Parachute Training and Support Unit

The Parachute Training and Support Unit (PTSU) was formed in 1965.
The primary role of the unit is to provide static line and freefall
parachute training to selected elements of the New Zealand Defence
Force, mainly the NZ Army.  PTSU also provides personnel trained in
the operational preparation and despatch of airborne forces by
parachute.

There are two main types of parachutes used in the NZDF for airborne
operations.  The T-IOB/D [JOB? 10B?] is the primary conventional round
parachute in use for static line operations.  It is normally dropped
in large numbers and will deliver a soldier and his personal combat
equipment at weights up to 150 kg from heights below 1,000 feet.

The other parachute in use is the MTI-X "square" or ram air parachute.
This parachute is capable of being used in high altitudes and can
glide long distances with a fully equipped soldier at weights of up to
182 kg.  PTSU was the first in the world to develop these parachutes
for military operations in the late 1970's.  PTSU is also the home of
the RNZAF parachute display team known as "Kiwi Blue".