The Royal New Zealand Navy has 13 ships, seven of which are completely new. Each of the ship’s capabilities differs from the others, and therefore each is used on different operations. Our ships include combat, patrol, support, diving support vessels and hydrographic survey vessels.
The technology used on these ships can change dirty sea water into clean drinking water, detect surrounding vessels from greater than 100km and map the ocean floor. And that’s pretty cool!
Radio, Radars and Electronics Systems
All of our ships use advanced radars, sonar and electric sensors. These detect electromagnetic emissions from radar and communication devices to track, identify and listen to others while at sea. We can’t tell you too much about these systems for obvious reasons!
What we can tell you is how the Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters use surface surveillance equipment to engage the enemy far beyond the range of the ships capabilities! The Helo can detect and identify targets, build up a tactical picture for the ship and engage targets with its own missiles, torpedoes, depth charges or the door mounted machinegun. The Seasprites also use infra-red heat detecting sensors which are invaluable for search and rescue missions, allowing surface contacts to be identified, day and night, well past visual range.
Warfare Technology
HMNZS Te Kaha and Te Mana are the Navy’s two ANZAC Class Frigates built to German MEKO 200 design. The amazing thing about how these ships were constructed is that they were built in separate sections in New Zealand and Australia, and then combined to produce the finished vessel.
They house numerous weapon systems including 5 inch fully automatic guns, eight-cell vertical launch systems for air defence missiles, PHALANX 20mm multiple barrel close in defensive weapons system, triple-barrelled anti-submarine torpedo tubes, mini-typhoon automated heavy machine gun mounts and numerous small arms. And that’s just two ships.
Our Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite Helicopters can be equipped with anti-submarine torpedoes, depth charges, Maverick anti-ship missiles and a door mounted machine gun. Watch the Maverick Missile Test-Launch video to see our Seasprites in action.
Mechanical Technology
In the engine rooms of HMNZS Te Kaha and Te Mana are our combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion systems. These provide both long range endurance for cruising plus a high speed sprint capability. The mechanical capabilities of the technology in the engine room are also amazing. It’s like an entire city down there. For example, we make our own fresh water, we have air conditioning and refrigeration and we even purify our own sewerage.
HMNZS Manawanui is fitted with a triple lock compression chamber, comprehensive navigation and radar equipment, four point self-tensioning mooring facility, and, a photographic darkroom.
Hydrographic Surveying
Hydrography is broadly defined as ‘the measurement and description of the features of the sea, and coastal areas, for the primary purpose of navigation and all other marine purposes and activities’. Hydrographic measurements include tidal, current and wave information.
Data is recorded using echo sounding equipment and sophisticated electronic sensor systems. Hydrographic System Operators in the Royal New Zealand Navy use this information to update navigational charts which are then used for, amongst other things, the beach landing of Defence Force personnel and equipment around the world.
Simulation Training
The Bridge simulator consists of three mock ships’ bridges which are configurable to match our ships. Training can be completed on ship handling, navigation, communications, and radar use. The bridge is so realistic and provides such an incredible insight into the systems on board that some trainees have even reported feeling sea sick!
IPMS are our Integrated Platform Management Systems. These allow remote monitoring and control of the ship's mechanical and electrical plant and equipment. Crew can view all systems from on the bridge and adjust as required. IPMS are used in both our Bridge and Technician simulators.
The Training simulator unit enables marine technicians to train in realistic situations, without risk to people or ships. The computers are able to emulate both generic and ship specific platform systems. Real-time modelling enables replication of the propulsion plant and auxiliary systems, main power distribution including shore power and all damage control and hotel services.
Training involves system diagnostic, machinery operation and emergency break down procedures and allows trainers and trainees to push scenarios beyond the realms of what one can experience on actual running equipment. For example, students can practise total electrical failures up to 10 times an hour and not get hurt!
Hyperbaric Unit
The Devonport Naval Base Hyperbaric Unit is one of only two in New Zealand. Primarily used by the Navy’s diving crew, the unit helps with recompression treatment and can sit up to 10 people at one time; however the unit is also used for emergency and non-urgent hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the public. The unit utilises compressed air to pressurise the patient’s environment to the equivalent pressure they would experience while diving at great depths. You can find out more about the Navy Hyperbaric Unit www.navyhyperbaric.mil.nz