Missile test boom heard by N.Z. ship

Press, 20 May 1980, Page 2

Missile test boom heard by N.Z. ship

PA Wellington The Nfew Zealand Navy’s hydrographic survey ship Monowai heard the sonic boom of the Chinese intercontinental missile test in the South Pacific on Sunday but did not see it or. its splashdown, said the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) yesterday. The Monowai, which sailed for the test area on May 9, was positioned near a group of Chinese ships. Mr. Muldoon said the Chinese ships had accepted the Monowai’s presence without any difficulties and that relations between the ships were cordial. The missile's sonic boom was described as like that of World War II V2 rockets. “It was not possible from the Monowai’s position to detect the missile or its splashdown,’’ Mr Muldoon said. “The Monowai as a survey ship does not have the type of air surveillance radar which would have been required for this purpose.” After the sonic

boom, Chinese ships, helicopters and boats closed the presumed impact area but this activity was soon over, Mr Muldoon said. The Chiinese task force numbered, 18 •ships, including six destroyers, two tankers and a numiber of space event support ships and other auxiliaries. : The force was spread over quite a large area and the Monowai, which has a Wasp helicopter aboard, had found jit ideal for maintaining surveillance over the wide area /involved. The Monowai , would continue her surveillance of the task force while iit staved in New Zealand’s jarea of interest. Mr Muldoon isaid. The Department of Defence in Canberra on Sunday released pictures of sev- : eral of the Chinese ships ; taking part in the recovery. They are a Luta class ! guided-missile destroyer, a ! replenishment tanker, a subj marine rescue ship and a space event suppoC. ship. A Defence Department i spokesman said the photographs indicated the quality of modern Chinese shipbuilding and the Chinese Navy’s developing opens ocean capability. t