04 ARMYCAPABILITY

A MODERN, AGILE, HIGHLY ADAPTIVELight Combat Force

ARMYCAPABILITY 05

Soldier ModernisationSoldier Modernisation is an enduring effort to ensure that NZDF service personnel, operating in the Land Domain, are resourced with the capabilities to prosecute land combat operations in a complex, integrated and austere environment to achieve NZDF missions and tasks with coalition and expeditionary forces.

Soldier Modernisation is far more than kit and equipment. It is also a mindset and a culture of high performance that, at its core, continuously improves soldiers’ ability to fight and survive in increasingly complex and ambiguous combat settings.

The NZDF Soldier System is defined as:• Survivability

The Soldier System’s interaction with soldier protection systems ranging from ballistic protection through to the ability to block, disrupt or deceive the threats target acquisition systems in the visual, optical, IR and radar spectrum in any geographical or environmental setting.

• Sustainability The Soldier System’s ability to operate on the battlefield without maintenance support or resupply of food, water and munitions.

• Mobility The Soldier System’s ability to march and fight in direct relationship to the soldier’s load.

• Lethality The Soldier System’s interaction with, and operation of, a number of weapon systems. Lethality is also defined as gaining the cognitive edge.

• C4I Definition of the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence/Information. The Soldier System’s interaction with information displays, weapons interface, vehicle information systems, hands-free operations, and enhancement of all situational awareness and all tactical command and control sub-systems. The means to apply lethal and less-lethal effects with weapons.

Future replacement uniform for the New Zealand ArmyThe Multi Camouflage Uniform (MCU) will be replaced by the New Zealand Multi-Terrain Pattern (NZMTP) uniform. Initial production of the new uniform is planned for late 2019 with distribution early 2020.

The new NZMTP camouflage pattern is similar to that worn by the British Armed Forces (Her Majesty’s Armed Forces) but with a New Zealand Colour Scheme. Through feedback received as part of the material design review the NZMTP uniform has been reinforced for comfort in addition with new protective systems, to meet Army’s diverse workforce and ability to operate in varying terrain, environmental and operational conditions. Alternate designs will be trialled in early 2020 which will allow confirmation of the materials, design and fit. The replacement programme will also see the replacement of the current MCU jacket and wet weather jacket and pants.

The new NZMTP uniform and associated modern protective systems will include:

• Survivability – NZMTP– Epic Body Armour

manufactured by TYR– The new P4 Viper combat

helmet– Combat Gloves

• Sustainability– Immediate Sustainment Pack/

Tyr Direct Action Assault pack– Interim Light Infantry Pack –

Currently being issued to select combat units

• Lethality – MARS-L individual assault

rifle fitted with Infrared Aiming Device (IRAD)

• C4I– Mini N-Seas (Dual mount)

Night-vision Goggles– Individual Radio

communications – Harris radio with Integrated communications headset

Other clothing and systems still to be finalised:

• Survivability– NZMTP under body armour

combat shirt– Combat Visor and Mandible

heavy Ballistic eyewear option– Protective Eyewear

• C4I– Commanders Combat

information display (tablet).

NEW NZMTP LESS HELMET AND BODY ARMOUR

NEW NZMTP WITH NIGHT-VISION AND SUSTAINMENT PACK

NEW NZMTP AND MODERN PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS

Epic Body Armour

MARS-L individual assault rifle

Combat Gloves

Radio Communications

Light Infantry Pack

Immediate Sustainment Pack

(TYR Direct Action Assault pack)

Mini N-Seas (Dual mount)

Night-vision Goggles

Integrated Communications Headset

The new P4 Viper combat helmet

NZ Multi-Terrain Pattern (NZMTP)

A3I SENSOR OPERATOR (AUTOMATED, AUTOMATIC, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE)

06 ARMYCAPABILITY

LAND CAPABILITY DELIVERY: Project Update July 2019

Combat: Capability integrated into service during this period

Capability integrated into service over the next six months

Individual Weapon & 40mm Replacement

SCOPE: Replace the IW Steyr with an open architecture individual weapon and grenade launcher that meets the needs of NZDF’s future operating environments.• Initial operational release approved.

• All MARS-L distributed to users.

• Operation Release expected Sep 19.

• Project closure from Sep 19.

Personal Protection Weapon

SCOPE: Replace the P226 personal protection weapon with a high reliability PPW capable of short range neutralisation of personnel targets. • Project has reached Operational Release.

• Project closure under action.

