Weapons display with a bang

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 26, 24 November 1987, Page 1

Weapons display with a bang

Spectators at this year's 'weapons effect' demonstration hosted by the Army Training Group, Waiouru and Ohakea Air Base were treated to an explosive display of firepower as the forces engaged in a mock battle in the hills surrounding Waiouru, last week. Commandant of the Army Schools, Lieutenant Colonel Ottaway, emphasised the fact that the weapons were not on show in a tactical setting, but were positioned to illustrate their effect. He said the forces have neither the ammunition or the weapons to demonstrate a tactical setting. Instead spectators were asked to visualise the weapons as part of a main battery taking part in a tactical manoeuvre. "By seeing their effect ... you will have a better appreciation of how these weapons can be employed operationally," said Lt Col Ottaway.

The RNZAF's 75th Squadron joined with the army to demonstrate a range of close support weapons that can be delivered from the A4 Skyhawks. The Army's School of Engineers who are responsible in a tactical setting for the removal of all major obstacles, demolished a six metre bridge to demonstrate the use of charges. They showed how the operation is used as a defensive step to achieve a

clean break in a withdrawal. An access road was cratered with the use of high explosive charges, to illustrate how an obstacle can be created to slow the enemy. The cratering of 50 metres of road takes a section about one hour and requires 2O0kg of explosive. The school also demonstrated the uses of various types of mines in service. A wide range of small

arms, hand held weapons and heavier infantry support weapons were fired to illustrate the effects of typical weapons found in the Infantry Battalion. Included in the demonstration was one of the Army's newest acquisitions - the Steyr Rifle, composed chiefly of plastic. Other weapons on show included the Minimi Light Machine Gun, Claymore anti-per-sonnel mine and hand grenade. A variety of

rocket launchers and mortars were used to devastating effect against targets sited on the hillside, which were reduced to rubble. Airburst, smoke and illumination rounds fired by the School of Artillery in the third section of the demonstration illustrated the array of 105mm ammunition used by the section, in both a direct and indirect role. The army's new L119 Light Gun was used for the demonstration. It replaces the 105mm L5 Pack Howitzer in New Zealand service. Hardware belonging to the Armoured Corp was brought in to demolish any targets still standing. Armoured personnel carriers and Scorpion tanks made short work of brightly coloured drums at close range to the vehicles. The grand finale was a brilliant execution of precision flying by RNZAF pilots and a display of Air Force weapons. Army and Air Force officials and guests were invited to view the weapons in a static display after the demonstration.