RNZN News

[buglerbilly]

Royal New Zealand Navy increase REMUS AUV capability

May 25, 2010

Hydroid, Inc., the leading manufacturer of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), announced today that the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has recently contracted to buy an additional Hydroid REMUS 100 AUV. This purchase will bring the fleet to four complete systems. The RNZN purchased two REMUS 100 systems in 2006 and followed up with a third in 2007.

Along with the new vehicle, the RNZN has also ordered a number of sensors and upgrades for their existing systems, designed to increase their operational capability.

Since entering service, the vehicles have successfully performed a wide range of military and civilian tasks including location of downed aircraft, police and customs operations and military exercises both within New Zealand and overseas.

These REMUS systems came into the public eye last year, when New Zealand was asked to assist Tonga, in the location of the ferry, “Princess Ashika”.

On August 19th, the vessel sank in open ocean, with the loss of 68 passengers and 4 crew. Following receipt of distress messages, floating wreckage was found by a Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion P3 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The RNZN REMUS team was flown to Nuko Alofa and taken to the wreckage area by the Tonga Defence Services. The ship was located and identified, lying in 110 meters of water and images were recorded of the vessel and associated debris field.

We believe this is likely to be the first time that a sunken vessel, has been successfully located in open ocean, through the rapid deployment of an AUV.

The RNZN contract was let to New Zealand Ocean Technology Ltd., (NZOT) Hydroid’s sole representative for New Zealand. NZOT received the Minister of Defence Award of Excellence to Industry 2009, for services associated with Mines Countermeasures, including supply and support of Hydroid’s REMUS 100 systems. At the presentation to Managing Director, Ron Tyson, the Minister stated: “He has delivered some world leading technology, NZ tailored solutions at extremely competitive costs".

Hydroid Inc. holds the exclusive license from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for the manufacture and further development of the REMUS Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) technology. In June 2008, Hydroid was acquired by Kongsberg Maritime, and now offers the REMUS and HUGIN family of autonomous vehicles that meet a full range of autonomous needs.

Source: Hydroid

[buglerbilly]

Boat not shipshape - but under warranty

By Matt Nippert 4:00 AM Sunday Jun 6, 2010, NZ Herald


HMNZS Otago arrives two years late. Photo / NZPA

When the Navy received word one of its trouble-plagued new offshore patrol boats had suffered engine problems on its delivery voyage, a senior official responded in a manner more worthy of a Toyota advert.

"Bugger," he exclaimed. "Well at least the Aussies will be paying for the repair."

The exclamation by the Navy's Andrew Cutler about the HMNZS Otago engine failure, on clearing the Melbourne channel, is revealed in documents released to the Herald on Sunday under the Official Information Act.

Similar engine problems also held up sister ship HMNZS Wellington's departure for New Zealand last week.

In his "bugger" email, Cutler expressed relief that the faults were discovered while the ship was still under warranty, making the Australian shipyard liable for repairs.

The two vessels were ordered in 2004, and the maiden voyage of Otago to New Zealand was delayed in March when its engines developed coolant leaks, and the fuel injection and air-conditioning systems failed.

A report from the Otago's captain, Simon Rooke, headed "commercial in confidence" said that the fault was initially "considered to be a very rare failure", but further investigation revealed more problems: "Two such failures on the one cylinder indicate a far more serious issue."

Navy spokesman Commander Phil Bradshaw said the issues were resolved under the warranty provided by German engine manufacturer MAN and the ships' British builder BAE Systems, whose subsidiary owns the Melbourne shipyard.

Bradshaw said sister ship the Wellington appeared to be without fault until it set sail for New Zealand from Melbourne last week: "It's Murphy's Law - you finally try to sail home, and it starts leaking."

Bradshaw said the Wellington was found to suffer almost identical engine problems to the Otago and the issues related to faulty seals around the engine cylinders that led to coolant leakage.

"Nothing ever works perfectly the first time around," he added. "It's nigh-impossible to have them work right out of the box. How do you know if a skyrocket will go? You light it and see what happens."

By Matt Nippert

[JimWH]

Those ships are... ill fated. Pity really, good looking ships with a relatively comprehensive package for what the RNZN want them to do. Not a bad approximation of what we might expect out of the OCV either come to think of it.