Military Working Dogs (MWD) Veterinary Care Training Mannequin

Recently NZDF has increased its number of MWD capabilities. As part of this increase it was identified that there was a requirement for a canine simulation training aid, in order to enhance veterinary emergency care training for the handlers and NZDF personnel at the point of injury.

A number of options where investigated with the Innovative Tactical Training Solutions Gen 2 K9 simulation mannequin being identified. This will enable Units to conduct wireless controlled, monitored and recordable training appertaining to; Effective triage; Management of massive haemorrhage; Maintaining an open airway; Basic Cardiac Life support, with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); Management of shock (Intravenous Fluid therapy); Management of long broken fractures; and Management of penetrating chest wound injury.

NZDF are the 1st organisation in New Zealand to employ this new type of canine mannequin in support of its Military Working Dog veterinary care continuum. An initial training course aimed at providing the Units with trained operators was attended also by representatives from Massey University Centre For Canine Health, NZ Police and Correction Dog Sections, as part of an All of Government approach to this matter.

60mm Light Mortar Project

The 60mm Light Mortar provides land combat forces with an organic indirect fire support capability. There are three variants – two handheld and one baseplate Mortar Capability. Unit training will commence from next month with Interim Operational Release being achieved by the end of the year.

A detachment engaging with the M6.

Logistics: Capability integrated into service over the next six months

LOTS (Trackway and dispenser, MHE) Lighting Towers Project

Logistics over the Shore (LOTS) is an enabling capability that facilitates the transfer of personnel and materiel from ship to shore and then across the beach to an on-shore marshalling area for distribution into the operational theatre or vice versa, where useable port facilities do not exist. The vehicles, modules and personnel will transfer from the HMNZS by means of Landing Craft Medium (LCM) to the shore, driving off the ramp of the landing craft onto the LOTS trackway.

The LOTS project will enhance the current capability

by introducing four pieces of equipment: Medium Handling Equipment (MHE) CAT 938K, a FAUN dispenser with trackway, Beach Preparation and Recovery Vehicle (BPRV) and portable lighting towers. The LOTS project introduces a military amphibious capability projected into a low threat environment and uses Maritime and Land resources within a Joint Operating environment.

The LOTS Project has also provided the Defence Force with three diesel-fuelled portable lighting towers that enables

the Amphibious Beach Team to conduct night operations, from the LCM to the beach. The MHE, with the dispenser and beach matting, is marinised to wade in 1.5 m of sea water in accordance with NATO standards to enable inter-operability. The BPRV is also marinised to wade in 1.5m of sea water, prepares the beach and can recover any vehicle that traverses the ramp of the landing craft to the beach.

Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) Seating Pods Project

As part of the DAG Modules Project, a seating pod has been developed by Directorate of Land Engineering (DLE) to meet the new roll-over standard and comply with WorkSafe legislation. The prototype is currently under trial and will be tendered at the end of this month, pending acceptance.

The DAG Modules Project will deliver 22 NZDF designed and certified seating modules that will be carried only on HX60 and HX58 Cargo and Winch/Cargo variants and future GATS vehicles with suitable decks.

Delivery is expected in two tranches between Dec 19 and Mar 20 and will go into service immediately. They will replace the MHOV Personnel Seating Module (PSM).

Prototype Seating Module on HX58 Cargo.

The Personal Protection Weapon (PPW) Glock 17 and MARS-L Individual Weapon systems have been in service categorised under Interim Operational Release (IOR). The IOR category allows for soldiers/airman/navy personnel to have hands on with the capability to complete further training. With effect 28 Jun the Glock 17 transitioned from IOR to Operational Release (OR).

The MARS-L will transition to OR over the next two months once final requirements are met. The two weapon systems recognise a significant increase in capability and allow the firer to train and operate to a high level of competency.

Barrett M107A1

The M107A1 anti-materiel rifle is a new capability providing soldiers with the ability to identify and effectively engage materiel targets with precision out to 1500m.

The M107A1 is a semi-automatic platform designed to fire a range of 0.50” calibre projectiles. The 0.50” calibre projectile is the primary calibre utilised by ABCA nations for anti-materiel rifles due to the projectile’s ability to penetrate, disable and/or destroy unarmoured and light armoured vehicles.

Fitted with a high powered 5 x 25 ATACR scope with TreMor 3 reticle,

it provides weapon operators with improved targeting capabilities as well as enhanced situational awareness.

At approximately 17 kgs, the M107A1 is easily portable and can be carried by a single weapon operator. A bespoke carry bag has been designed allowing soldiers to ergonomically carry the weapon considerable distances into the field. The M107A1 can be fired from standing, sitting, kneeling and prone positions with a new tripod system being introduced as part of the package.

