NZDF To Conduct Bomb Training At Kaipara Range

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) will be dropping Mark 82 depth bombs from a P-3K2 Orion in a training exercise to qualify air and ground crews at the Kaipara Air Weapons Range onThursday 2 June.

The Mark 82 depth bomb is used by the RNZAF for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in littoral (inshore) waters and complements the Mark 46 ASW torpedo also carried by the P-3K2 Orion.

ASW is just one of the roles undertaken by the RNZAF’s six-strong fleet of P-3K2 Orions, which form a critical part of the Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and combat capability. This capability supports the Royal New Zealand Navy in military operations, and other government agencies, in preventing illegal fishing, piracy, and smuggling of drugs or people.

P-3K2 crews must be prepared to support a wide range of tasks at any given time. Air and ground personnel must therefore always keep their skills current.

Loading and releasing live weapons requires procedures to be followed precisely for the safety of all concerned, so training exercises such as this are a critical part of ensuring the RNZAF remains ready to respond not only to Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief missions, but also to combat focused scenarios.

Media are invited to attend the training at the Kaipara Air Weapons Range.

Spokespeople will be available to talk about the exercise and the functions of the RNZAF P-3K2 Orion aircraft.

What: RNZAF P-3K2 Orion bomb dropping training media opportunity

Where: Kaipara Air Weapons Range, 104 Trig Road, South Head, Rodney

When: 1pm Thursday 2 June 2016

All media wishing to attend must register with Claire Rennie, Senior Communications Advisor North by midday Wednesday 1 June by emailing claire.rennie@nzdf.mil.nz

Note: all media must wear closed toe footwear and bring photographic ID to be granted admission to the range. Media should also bring wet weather clothing as there is minimal shelter and weather conditions are very changeable in the area.

ENDS

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