A 3D sonar graphic of a known wreck of a Japanese Zero fighter plane in 18m of water in Simpson Harbour, Papua New Guinea
NEW CHOPPER TEST GOES WELL
1km from the cave through a beaten track of forest and sand. Once the munitions were in the vehicles they were taken to a demolition range 10km away near an active volcano to be disposed of. As a towering wall of ash extended 500m into the air, the ground shook as the shock wave hit the waiting vehicles. Shrapnel was discarded 1km away from the explosion site, with the bang blowing a hole 5m deep and 15m wide into the hillside.
On a global scale, contributions such as these show the importance the New Zealand Defence Force plays in the Pacific region. Notably, this mission was carried out at the same time significant effort was being put into the grounding of the Rena in the Bay of Plenty, and teams were being deployed to drought- stricken Tuvalu.
The versatility shown by the NZDF's response to concurrent missions such as these proves New Zealand is a viable and well-respected partner in the global community.
The new Royal New Zealand Air Force A109 helicopter successfully completed its first integration trial with the Royal New Zealand Navy's multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury during October. The aim of the trial was to test the A109 with the ship in non-operational conditions, including the ability of the aircraft to operate and be maintained on the ship. During the trial the helicopter landed on the ship and was fully stowed in the hangar. The second stage of the trial saw the helicopter being removed from the hangar, prepared for flight and flown off the ship, which was tied up alongside Devonport Naval Base throughout. The trial was deemed a success, with only minor issues to rectify. Further trials will be carried out before the helicopter is able to operate to and from the ship. Canterbury is the Navy's sea-lift and amphibious support ship. Depending on the mission type, she can transport a blend of A109 or Navy Seasprite helicopters in support of air and land operations and disaster relief. She will also carry the new NH90 helicopter when it comes into service.
January/February 2012 Professional Skipper 71