The semi-auto M107A1 platform is fed by a 10 round magazine. User feedback during trials noted a significant reduction in recoil compared to previous bolt action anti-materiel rifles some users had been exposed to. As result, rapid engagement of multiple targets is more easily achieved. The M107A1 will provide task elements not only greater protection but also rapid fire power with precision, reducing the risk of potential collateral damage.

New sniper rifle: see page 12

Barrett M107A1

ARMYCAPABILITY 07

LAND CAPABILITY DELIVERY: Project Update July 2019

Combat Support: Capability integrated into service over the next six months

NZDF Small Watercraft Project

The entire complement of Zodiac FC530 platforms (boat, outboard motor, PPE and ancillaries) have been delivered to 2 Engineer Regiment and HMNZS MATATAUA, 22 and eight platforms respectively. Initial conversion training for RNZE personnel was completed in March with further iterations of the training happening later this year. RNZN personnel completed their conversion training recently and will continue to convert personnel as the year progresses.

The new craft are capable of carrying ten soldiers in patrol order or eight soldiers with full field service marching order, in addition

to the two RNZE crew members.The 22 new Zodiacs issued

to Army will be used to provide mobility support in both off shore and inland waterways and provides sufficient capacity to lift a full Light Infantry combat team. The craft are also capable of carrying over a ton of stores. The primary role of the new craft for the RNZN is for the conduct of hydrographic survey and to support dive operations.

Each platform includes the boat, a 55hp outboard motor and all of the items required to ensure the platform meets all safety compliance requirements.

Combat Engineers conduct conversion training in Lyttleton Harbour in March this year.

Karcher WTC 3000 Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit – capable of producing 3000 ltrs of water/hr.

Multi Purpose Decontamination Station Project

The new multi purpose decontamination system (MPDS) took another important step to entering service recently when it was trained with by 2 Engineer Regiment on Ex Arras. The training saw RNZE sections rotate through CBRN and MPDS stands and culminated with a BHE where a General Support Troop conducted full decontamination of a Combat Engineer Troop who had suffered a simulated chemical attack while conducting water purification operations.

The new system is capable of decontaminating personnel, including stretcher borne casualties, equipment and limited decontamination of vehicles. The system uses a combination of chemicals and hot water showers to remove contaminants. This system is produced by Karcher Futuretech in Germany, who also produce the new water purifications system soon to enter service. The new MPDS is leading edge technology and is fielded by a number of NATO countries. The system will enter service with 2 Engineer Regiment by the end of the year.

Engineers conduct decontamination of a stretcher borne casualty.

Offensive Support: Capability integrated into service over the next six months

Southern Regional Support Centre (SRSC): Capability integrated into service over the next six months

Defence Munition Management Group: Capability integrated into service over the next six months

The Gun Navigation and Artillery Pointing System (GNAPS) Project

The Gun Navigation and Artillery Pointing System (GNAPS) project procured and installed the Leonardo Laser Inertial Navigation

and Artillery Pointing System (LINAPS) onto the L119 Light Guns operated by 16 Field Regiment at Linton. LINAPS consists of a GPS

Unit which accurately positions the gun, a Battery Power Management System (BPMS) to power the electronics, a Layers Navigation & Display Unit (LDCU) which provides a simple visual representation for the Artillery to accurately position the gun for different firing solutions and, a Distance Transmitter Unit (DTU) installed on a gun wheel hub to alert the INU when the gun is in transit.

The GNAPS project is about to formally close this Jul, 16 FD REGT has been using LINAPS in the field since mid 2014.

Acceptance of LINAPS 2014.

Range and Safety Tractor Project

The NZDF maintains two land weapon Ranges in the South Island: Tekapo Military Training Area (TMTA) and West Melton Rifle Range (WMRR). The project purpose was to deliver two ‘fit for purpose’ vehicles c/w ancillary equipment to provide NZDF with the ability to manage the identified health and safety risks (fire) and manage grounds maintenance within the TMTA and WMRR. They are managed by the Southern Regional Support Centre (SRSC) on behalf of the NZDF.

Ammunition Destructor Project

DMMG is to receive two eMACs Ammunition Destructors in the first week of April. NZDF has a mandated requirement to destroy large quantities of unserviceable Small Arms Ammunition (SAA) and pyrotechnics. The eMACs Ammunition Destructors destruction system is significantly safer than previous equipment and is compliant with health and safety and environmental pollution legislation.

