Sabotage to frigate’s missiles
PA Auckland The Auckland police are investigating the crippling of the missile system in the frigate H.M.N.Z.S. Otago.
The anti-aircraft Seacat missile system in the frigate is out of action because of an attack on its missile controls while alongside Devonport naval base.
The sabotage was discovered by crew members and is thought to have occurred just before Christmas.
. Part of the missile's control system is thought to have been damaged when a screwdriver was punched into machinery.
Navy chiefs called in the police who have now interviewed more than 200 people, including members of the ship's complement. Detective Senior-Sergeant T. O. Tozer, head of the Takapuna C. 1.8.. said yesterday he would report to the naval authorities this week. The Chief of the Defence Staff. Vice-Admiral Sir Neil Anderson, said that he did not know how’ much damage the saboteur had caused.
He had seen reports that replacement parts worth $20,000 were being sought in Britain, but he doubted the cost would be so much. Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mr Thomson, suggested that the saboteur could be someone with a grudge against the Navy.
“I do not know if this was someone with a grudge,” he said. “It might well turn out to be something like that.” The missile system would be repaired as soon as possible. he said.
"My greatest concern was to establish that there was adequate checking being
carried out. but I was assured that there were daily checks to see that all armaments are serviceable." Mr Thomson said.
The damage to Seacat was discovered during one such check.
Seacat is part of the older generation of guided missile. It has a short range (less than skm) and is not, like more modern missiles, guided to its target by a computer. It is guided by radio commands. Once the missile is launched, a crewman using a thumb joystick control below decks provides guidance for the missile.
A unit on the launchmounting which guides the missile's path to the target is thought to have been damaged and the joystick control part of the system attacked with a screwdriver.
The Otago, now in Auckland under the command of Commander Robert Eckford. was the first Pacific warship to carry the Seacat system.
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Press, 10 January 1983, Page 1
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378Sabotage to frigate’s missiles Press, 10 January 1983, Page 1
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