[JimWH]

Actually, whilst I'm thinking of it (i.e. avoiding studying), has there been any discussion of expanding the RNZAF's SeaSprite fleet? There are now 5 RNZN ships with SeaSprite facilities and 5 SeaSprites to go around. The Otagos can use A109 for many of their roles, but the A109 fleet will presumably have to spend most of it's time in it's primary role (i.e. as the training type for the rest of the RNZAF's helicopter fleet), which means I'd be surprised if they can find one to act as a ship flight with any kind of regularity. Taking into account availability ratios, there are probably about to be between 2 and 3 ships ready for sea at any time which ideally need a SeaSprite (1 FFG, 1-2 OPV, 0-1 MRV), and I can't see the 6 Sqn RNZAF being able to provide that many ship flights with it's current resources. The situation will get even worse when Endeavour is replaced by something with a flight deck suitable for aircraft larger than the Wasp.
Does anybody have some insight into the situation? Insight such as: they're well aware of the problem and there's no cash/will to fix it?

[Gubler, A.]

Actually, whilst I'm thinking of it (i.e. avoiding studying), has there been any discussion of expanding the RNZAF's SeaSprite fleet? There are now 5 RNZN ships with SeaSprite facilities and 5 SeaSprites to go around.

I think the RNZAF will be pretty stretched financially and HR wise introducing the NH90 for the next few years. Of the 2 FF and 2 OPV it is unlikely they will have more than three available for sea due to maintenance cycles. The MPV will most likely embark NH90s for its role. So the RNZAF is only going to be tasked to provide three flights for frigates and corvettes at the most. They would probably want a few more SH-2s to meet that three flight requirement but they should be able to make it with 5: 1 in 2nd line maintenance, 1 for training and 3 for operational duty. Especially if they can migrate a lot of flying and operational training to the AW109s – which is the ADF’s intent under HATS as well.

[Gubler, A.]

Otago sat on the slipway at Williamstown for months with one engine onboard and waiting for another to arrive due to supply shortages... A cause for the engine problem?

[JimWH]

I'd figured that Canterbury would usually sail with NH-90s, but it's cutting it really fine to predicate fleet management on having 3 out of 5 birds ready to deploy. But I guess it's a budgetary thing more than an operational choice.

[Unicorn]

Got a close look at Wellington when she put into FBE at Woolloomooloo to fix the engine problem.

Nice looking ships, a real pity that their construction was so badly frakked up.

Unicorn

[buglerbilly]

French Helo Joins CANTERBURY on Pacific Mission

(Source: New Zealand Defence Force; dated April 8, web-posted April 11, 2011)

HMNZS Canterbury has embarked a French Army of New Caledonia (FANC) PUMA helicopter and personnel while anchored in Noumea as the US-led exercise Pacific Partnership gets underway.

The French Army of New Caledonia (FANC) will work closely with NZ Defence Force personnel and those from a number of nations as part of Pacific Partnership, a dedicated humanitarian aid and disaster relief exercise throughout the Pacific which will increase interoperability and deliver medical, dental, veterinary and engineering services.

Brigadier Tramond, Joint Commodore of New Caledonia Defence Force, adds, “We have a good connection with the Kiwis and are accustomed to working together. We have an excellent relationship on both an operational level and on a personal level.”

Commanding Officer of HMNZS Canterbury, Commander Jim Gilmour, says the PUMA is crucial to the exercise and means that supplies can be speedily delivered ashore. The first time a PUMA was uploaded to the ship was for the disaster relief exercise, Tropic Twilight, last year and now FANC will join NZ Defence personnel in the exercise by using HMNZS Canterbury as a base for humanitarian activities.

FANC PUMA pilot, Captain Youri Sicard, notes that the capabilities of the PUMA are well suited to exercises like Pacific Partnership. “The PUMA can transfer up to twelve personnel per trip and can carry up to two tonnes of material ashore.”

The French Air Force currently operates a fleet of 874 active aircraft including; fighters, transport aircraft, passenger transport and helicopters. The air mobility force includes 80 helicopters like the PUMA.

Noumea is the first stop for HMNZS Canterbury before heading to the small island of Niuatoputonga in the island nation of Tonga.

This is the first time the NZ Defence Force has been involved in Pacific Partnership on such a large scale, with the participation of HMNZS Canterbury, her ship’s company and up to 150 NZ Defence personnel.

Other nations and personnel participating in this year’s exercise include a mix of about 600 military, interagency and non-governmental organisational medical professionals and engineers hailing from the US, Australia, Canada, France, Singapore and Spain.

