Fixed wing

 The Air Corps

On the 23 of April we had a change to see the changes made within the Air Corps since our last visit in 2002.

The Air Corps is the air component of the Permanent Defence Forces, based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin. Today, approximately 850 men and women serve in the Air Corps, each making a unique and significant contribution to fulfilling the roles, both primary and secondary as assigned by government.

Currently, the Air Corps is well progressed through a major fleet upgrade programme whereby many of its older aircraft have been replaced by modern, state of the art military aircraft. During this process all the flying activity has been centralised to Baldonnel.

As a replacement for the the SIAI Marchetti SF-260 trainer and the CM170 the Air Corps selected the Pilatus PC9M. The Air Corps currently operates eight Pilatus PC9M aircraft. These aircraft first entered service in 2004 and operate as the main pilot training aircraft for the Air Corps.

As the 20th century closed it was obvious that the helicopter fleet was nearing the end of its useful life. The Alouettes, with almost 40 years on their airframes, could not be maintained indefinitely, while the four remaining Dauphins would need expensive major overhauls and upgrades if they were to remain in service. The Gazelles; excellent and popular though they had been, were almost two decades old at this stage.
 

Rotary wing

A tender was placed for two types of helicopters;

In the light utility competition, the Eurocopter EC135 was the successful type, its primary role would be that of pilot and crew training with secondary roles of air ambulance and VIP transport.

In response to the utility helicopter competition, four types were evaluated in great detail. Primary roles would include training and operations with the Army Ranger Wing, casualty evacuation, limited airlift, troop transport and infantry training. Secondary roles would include air ambulance and VIP transport.

The Agusta Bell AB139 was declared the most suitable helicopter for the roles envisaged, with its two-tonne payload and its ability to airlift a 105mm howitzer, acquisition of this type was regarded as a positive development. Along with two pilots, the AB139 can carry eight fully laden troops and two crewmen equipped with door mounted machine guns, should these be required.

The Air Corps currently (including the aircraft of the Garda) operate nineteen fixed wing aircraft and eleven rotary wing aircraft with an additional two Agusta Westland 139 helicopters on order, scheduled for delivery in mid 2008. And a option for one more Eurocopter EC135
We would like to thank the Public relation office for there support to make this visit possible
 

The current fleet consists off the following