As part of a training exercise for the Air Force to qualify air and ground crews, an RNZAF Orion P-3K2 airplane dropped five 50 pound (23kg) "Mark 82" bombs on to sand dunes at the Kaipara Air Weapons Range. "It's a lot more than just throwing it out the back of the aircraft," said Mr Eichelbaum. Along with the transportation of the bombs, Mr Arnott-Steel said the area of dunes has to be inspected. "If I was a submarine I sure wouldn't be happy," said Mr Eichelbaum. Despite the five bombs being dropped in less than an hour, the preparation behind the exercise was very intense.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 04, 2016 07:26 UTC