New Zealand’s contribution to Pacific Partnership will focus on the nations of Tonga and Vanuatu, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade supporting the development work with approximately $500,000 of funding from the New Zealand Aid Programme.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Thales Promotes New Zealand Suppliers for Ship Upgrade Bid

(Source: Thales; issued August 2, 2011)

Thales New Zealand is today holding an Industry Engagement Day with local businesses from marine and naval industry groups. The company will be highlighting opportunities for these businesses to participate in a major ship upgrade program for the New Zealand Defence Force.

The Auckland event will be attended by 45 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with potential work in the program ranging from support services for radar and electro-optic systems to logistics expertise and requirements management services.

“New Zealand has a wide range of very capable and innovative suppliers in the Defence arena, and we are very interested in talking to them in order to offer the Government and taxpayers a compelling, value for money solution for this project,” said Peter Beggs, Country Director Thales New Zealand.

“Our bid is premised on mature, low risk technology delivered on time by an experienced team to enhance the NZDF’s naval capabilities. Suppliers will need to have a proven track record, flexibility, and a strong focus on costs.”

Requirements for the Frigate Systems Upgrade project for the ANZAC class vessels include an upgraded Combat Management System, new sensor and radar capabilities, and associated through life support services.

Thales has extensive experience in large scale naval programs, having successfully worked with 20 different shipyards in 19 countries on combat system programs for 40 different classes of vessels.

A Government decision on approval to proceed with the project is expected by early next year.

Thales is a global technology leader for the Defence & Security and the Aerospace & Transport markets. In 2010, the company generated revenues of EUR 13.1 billion (equivalent of AUD 18.9 billion) with 68,000 employees in 50 countries.

Thales New Zealand delivers a range of mission critical technologies, including a world-class integrated fare collection system in Auckland, plus air traffic management systems to key airports. The company also supplies secure electronic banking systems, as well as various equipment to the New Zealand Defence Force.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

DATE:22/08/11

SOURCE:Flight International

New Zealand struggles with Seasprite sustainment

By Greg Waldron

I had an interesting conversation with an Ex RNZN guy who's the brother of a Kiwi mate of mine. He was involved with the programme that led to the SeaSprite and has some VERY uncomplimemtary things to say abou the whole saga, not least cos the RNZN preferred the Sea Lynx in its T-800 powered version (now developed further to provide the current A159 WILDCAT for the UK Navy & Army)...........he's got more than a few gripes about it not least cos they've selected "...a 2nd Class POS!" The NZ Government of the day selected the SeaFlop in the "interests of commonality with the RAN" and we know what happened to the RAN ones!

New Zealand is finding its five Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters increasingly difficult to maintain, with the issue resulting in fewer flight hours than targeted.

In New Zealand's 2009/2010 fiscal year, Royal New Zealand Navy Seasprites achieved just 882 flying hours, compared with a target range of 1,240h to 1,370h, said a report issued by the nation's defence ministry.

"That target was itself reassessed during the year to 904h, in reflection of the difficulty being experienced in keeping enough helicopters available," the report said.

New Zealand aims to have three Seasprites deployed on its Anzac-class frigates at any one time. This requires that four aircraft be operational, with the fourth required for training and certification.

In October 2010 just one Seasprite was available, with two helicopters undergoing heavy maintenance and two others awaiting heavy maintenance.


© Royal New Zealand Navy

"Corrosion and vibration damage are the main maintenance issues on the Seasprite," said the ministry. "Regular operation of the Seasprite in a corrosive, salt-laden environment exacerbates maintenance issues.

"Good prevention and husbandry can slow, but not stop, the rate of airframe deterioration."

It added that "vibration damage is endemic to helicopters and worsens in line with hours flown rather than physical age. The only way to ameliorate is to lower flying hours, which is not a viable option if capability is to be maintained."

New Zealand has identified several other problems, including long lead times for spares and engineering support from manufacturer Kaman.

It also identified problems with New Zealand Defence Force training and processes.

The report makes a number of recommendations, most focused on addressing procedural and training shortcomings. It makes no mention of possibly replacing the aircraft.

The Super Seasprite entered service in New Zealand in 2001.

The Egyptian air force and Polish navy are the only other operators of the type, with Flightglobal's HeliCAS database recording them as having active fleets of 10 and three, respectively.