Post by nige on Sept 6, 2008 8:34:24 GMT 12
From the NZDF website www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/20080905-nafstfm.htm
Navy, Air Force successfully test fire missile
5 September 2008
Two air-to-surface live missile firings were successfully conducted today in a joint exercise involving New Zealand’s Navy and Air Force.
In a joint operation utilising the Navy Frigate TE KAHA, Naval Seasprite Helicopters from 6 Squadron and an Air Force P3 Orion, two AGM65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles were test fired at 9.45am.
Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Tony Parr says that in a first, the Mavericks were fired from Naval Seasprite Helicopters against two targets at sea east of Great Barrier Island.
“This is an important demonstration of the Seasprite and Maverick missile capability. It is also a very good example of sailors and airmen working together to bring to bear that capability,” he says.
“The activity involved a ‘start to finish’ validation of current Royal New Zealand Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force standing operating procedures, orders and instructions, and to verify the Seasprite as a firing platform for the Maverick missile.”
Commodore Parr says the ‘Maverick’ missile was introduced to service seven years ago by the New Zealand Defence Force but this was the first live-firing from a SH-2G (NZ) Seasprite, against either maritime or land targets.
“Regular weapons firings are part of our development and maintenance of operational capability,” he said. “Exercises like today’s allow air and ground crews to practice preparation, loading and firing procedures – as well as the handling of live forward firing ordnance on board our ships.”
Commander Mat Williams, Commanding Officer of HMNZS TE KAHA says: “The firing was very successful, the air-to-surface missile performed as expected and has proven the capability”.
ENDS
For further information please contact Elizabeth Lincoln, Assistant Public Relations Manager (Navy) Mob: 021-888649.
Video Footage of the firing is available from Leading Edge Media. Please contact Malcolm Clement, 021 807 718.
* * * * * * *
Curious questions: what was the "target" (real or programmed)?
Does the live firing include a warhead or not?
Is the Orion used to coordinate the attack and track the missile (kind of like when they used to coordinate the Skyhawks)? Can/can't the Seasprite do so itself with its advanced radar?
Navy, Air Force successfully test fire missile
5 September 2008
Two air-to-surface live missile firings were successfully conducted today in a joint exercise involving New Zealand’s Navy and Air Force.
In a joint operation utilising the Navy Frigate TE KAHA, Naval Seasprite Helicopters from 6 Squadron and an Air Force P3 Orion, two AGM65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles were test fired at 9.45am.
Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Tony Parr says that in a first, the Mavericks were fired from Naval Seasprite Helicopters against two targets at sea east of Great Barrier Island.
“This is an important demonstration of the Seasprite and Maverick missile capability. It is also a very good example of sailors and airmen working together to bring to bear that capability,” he says.
“The activity involved a ‘start to finish’ validation of current Royal New Zealand Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force standing operating procedures, orders and instructions, and to verify the Seasprite as a firing platform for the Maverick missile.”
Commodore Parr says the ‘Maverick’ missile was introduced to service seven years ago by the New Zealand Defence Force but this was the first live-firing from a SH-2G (NZ) Seasprite, against either maritime or land targets.
“Regular weapons firings are part of our development and maintenance of operational capability,” he said. “Exercises like today’s allow air and ground crews to practice preparation, loading and firing procedures – as well as the handling of live forward firing ordnance on board our ships.”
Commander Mat Williams, Commanding Officer of HMNZS TE KAHA says: “The firing was very successful, the air-to-surface missile performed as expected and has proven the capability”.
ENDS
For further information please contact Elizabeth Lincoln, Assistant Public Relations Manager (Navy) Mob: 021-888649.
Video Footage of the firing is available from Leading Edge Media. Please contact Malcolm Clement, 021 807 718.
* * * * * * *
Curious questions: what was the "target" (real or programmed)?
Does the live firing include a warhead or not?
Is the Orion used to coordinate the attack and track the missile (kind of like when they used to coordinate the Skyhawks)? Can/can't the Seasprite do so itself with its advanced radar?
not very clearly trying to indicating that it was likely to part of a doco on the FlightTV channel with the link to the company info on the site.