Introduction of this capability has been an all of organisation effort which has ensured timely delivery. The eMACs Ammunition Destructors were received in November 2018. Testing and evaluation and initial training were held the same month. DAD Waiouru and DAD Glentunnel have prepared suitable sites and SAA destruction using the new system will begin shortly after delivery.

Water Purification Systems Project

The new water purification system, set to enter service with 2 Engineer Regiment in the next 12 months, has started to arrive in the project store in Trentham. The system comprises three principal items and a number of pumps, water storage bladders and ancillaries. The introduction of this equipment will allow for the production of the daily water requirements, from fresh or salt water, to support a CATG and a LT TG/HADR TG simultaneously.

The machines purchased include additional WTC 500 Reverse Osmosis water purification units, raising current holdings of this item from three to seven; two WTC 3000 Reverse Osmosis water purification units and one WPS 1600 water packaging system. The WTC 3000 and WPS 1600 will join the WTC 500 in service early 2020.

08 ARMYCAPABILITY

By Lieutenant Colonel Chad Preece RNZIR PMCP Capability Integration Lead

By 2025, Phase One of the Protected Mobility Capability Project (PMCP) will replace the capabilities currently being met by the Army’s Unimogs and Pinzgauers. Phase Two will see the NZ LAV capability either significantly upgraded or replaced.The project will provide vehicles that have credible levels of protection and/or mobility when deployed to any of the wide range of environments the New Zealand Army may be needed. In some cases, protection will be “hard” – i.e. armoured protection against small-arms fire, grenade and shell splinters and IED attack. In other

cases, protection will be achieved by having high levels of mobility and small vehicles, to reduce the chance of being detected.

Phase One has been underway since 2017 and the first two work packages will see Protected Vehicles-Medium (PV-M) being procured for QAMR to crew, and High Mobility Vehicles-Light

One of the first major items out of the NEA programme, the Ground Antenna Transmit and Receive (GATR) 2.4 Meter Inflatable Wide Band Satellite Communication’s (WB SATCOM) Terminal has been delivered to the Army. It is a key sub-component of the Common Universal Bearer System project. The GATR WB SATCOM is the first NZ Army operated Satellite Terminal that is designed for and employed within Tactical HQs and sub - units.

It provides a high capacity bearer system that links to other sites on the Land Tactical Information Network (LTIN). It enables geographically dislocated elements to share information,and provide situational awareness to jointly plan and execute missions.

The picture (right) illustrates what the “ball” does; it allows the

RADOME or dish to form when the antenna is inflated. The concept is revolutionary as it has a reflective surface made of material to save space and weight. This was originally designed for NASA to use on spacecraft for their dishes for either communications or to collect sunlight to recharge batteries. The designer secured a patent and subsequently formed GATR Technologies who are the original equipment manufacturer.

The outside of the ball supports the dish itself and allows it to form

PROTECTED MOBILITY CAPABILITY: Project Update

GATR PROVIDES SATCOM TO ARMY

(HMV-L), primarily for high-readiness elements and their enablers.

The well proven Polaris MRZR has been selected as the HMV-L to replace current quad bikes and other small vehicles. A significant investment has been dedicated to buying the Polaris and it is planned that these will enter service by late 2020.

Negotiations to procure up to 43 PV-Ms to replace the armoured Pinzgauers and some of our Unimogs have also been approved. Varients being procured by the project include troop carriers (that can safely carry working dogs), command and control variants, ambulances, logistic variants, and engineer variants. Present plans are for these to be introduced into service in late 2021/early 2022.

The priority for PMCP is to begin acquiring PV-M and then HMV-L.

Due to the significant difference in time it takes to produce PV-M and HMV-L, the light vehicles will arrive first. As always, timelines may be altered by industry production capabilities, competing orders and major events in New Zealand that affect Government priorities.

It’s important to note that PMCP is not replacing Unimogs and Pinzgauers “one-for-one”. The aim is to provide enough PV-M in QAMR to lift two Rifle Companies and supporting Arms.

These will undertake some tasks that armoured Pinzgauers would previously have completed. In other cases, when LAV was previously used solely for troop-carrying, these tasks may be undertaken by PM-V in the future.

The Integrated Project Team Lead, Ms Gillian Rodger and her joint MOD/NZDF team are working together to strike the balance between meeting Army’s needs, hitting required timelines and prudent use of taxpayers’ money.

Capability: What’s complete: What’s next:

Project Work

Detailed Business Case approved by Cabinet.

Capability Integration Plan v1.0 approved by LCC/CA.

Integrated Logistics Concept approved by LC (L).

Prepare Project Implementation Business Case.

Draft Integrated Logistic Support Plan.

Complete Requirements Acceptance Master Plan.

Complete Test and Evaluation Plan.

PV-M User and System Requirements Document approved.

Acquisition Strategy approved.

ADF and industry engagement started.

Determine viable options and compare for acquisition recommendation.

Initial acquisition and support contract negotiation.

Draft and promulgate Capability Integration Plan v2.0.

HMV-L Technical Specification completed.

Acquisition Strategy approved.

Visit to Polaris (USA) by PMCP and HR TU pers complete.

Acquisition of a small number of Polaris M-RZR for initial acceptance testing by HR TU and other pre-selected users.

Draft and promulgate Capability Integration Plan v2.0.

correctly. It is kept inflated by a compressor unit that supplies slightly more air to the upper chamber than the lower chamber to allow the parabolic shape of the dish to form. The outside also supports the feed horn that either receives or transmits the signal from the satellite. This all connects to the US DoD operated Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) Network. From there it becomes a tri service operation as the signal is directed to the Land Earth Stations (LES) within New Zealand.

This provides a small terminal that can be set up and pass information within a relatively short time to provide a rear-link connection to the CP. The capability was demonstrated by a coalition partner’s GATR terminal connecting to New Zealand’s network during JWA 19.

A GATR deployed at a NZ Land Earth Station during commissioning testing of the GATR (iDirect) Hub with the Rockwell – Collins DKET LES 6 meter dishes that they

anchor to in the background. LCC and SOCC have approved a

Temporary Operating Permit for the GATR WBSATCOM which enables release to user units so soldiers can expect to see this system deployed in the field in the near future.

ARMYCAPABILITY 09

The Army’s next step toward the future of RPAS development within the ISR Battle Lab will see experimentation with the PUMA All Environment (AE) RQ-20B. Tranche 2 of the Network Enabled Army (NEA) Programme will be acquiring Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. To meet NEA Tranche 2 requirements to support the purchase of ISTAR systems Army will focus on Nano Micro Mini systems.

Over the last few years units across Army have been experimenting with various types of Micro Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) RPAS (i.e. quadcopters) as an easy and low cost way of understanding how Army will raise, train and sustain its RPAS capability and get the correct policies and processes in place. The intent

has been to enable a smooth and relatively seamless introduction into service of the eventual capability NEA will deliver.

The PUMA AE is categorised as a mini system weighing 6.3kg, with a wingspan of 2.8m and an endurance of over three hours. PUMA AE is portable, capable and does not have a requirement for large infrastructure or airfields. The system employs an electro-optical and infra-red sensor (day/night capability), including a laser pointer, which captures video imagery which can be delivered to commanders enabled with a video downlink receiver.

A fixed wing RPAS will provide longer range and endurance and

is likely to be the preferred type of RPAS platform to meet the ISR needs of the combined arms task group. This level of RPAS capability will reside within 16 Field Regiment. The PUMA AE will provide a system to gain knowledge and experience, through experimentation, of operating a fixed wing military off- the- shelf RPAS to develop robust user requirements for NEA. The platform will meet requirements which include the engagement of targets beyond line of sight, surveillance, situational awareness, video downlink, information management and how this type of ISTAR platform can contribute to the decide, detect and track steps of the targeting process.

Army has been investigating new technologies to enhance training, including using Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality. The work with Mixed Reality has used Microsoft’s HoloLens device with software called Manifest. The initial testing has highlighted a reduction in mistakes compared to current training systems among trainees at Army’s Trade Training School in Trentham. A second phase of work to further examine the technology is being developed.

ARMY EXPERIMENTATION:

MIXED REALITY TECHNOLOGY

The R70 SkyRanger is the latest version of the SkyRanger from Canadian company Aeryon (now owned by FLIR).  Army has been using an earlier version of the SkyRanger, the R60, for a few years as a representative military quadcopter for experimentation.

The R70 has a number of enhancements based on end user feedback.  These include hot swappable batteries, improved EO/IR payloads, on-board artificial intelligence and the ability to drop small logistic payloads such as medical equipment. The intent is to continue to use the SkyRangers to inform user requirements for future acquisitions.

The platform will also support the development of tactics, training and procedures, and standing operating procedures, and assist in validating operating concepts.

The representative RPAS is for experimentation purposes only and

it will be used in a variety of training and exercise scenarios. It is not for introduction into service.

Mixed reality in Trade Training School workshops. The operator is seeing holographic images to assist in training. The programme provides computer data so` the trainee can undertake mechanical repair tasks with mixing reality and virtual components together.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) ISR Battle Lab