A Fully Supported Army Equipped to Win
The Combat Service Support Immediate Needs Programme is in the process of delivering eight capabilities to help ensure that the Army is equipped to support operations, peacekeeping missions, disaster relief and to provide humanitarian assistance. Five of these eight new capabilities are shown here. The three projects not shown cover bulk fuel, bulk water and an upgrade to 16 in-service repair shelters.
20 Tonne Swing Thru
Five Swing Thru container handling systems have been acquired, capable of lifting and handling 20’ ISO containers weighing up to 20 tonnes each. The 20 tonne Swing Thru systems will be carried primarily on either the in-service Mercedes 2228 or 16 tonne trailer. It is intended that the 20 tonne Swing Thru fleet will transfer onto 20’ cargo decks to be delivered under the Land Transport Capability Programme in the next few years. The two 10 tonne machines that were acquired for the Timor-Leste deployments will remain in service to facilitate both operator training and the handling and movement of empty 20’ containers.
Heavy Transporters
The Army has taken delivery of four purpose-built low bed semi-trailers, each able to carry more than 26 tonnes. The trailers have their own engines powering hydraulic systems for a widening deck, landing legs, main ramps and an on-board winch. The rear two axles are self-steering and the deck lowers on the air bags for loading. The trailers are designed to carry the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) with the deck widened. They can also carry other in-service vehicles, the 20 tonne Swing Thru and 20’ ISO containers at the standard deck width of 2.5 metres. Inoperable vehicles can be winched on and off the lower deck and short portable ramps are provided to allow one or two axles of a light vehicle access to the upper deck, depending on its length and weight. New tractor units have also been ordered. After a competitive tender process, the Mercedes Actros 3248 was selected. It is a commercial off the shelf 8x4 tractor unit with a wide range of advanced features to assist the drivers. Integration of tractors and trailers will occur early in 2010 and drivers will be trained on the combination soon after. These heavy transporters will be operated by selected personnel of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistics Regiment Driver trade and experience with this new combination will help inform the LTCP.
Upgrade to bulk refuelling Dispense Packs
The Army currently has 12 Unit Bulk Refuelling Equipment (UBRE) in service. An upgraded prototype, has been developed that replaces the direct drive to the main pump with a hydraulic motor.
The prototype has significantly improved fuel delivery to 200 litres per minute simultaneously at two nozzles on 20 metre hoses. Bulk flow rates have also improved to 400 litres per minute through 4 inch hoses and pumping in and out of the on-board tank now passes through the filter system. The UBRE will continue to be carried on the Unimog and six tonne trailer while they are in service. This will allow time to evaluate future requirements that may be delivered by the Army’s Land Transport Capability Programme.
NZLAV Power Pack and Turret Lift Crane
The Defence Force has ordered ten self powered, self demounting palletised knuckle boom cranes to support motorised operations. They will be used in maintenance and supply environments as materials handling equipment (MHE). They will be carried on the Unimog and will be capable of lifting and slewing one tonne at eleven metres. The maintenance variant will be fitted with a winch to allow precision lifting and replacement of power packs, turrets, wheel assemblies and general items. The supply variant will be capable of handling NATO pallets with self centering forks. The crane shown here is the proof of concept machine and differs from those that will be delivered under the project.
Deployable Vehicle Servicing Facility (DVSF)
The Army has taken delivery of five DVSF to provide lubrication services in the field. The DVSF are self contained platforms designed to be carried on Unimogs or six tonne trailers and will normally be operated on the ground. The DVSF offers a range of services, including dispensing and recovery of engine oils and antifreeze, pressurised greases and a bath for washing parts. It can also store all waste for proper disposal which helps protect the environment from contamination. The platform is self powered and air driven.