Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are fundamental to the Navy’s ability to counter sea mine threats against trade routes and strategic national assets. AUVs are operated via commands that are programmed into the vehicle prior to launch, allowing the vehicle to autonomously complete a desired mission. These vehicles are equipped with sensors that gather valuable sub-surface environment data. Since modelling and simulation can assist with the tactical use of AUV systems, the Defence Technology Agency has created a virtual simulation environment for studying the behaviour and performance of AUVs. Recommendations to assist the Navy with the optimum use of these unmanned assets are routinely provided by Defence Technology Agency.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron
The Defence Technology Agency’s Human Systems group works closely with the NZDF’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron (1NZEOD SQN), providing scientific support and technical advice. The Human Systems group provides 1NZEOD SQN with up-to-date advice and information on potential chemical and biological (CB) threats, detection and identification equipment, protective equipment and decontamination methods.
Human Systems personnel also contribute to the all-of-government counter-terrorism response planning alongside other agencies including the NZ Police, NZ Fire Service and Ministry of Health.
Fit to Fight
In support of the NZ Army’s drive to develop soldiers who are ‘Fit to Fight, Fit for Life’, Human Systems scientists from the Defence Technology Agency have begun a comprehensive programme of monitoring the physical characteristics, hydration status and basic health of new recruits.
Appropriate nutrition and training play a major role in physical and cognitive performance, but little is known of the current nutrition, training and lifestyle knowledge and practices of new Army recruits, nor the physiological status and how this is affected by the All Arms Recruit Course. Recruits undertaking the current 14 week course and later the new 16 week course will be assessed at the start, middle and end of their training, to gain a better understanding of the impact of the AARC and to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education and an enhanced catering programme on health and performance.
The relationship between baseline physical characteristics, course outcome and injury incidence will also be explored and this will help guide future activities of the Army Recruit Nutrition and Health Project.
Monitoring began in February 2009 with the screening of 135 male and female recruits at Waiouru and will continue throughout the year.
SEA BREEZE 2009
The Defence Technology Agency scientists and collaborators from Australia, the US and the UK recently completed a two week trial, SEA BREEZE 2009, in the Bay of Plenty. This work forms one of the most detailed investigations of radar performance during coastal mesoscale circulations ever undertaken. The results of this trial will provide much needed insights into sea breeze-driven radar propagation in environments of strategic importance to the NZDF.
Using a newly designed meteorological sensor payload on the Kahu UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system, the dynamic shifts in temperature and humidity associated with SEA BREEZE development and radar propagation ducts can be detected and relayed to scientists in real time. While collecting meteorological data, the UAV also captures high-resolution images of the battlespace, including this image of (unaware) DTA staff operating a suite of radar receivers from their container on Thornton Beach, Bay of Plenty.
Automatic Identification System for the NZDF
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a valuable resource for understanding New Zealand’s maritime domain. AIS-equipped vessels report their position and other information on a regular basis primarily to ensure safety at sea. In the New Zealand Defence Force, all RNZN vessels are equipped with AIS transponders, as a complement to other equipment, to enable them to support rescue and other operations in the New Zealand area.
The Defence Technology Agency is assisting the NZDF to achieve an optimal capability.
Composite Structure
To support the NH90 and Seasprite helicopters, as well as the RNZAF’s Boeing 757, the Applied Vehicle Systems Group of the Defence Technology Agency is working with the RNZAF to develop improved methods of assessing the strength of composite structures.
Composite materials offer great advantages over traditional metals, providing light weight and high strength along with good resistance to fatigue and corrosion. However, aerospace composite components can be vulnerable to impacts causing internal damage which may be difficult to detect.