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'.

The files revealed how around 3,700 bombs were exploded during testing, which was launched in June 1944, and indicated that the weapon was feasible.

The tests also revealed a series of 10 large offshore blasts could potentially result in a 33ft tsunami that would wreak havoc on a coastal city, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.
Mr Waru said: 'It was absolutely astonishing. First that anyone would come up with the idea of developing a weapon of mass destruction based on a tsunami... and also that New Zealand seems to have successfully developed it to the degree that it might have worked.'

He explained that while initial testing was positive, Project Seal was shelved in early 1945.
Experts concluded it would be necessary to arrange around two million kilograms of explosives about five miles from a shoreline in order to create a successful tsunami bomb.
Details of the shadowy project are included in Mr Waru's new book Secrets and Treasures, which also incorporates other bizarre findings from his trawl through New Zealand's national archives.
As well as Project Seal, Mr Waru discovered Defence Department records detailing thousands of UFO sightings.
Members of the public, military personnel and pilots were among those who reported seeing moving lights in the skies over New Zealand.

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.

According to Contrapel’s own on-water tests, the higher efficiency of the new system provides many improvements compared with boats that are equipped with traditional jet drive installations. These include improved thrust at low and mid speeds; better fuel economy at low and mid speeds due to improved control; the drive is highly survivable and operable in extreme conditions, including brown and black-water environments; it will lower global marine carbon footprint; and produces significantly lower noise and vibration levels.
The rotating speeds of the hybrid propellers are also very low, which generates the lower noise and also little wake turbulence. The Contrapel Hybrid Drive boasts ‘propeller-like’ thrusts at all speeds, but unlike propellers the Contrapel Hybrid Drive propellers are enclosed in a stainless steel tube that is screened to ensure objects cannot be ingested. This means that animal life, people and fragile seascapes are protected from damage.
Currently tested in 190mm, 270mm and 330mm diameter configurations, the Contrapel Hybrid Drive is able to suit a variety of marine propulsion applications and, it is claimed, will work on smaller leisure craft through to military vessels, shipping, workboats, dredgers and even for underwater submarines.
New Zealand’s Stabicraft Marine has been involved in the development of the Contrapel Hybrid Dive and, in conjunction with Contrapel Ltd, has fitted two Contrapel 330 units to a 10.2m Supercab rescue vessel.
Powered by twin Volvo-Penta D6 435 hp engines, the Stabicraft 10.2m weighs eight tonnes and carries 750 litres of fuel. It can achieve a fast cruise of 29.7 knots at 3,030rpm and reach a top speed of 37knots at 3,500rpm.

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.

 “No funding commitment has yet been made. Only after going to market through an open and competitive tender process will the government consider making its investment decision,” said Dr Coleman.

Cabinet is likely to further consider the project in the latter half of next year, and once the commercially sensitive tender process is completed give an indication on costs.

The project will be funded by a combination of depreciation and savings from within existing baselines and will require no further money.

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.

It is the first major field deployment for the A109, which was officially unveiled in New Zealand in May last year. The A109 was bought to replace the Bell 47 Sioux and is used mainly as a training helicopter for the larger NH90.

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.”

“Cabinet’s eventual decision on aircraft types and ownership and maintenance options will be assessed against pricing comparisons and the ability to meet technical and performance requirements,” he said.

A Request for Information from Industry was held this year and the formal tender by the Ministry of Defence will be issued in the next few days. Cabinet is expected to consider the tender options in the latter half of next year when it receives an Implementation Business Case.

 

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
the Philippines and China is under strain due to a territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

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."

TE KAHA's commanding officer commander Jon Beadsmoore said: "I'm looking forward to testing ourselves and increasing interoperability between our two Navies."

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

Following completion of the exercise, TE KAHA is scheduled to undergo a modernisation programme that involves advanced technology upgrades in 2013, Beadsmoore said.

The RSN and the RNZN regularly conduct professional exchanges, visits and multilateral exercises, as part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium.