Rotary Wing Transport Forces
Description
Provision of the capabilities of No 3 Squadron RNZAF (Iroquois helicopters) prepared to conduct tactical air transport, including aeromedical evacuation, and counter-terrorist operations, and to contribute support services to the community, in accordance with NZDF Output Plan specifications.
Overview
During the reporting period, aircraft availability targets were met, as well as having two aircraft deployed to Timor-Leste until October 2008. Two helicopters were also available for rapid response tasks, including counter-terrorist operations and search and rescue call outs.
Planned flying hours were also met and preparedness targets for ECs 1 and 2 tasks were achieved. The introduction of the NH-90 medium and A109 light utility helicopters will address the operating and equipment limitations of the current Iroquois fleet in medium to high threat environments.
Effective standardisation was achieved with friendly forces in the deployment to Timor-Leste and participation in Exercise Swift Eagle in Australia. This exercise confirmed the RWTF maintains good levels of interoperability with its partners, in particular the ADF.
Munitions and stores were available to generate and maintain OLOC, however, experienced personnel levels were not sufficient to sustain continuous operations.
The introduction into service of the NH90 Medium Utility Helicopters (MUH) and A109 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) is beginning to impact on the current capability with experienced personnel (aircrew and maintenance) increasingly being employed in support of the introduction into service project. This impact is inevitable and can be safely managed, provided the expectation of the RWTF over the next few years is also carefully managed.
Highlights
The most significant output was Task Group Manu, under Operation Koru supporting the International Stabilisation Force in Timor-Leste. Two Iroquois helicopters and approximately 30 personnel remained in Timor-Leste until October 2008. The serviceability rate of the two deployed Iroquois was well over 90% throughout the entire six rotations of the deployment. Moreover, the detachment achieved an enviable safety record and the NZDF received significant and widespread praise for the conduct of the personnel and the support provided by the unit during the deployment.
Over this last year the RWTF has provided helicopter support to the NZ Army, RNZN, NZ Police, Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, Department of Conservation, and a variety of other civil and government agencies; and undertook several major readiness training activities, including those listed below.
- Exercise Swift Eagle in October – November 2008 successfully validated the RWTF preparedness and training. This deployment provided an opportunity to train in the tropical environment while also meeting many tactical training objectives through participation in the major ADF activity Exercise Swift Eagle. No 3 Squadron further enhanced its close relationship with its comparative Australian Army Aviation Rotary Wing units during this deployment. Maintenance of this relationship will pay dividends as NH90 MUH aircraft are introduced on both sides of the Tasman. The Swift Eagle deployment of four aircraft was conducted at the same time as Task Group Manu deployment was readying itself for redeployment back to New Zealand.
- Exercise Blackbird (annual mountain flying) was conducted in the St Arnaud region, near Nelson, in July 2008 and then again in June 2009. The 2008 exercise provided additional training value due to the heavy snow conditions encountered and the subsequent generation of flights to support the local farming community.
- Exercise Pekapeka (annual night flying and special operations activity) was conducted in April 2009 in two distinct phases: Battlefield Support conducted from Waiouru and Counter Terrorism conducted from Ohakea. All critical training objectives of the exercise were achieved, despite a reduced flying effort due to poor weather and an emphasis this year on detailed operational planning.
The serviceability rate of the Iroquois and Sioux continues to be very good, despite the age of both fleets. This was best illustrated by the historic 19-ship formation flight conducted on 18 December 2008. The full complement of 14 Iroquois aircraft was joined by the five-strong Sioux aircraft fleet and together they flew over the Manawatu and Rangitikei Districts in a show of gratitude for the local community’s support to No.3 Squadron throughout a safe and successful 2008.
Contribution to Outcomes
Output Expense 14 contributes to Intermediate Outcomes 1 and 2 (Secure New Zealand and Reduced Risks to New Zealand from regional and global insecurity).
Performance
Performance measurement for this output expense is in accordance with the standard measures for operational force outputs shown at the beginning of this section and those measures listed in the table below. For additional important information on this Output Expense, see the notes at the end of this table.
| Performance Standards and Measures |
Performance Achieved |
|
Standards
Six UH-1H Iroquois helicopters available for military tasks - from a fleet total of 14 Iroquois helicopters. To be sustainable on operations in accordance with Schedule 4 of the NZDF Output Plan.
Measures
NZDF OPRES (Operational Preparedness and Reporting System). (See the OPRES Key Performance Indicators and OPRES Performance Rating Scale earlier in this section. |
Six helicopters were available for military tasks and were capable of being sustained on operations in accordance with Schedule 4 of the NZDF Output Plan.
Two aircraft were deployed on Task Group Manu in Timor-Leste until October 2008. |
|
Standards
Two additional helicopters on standby for rapid response tasks in New Zealand (under EC 1), such as Counter-Terrorist Operations and for Search and Rescue Missions.
Measures
NZDF OPRES. |
Two additional helicopters were available for rapid response tasks under EC 1, such as Counter-Terrorist Operations, and one helicopter was available for Search and Rescue in accordance with Schedule 4 of the NZDF Output Plan. |
|
Standards
Planned Iroquois Flying Hours for the year (1 July 2008-30 June 2009).
Measures
4,560 hours (target range 4,332-4,788 hours). |
The Iroquois fleet flew 4,473 hours. |
|
Standards
A Forward and Tactical Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) element for the support of land operations. (Note: The RNZAF is required to provide forward and tactical Rotary Wing AE services, including responsibility for the provision of AE-qualified personnel and associated AE equipment.)
Measures
NZDF OPRES. |
A Forward and Tactical Aeromedical Evacuation element was available when required. A number of aeromedical evacuation tasks were conducted by the Task Group Manu Detachment. |
|
Standards
Undertake MAO&T (Multi-Agency Operations/Tasks), and contribute to a range of services in support of other government departments, the community, and foreign and defence policy objectives when not committed to operations, using the capabilities developed for the operational role. While specific, pre-planned operations/tasks (under MAO&T) normally require specific quality standards, the quality of other assistance to the Government and the community may rely on the satisfaction expressed by the supported party/agency. [For details see the section on Services in Support of the Government and the Community].
Measures
Satisfaction of the supported department/agency. Many of the MAO&T agreements/MOUs, which will include performance requirements (conditions and standards), are still under development. |
Significant and varied MAO&T were conducted throughout the year for a range of government agencies. The total amount of MAO&T flown this year exceeded the previous year total by approximately 100 hours. This increase was primarily due to better tasking management, including the greater use of DLOC training to concurrently achieve MAO&T objectives.
Tasks were completed to the satisfaction of agencies.
[For details of the support provided, see the section on Services in Support of the Government and the Community, including MAO&T.] |
|
Standards
Standards and performance rating required under the NZDF Operational Preparedness and Reporting System (OPRES) against the four Elements of Preparedness (see the OPRES Key Performance Indicators and OPRES Performance Rating Scale earlier in Part 2.1).
Measures
While the aim, under the OPRES rating system, is an OPRES Rating of P1, for 2008/09 the following will apply:
- For tasks under ECs 1 and 2 - a P1 OPRES rating.
- For tasks under ECs 3 to 5 - a P2 OPRES rating.
|
A P1 rating was achieved for ECs 1-2, and a P4 rating was achieved for EC 3-5.
(See paragraphs below.) |
|
Readiness:
Standards
- Rotary Wing Transport Forces that meet the Directed Level of Capability (DLOC) readiness criteria in accordance with Schedule 4 to the NZDF Output Plan.
|
The RWTF met the DLOC readiness criteria in accordance with Schedule 4 to the NZDF Output Plan for low-threat environments.
The aircraft lacked the self-protection and performance needed to meet operating requirements in a medium/high-threat environment. |
- Rotary Wing Transport Forces carry out a range of training activities in accordance with the NZDF Exercise Activity Schedule (EAS), RNZAF Mission Essential Task Lists (being updated) and the 3 Squadron Training Programme.
Measures
NZDF OPRES, and RNZAF Publications, including:
- 3 Squadron Standard Operating Procedures.
- RNZAF Master Personnel Establishment.
- NZAP(S) 700 (This document is currently under review).
RNZAF 9000 series (training manuals). |
The RWTF conducted training activities with other NZDF units, NZ government agencies and foreign forces. Activities included Exercise Swift Eagle (tactical transport operations, conducted near Townsville Australia), two Blackbird exercises (mountain flying training in Marlborough) and Exercise Pekapeka (night vision goggle operations); held in two phases operating out of Waiouru and Ohakea. |
|
Combat Viability:
Standards
- Air and ground crews that meet the collective training standards, experience levels and qualification requirements for military tasks.
|
Air and ground crews met the collective training standards, experience levels and qualification requirements for military tasks. |
- Aircraft and equipment performance, reliability and technology that meet required standards for commitment to military tasks.
|
Aircraft and equipment performance and reliability continued to limit the capability of the RWTF. In particular, the performance of the aircraft in bad weather, at night and in hot and high conditions is unsatisfactory. The aircraft also lacked the self-protection needed to meet the OLOC requirements in a medium/high-threat environment.
