are expected to be fully introduced into the NZDF service by December 2017.



http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsrheinmetall-delivers-last-mhov-vehicle-to-nzdf-4611393

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NZ Defence Force

Their participation in Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS15) marks the first time that the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) NH90 helicopters have
been deployed offshore. “The exercise provides us an opportunity to understand how the NH90s can add value to an operation that involves
our security partners and to see the strength that our Kiwiness adds to the mix,” said Wing Commander Scott McKenzie, Commanding Officer
of the RNZAF’s 3 Squadron and Deputy Senior National Officer for the New Zealand Defence Force contingent to TS15. TS15 is the largest
warfighting exercise that the Australian Defence Force conducts with the US military.

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