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New Zealand has officially rolled out new electric bikes for security troops patrolling the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s three bases.
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The UBCO 2X2 electric bikes have been adopted for use by security forces at RNZAF Base Auckland, RNZAF Base Ohakea, and RNZAF Base Woodbourne. The introduction follows the successful trialling of the bikes in 2020.
Troops will use the bikes for day-to-day security tasks, patrolling, fence checks, internal patrols, and emergency responses.
“The bikes have proven to be efficient and versatile on and off road. They are light and small, allowing personnel to cover areas where beforehand, patrolling on foot was the only option,” said Wing Commander Ivan Green, Deputy Director Aerospace Delivery, Capability Branch.
“Teams have been impressed by the minimal maintenance the UBCO bikes require. Requiring a car licence to operate has simplified the training requirements, meaning people can use this transport relatively easily.”
The bikes can reach a speed of up to 50km/h and cross different types of terrain on and off base such as sand dunes, dirt tracks, and water-saturated airfield perimeters.
“All of these characteristics have meant other units have started to look at how they could also use this type of capability,” WGCDR Green said.
“The RNZAF Security Forces’ role within the Air Force adapts in order to be more effective. The UBCOs help in optimising the standard of security in order to maintain and improve the protection of NZDF personnel and assets.
“Having that ability not only makes their job easier but also aids in the overall level of domestic and operational security the security forces trade can provide.”
Late last year in Australia, the Australian Defence Force announced it had incorporated a Bushmaster electric protected mobility vehicle to support field training at Gallipoli Barracks.
That Bushmaster vehicle prototype, which uses electric propulsion technology, was tasked with supporting members of the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment undertaking simulated medical treatment in Queensland.
During the training, the ePMV was able to demonstrate its power storage and supply capability, enabling medical staff to work forward a role-two emergency hospital in an area of operations.
It’s understood there could also be applications to use the electric propulsion technology for greater thermal and acoustic signature management, exportable electrical energy, robotic and autonomous systems connectivity, and tactical agility.
The Bushmaster battery-powered prototype has had its engine and gearbox replaced with a pair of lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor driving each axle. It’s the first Australian electrification of a military vehicle and is about two tonnes lighter than a regular Bushmaster.
