Royal New Zealand Defence Force Equipment New Zealand has its own indigenous arms industry and manufactures most of its own weapons under licence, although some are local designs. Traditionally a buyer of Australian military equipment New Zealand has in recent years increased its purchasing from other sources. Weta Mk.2
Produced by DunArmCo's Southern Pacific Dynamics subsidiary, the Weta is an indigenous New Zealand armoured recce vehicle used in several roles in the by the Ground Wing, primarily with the RNZAC but also by other arms. The Weta has replaced several vehicles in RNZDF service. It has a highly sophisticated suspension system and is capable of traversing almost any terrain in addition to being fully amphibious. Its high road speed combines with a very low electromagnetic and audio signature when moving at low speed, making it an ideal recce vehicle. However it is only lightly armoured and should avoid heavy combat. The most obvious feature of the Weta are its six large independent wheel units which give it its excellent performance. Although vulnerable to enemy fire the system is redundant, being able to function in 2x2 or even, with very limited performance, 2x1. Whilst constructed in New Zealand the Weta uses a number of overseas components in order to reduce costs. SouthPac Dynamics and the New Zealand government is actively marketing the Weta to a number of smaller core and colonial nations as a replacement of the French ABR-76, however it has had relatively few buyers so far. Rumours persist that several mercenary formations have acquired Wetas through side-channels. In addition to the standard version, several modifications are available. The Tank Destroyer version has 16 missiles instead of 4, but no dismounts. The APC version looses the missiles and the MDC to carry a full 8 man infantry section. Finally, a Mortar version carries a 120mm Mortar, and 80 Mortar bombs.
Weapons 45mm Mass Driver Cannon
For HE Ammo, the effect is: DPV: 11, Burst Radius: 11m, Concussion Value: 20 23mm Point Defence Grenade System
Black Magic The Black Magic is a reconnaissance drone built in New Zealand. It can be either remotely piloted, or follow a simple set of instructions. At it’s core is a small turbofan that provides both lift, and propulsion, by unbalancing the axis. The Black Magic is not fast, but is fast enough for its task and can loiter for almost 4 days in position.
Small Arms New Zealand Assault Rifle Mk.2 Once the standard combat rifle of the RNZDF this weapon is the venerable Colonial Service Rifle, built under license as the NZAR-2. The NZAR-2 is regarded as obsolete, firing the heavy 7.5mm caseless round but retains popularity for its remarkable robustness and soldier proof qualities. This weapon has proved itself time and again from the depths of Australian jungles to the freezing blizzards of the Antarctic. Several units within the RNZDF continue to use the NZAR-2, primarily 2/1 RNZIR, when deploying to harsh environments. It is noticeable that many members of the Tarakiwa Rangers have chosen to use this weapon in New Africa's jungles.
New Zealand Assault Rifle Mk.3 As the age of the NZAR-2 began to be a factor, the RNZDF began to look around for a replacement weapon system. New Zealand decided not to follow Australia's lead and introduce laser weapons as power supply to its mainly light infantry forces would be problematical. Instead they chose to adopt the German SG-77 then also coming into service with the Japanese Army. Produced in NZ by Flashman Arms the NZAR-3 has proved a popular weapon, although its lack of stopping power combined with initially poor reliability caused some difficulties on its introduction to service. The NZAR-3 differs from the SG-77 by the inclusion of an integral grenade launcher, replacing the muzzle launched grenades of the NZAR-2.
New Zealand Support Weapon Mk.1 The NZSW-1 is the British VR-5/L95A1 machine gun. It is a multi-mode machine gun: in the light, or Short Barrel, role it functions as a conventional MMG, except that it has an active coolant bottle and barrel switch out is not a problem until over 1200 rounds have gone down the barrel. Additional equipment includes tripods, Long Barrels for sustained fire and increased range and a Short Barrelled/Grenade Launcher kit for the assault role.
New Zealand Support Weapon Mk.2 NZSW-2 is the German A9 light plasma weapon. New Zealand bought the A-9 as a squad plasma weapon as with the RNZDF's light infantry composition weight is a problem and so the light A-9 was favoured over the M2A2 and similar weapons. In an infantry section, 2 men are equipped with these.
Note: Plasma Splash is similar to a small explosion, but consists of rapidly cooling plasma (which is liquid like after the impact) splashing people near to the main hit. People in this area have a 60% chance of a hit, doing 1/10th of the impact damage (0.4 in this case), but there is no danger outside this area. Plasma splash’s continue to do damage after the strike, decreasing at 0.1 every round down to zero under treated. Treatment is as per WP burns. Lightweight Multi-Role Missile System This weapon system is the Australian Red Back, capable of engaging light air and ground targets. The LMRMS has an easy to use and versatile targeting system and is well liked by the troops. Normally one of these weapons is carried in each infantry section.
New Zealand Carbine Mk.1 This weapon is the Australian Coralsnake PDW produced under license in New Zealand by Flashman Arms. It is issued to all forces not likely to be deployed in the frontline, such as artillery, signals and rear echelon engineer units. A carbine style weapon it is a handy size whilst still being capable of its self-defence role.
Combat Dress and Equipment The Ground Wing continues to use DPM as it has no really 'mechanised' component and relies mainly on light infantry. Body Armour is of the Inertial Vest variety. New Zealand pattern Inertial Vests weigh 1.5kg, and provide splinter and light arms protection the torso and abdomen (AV0.6), and some protection against rifle rounds for the heart (AV1.0 over the area 2 only). They also use a locally designed Light Ballistic Helmet (0.6kg, AV1.0). The RNZDF use the British Black Arrow TISS-4F system for their frontline infantry tactical targeting systems. Their webbing and load carrying gear is similar to the British APLCE system. |