These issues will be addressed when the Iroquois is replaced in the medium term by the NH90 Medium Utility Helicopter. |
- Effective standardisation when working with friendly forces.
Measures
NZDF OPRES, and RNZAF Publications (as listed above). |
Effective standardisation was achieved when working with friendly forces.
RWTF doctrine, training and procedures allow smooth integration with a variety of friendly forces in limited, low-level contingency operations such as in Timor-Leste. Exercise Swift Eagle provided the RWTF valuable exposure to a large scale combined exercise for the first time in over a decade. This exercise also confirmed that the RWTF maintains satisfactory levels of interoperability with allied forces following close liaison with ADF helicopter units and ground forces. |
|
Deployability:
Standards
- Rotary Wing Transport Forces capable of generating the Operational Level of Capability (OLOC) within designated Response Times (timeliness).
|
The RWTF was capable of generating OLOC within applicable designated response times, as specified in Schedule 4 to the NZDF Output Plan.
Nevertheless, the current Iroquois fleet lacked adequate levels of aircraft performance and self-protection to meet the OLOC requirements for a medium/high-threat environment. |
- Aircraft, munitions, expendable and technical stores available to generate OLOC, as specified in Air Publication NZAP(S) 700.
Measures
NZDF OPRES, and RNZAF Publications (as listed above). |
Aircraft, munitions, expendable and technical stores were available to generate OLOC, as specified in Air Publication NZAP(S) 700. |
|
Sustainability:
Standards
- Aircraft, expendable and technical stores available, as specified in Air Publication NZAP(S) 700, to maintain OLOC for the designated operational viability period (OVP).
|
Aircraft, expendable and technical stores were available as specified in Air Publication NZAP(S) 700, to maintain OLOC for the designated OVP. |
- Personnel available for sustainment/rotation of the Rotary Wing Transport Forces on continuous operations as specified in Schedule 4 to the NZDF Output Plan.
Measures
NZDF OPRES, and RNZAF Publications (as listed above). |
Personnel were available for sustainment/rotation for the TG Manu deployment to Timor-Leste.
Due to personnel strength levels (which averaged 85% during the reporting period) sufficient personnel were not available for continuous operations as specified in Schedule 4 to the NZDF Output Plan. |
Costs for Output Expense 14 (GST Exclusive)
Actual
2007/08
($ million) |
Category |
Main
Estimates
($ million) |
Supplementary
Estimates
($ million) |
Actual
2008/09
($ million) |
| |
Expenditure |
|
|
|
| 44.305 |
Personnel |
46.418 |
53.286 |
53.214 |
| 37.460 |
Operating |
42.518 |
37.031 |
39.092 |
| 0.027 |
Losses on Foreign Exchange |
- |
- |
0.599 |
| 11.035 |
Depreciation |
11.080 |
10.935 |
9.157 |
| 25.784 |
Capital Charge |
24.875 |
27.526 |
27.403 |
| 118.611 |
Total Expenses |
124.891 |
128.778 |
129.465 |
| |
Income |
|
|
|
| 118.236 |
Revenue Crown |
124.100 |
128.084 |
128.084 |
| 0.055 |
Revenue Department |
0.054 |
0.128 |
0.095 |
| 0.256 |
Revenue Other |
0.737 |
0.566 |
0.507 |
| 0.348 |
Gains on Foreign Exchange |
- |
0.704 |
0.777 |
| - |
Gains on Property Plant and Equipment |
- |
- |
2.242 |
| 118.895 |
Total Income |
124.891 |
129.482 |
131.705 |
| 0.284 |
Net Surplus (Deficit) |
- |
0.704 |
2.240 |
The NZDF is appropriated for expenditure excluding remeasurements. Remeasurements are defined under the Public Finance Act as a revision of a future obligation that changes the carrying amount of an asset or liability. The total approved appropriation in 2008/09 for this output expense was $131.275 million and the total expenditure excluding remeasurements was $128.866 million. There was no unappropriated expenditure for this output expense.
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