Transport Aircraft

Suppose they are kind of busy with actual NATO work…

The new 295's have a DAS system installed and you'd imagine the cargo 295 coming will too...

But a couple of questions are needing to be answered.

The MPA have great big LIDARs installed right behind the ramp protruding up through the deck, you won't be rolling anything bigger than a box out the back unless it's removed

Have any AC pilots airdropped para-loads from a fixed wing aircraft...ever? It's not something you learn in a morning.

Oh 100%...mostly just poking holes in Leo & MM over selling it.

They don't have a suitable plane. They need something bigger in the future. EG an Embraer 390.

I’m in two minds on this. Firstly good on one level to see IAC aircraft being deployed on different missions globally and showcasing the potential of what a modern, well equipped air force can offer. Also good for the crews involved.

However as has been indicated here, these planes are kitted out for a completely different function with what I understand to be state of the art equipment. Humping freight about in the Middle East means they are not performing their critical function over our maritime domain. Also we are not involved in the actual air drop as we are not equipped to do this … perhaps the transport C295 will offer this, or is it this type is too small to properly perform this function in a meaningful manner? Anyway the role if it goes ahead, will be symbolic in that assets of the State are supporting the humanitarian effort and politically helps answer the critics that we lack the equipment to perform such functions. Bottom line is we need to equip our services to deliver a meaningful role with proper equipment.

Apart from the fact that there was no way we could have stood up the people/supports needed to sustain a 130 operationally right now? And no the chances are there is no recognition of the limitations we have because of political choices, just as how nobody is going to look at the EU sending a ship now and the US talking about a port facility and go "maybe having the MRV would have allowed us to do something"...

And do we have a number of flight crews certified on C130s? How long would it take to train them up if not? Are they sitting around doing nothing or would it mean pulling flight crews from the 295s and reducing their operations to stand up a C 130? How is the supply chain for the support of a C 130 given it would be a new aircraft in AC service, do we have the spare ground crew for maintenance and support? Or they trained to support a C 130 right now (ie trained on supporting different engines, avionics etc)? If not how long does that take? Does the AC have the manpower available for all this as it stands?

There are plenty of issues beyond just buying the hardware, no matter how cheap the RAF were flogging them.

I’ll hazard a guess and say with a high degree of confidence no one is trained to operate or maintain a Herc in Baldonnel, but the point for me is they give a whole other level of capability to what a C295 can provide. Sure they mean a whole other different level of skills are required, but given what the C130:offers to have one in the fleet makes it worthwhile. There is no doubt one would be worked to bits, as were the C235s, but it could mean the C295s do what they were acquired for (and do it very well) and a C130 would be well occupied as a tactical transporter. Really it comes down to a case of horses (or planes) for courses …

obviously we took the easier option of a third of the type, and while better than nothing, does IMHO come with limitations.

The LIDAR is the big protruding Box in the floor with the hazard tape around it...it's a precision bit of Kit so you probably don't want to dismount it too much

You would have to assume also that centre of gravity issues would limit the weight of cargo that can be loaded aft.

You can also be sure that no one else will be sending aircraft with literally millions of euros worth of sensitive electronics on a cargo run. However I do believe that the Air Corps will have put their hand up for the mission. Although it's really a token gesture, it may serve as a useful demonstration of the need for more than one or even larger dedicated aircraft. There's also political capital to be had internationally in sending a national aircraft into such situations.

Them C130's are old hat! Better to move with the times and get Ann Embraer 390.

At least some of the chipmunks were brand new from De Havilland.

The Air Corps have a Tender out for inspection checks on the Learjet for the next 12 months. It must not be heading for the sunset just yet.

Signing for a fancy new Gulfstream or Falcon would not go down well in the current climate, election not far away. I'd say its on hold.

TD Mick Barry, from a political party of crusty tankie traitors that demands that Ireland disband it's defence forces.

Whilst claiming the legacy of James Connolly, a man who fought with arms for Irish freedom & paid for his military resistance to British rule with his life.

https://www.pbp.ie/policies/policy-agm-2022-resolution-on-ukraine/

Sorry CS! I meant to say JET AIRCRAFT FOR MINISTERIAL AIR TRANSPORT AND BROADER UTILITY USE

I'm not.

Now take this with a pinch of salt but it looks like Air Corps 112 days will be over if the HSE Tenders come back within Reason. The current base in Rathcoole for the south, Knock Airport for the North West and they are looking at an Airstrip near Navan for Midlands and East.

Idea is coming up to an election they can say they are delivering on Health