Messages

1

Irish Air Corps / ex-IAC Spitfire flies again!

« on: January 16, 2005, 10:40:01 pm »

Just out of interest how many Spitfires did the IAC actually operate at once does anyone know? Fabulous looking plane, went all misty-eyed and patriotic there for a moment looking at the photos.

2

Irish Air Corps / What aircraft would you like to see in AC service?

« on: November 08, 2004, 09:17:16 pm »

Obviously of course this is 'in an ideal world' poll as the only one of those planes I can see the govt. ever commiting to might be the Alpha Jet which I believe is a trainer. I can see them buying that and then trumpeting on about how 'we have equipped Ireland with a modern jet force' if certain conditions were to apply with regard to security considerations etc.

To expand upon the poll, how realistic would it be to introduce fast jets to the AC in a short time scale? Would the infrastructure of the Corp's need to be upgraded significantly to allow for maintenance, training etc? How long would such changes (if needed) take as introducing jet fighters to the AC would seem to be a large project to undertake.

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Irish Air Corps / Let's talk about the navy again!

« on: October 08, 2004, 06:59:58 pm »

So we are not talking (at least in military terms) really huge money then even by the standards Ireland spends on it's military budget, although I notice said budget has been marginally cut in the proposed Irish budget.

Also if Ireland is serious about subscribing to UN missions and maintaining it's commitment to these surely some sort of transport ship for troops and equipment with the capability for multiple helicopters (2 to 4) to land and depart would be a major asset. In the short term at least surely this would be a useful step in making the defences forces more up-to-date and efficient. Also, the argument for buying decent equipment can with the submarine disaster be seen to be more than a purely military one -as pointed out a decent ship could have provided on the scenes assistance*. None of this is any reflection of course upon the individuals who perservere to do their best in both the Naval Service and Air Corps with the equipment they are given.

I can see that anything like fast jets etc. are not to be seriously considered for some time yet but many small countries at a similar income level have a far better equipment base.
 
* Which in all honesty the Royal Navy did very professionally of course. However it is irksome to think that the Irish Republic lacks the capability to do so itself, the old excuses that 'we don't have the finances' are beginning to wear rather thin.

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Irish Air Corps / Let's talk about the navy again!

« on: October 08, 2004, 09:07:43 am »

Are the S-61s run independently of the Air Corps? I should point out I am relatively new to the board and my knowledge of the helicopter fleet is derived largely from the Defence Force's own site and sites like Irish Military Online. Not been aware of the existence of these 5 copters I partly retract my comments although I still think the Naval service needs expansion (but that falls outside the scope of this forum) generally.

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Irish Air Corps / Let's talk about the navy again!

« on: October 08, 2004, 04:56:30 am »

Firstly, may I may extend my smypathy to the unforuntate crewmen on the stricken submarine and RIP to the crew member who has, sadly perished.

What I wanted to ask was bearing in mind that we generally agree here that Ireland's Aer Corps and Naval service are er, somewhat overstretched what is a realistic timescale for them to be rejenuvated in? (provided some actual investment is forthcoming from central govt.)

Judging from the general tone of conversation here the dream scenario would be one in which a small fleet of modern, fast jets might operate out of Ireland. As realistically, this is unlikely to happen what do you think the main priorities should be in the next 5-10 years?

On a personal note I am astounded as an outside observer by the fact that Ireland has such a small naval fleet, which is tasked with patrolling a huge area. I know several private reports have strongly recommend increasing the fleet from 8 to at least 12 (and ideally 16 vessels) and restructuring the Aer Crops from the ground up with newer equipment. Sadly, since the Dail seem to regard Ireland's military with a certain ammount of disdain I see no future in which it will be modernised myself. On the offchance that it were though what would be the rough cost does anybody know of enlarging the Aer Crops to include say a small fleet of more modern SAR equipped helicopters and purchasing at least one more HPV for the Naval service?

The current tragedy shows it is important I think for the Republic to have it's own capabilties in this area, it cannot and should not always have to rely on the RAF.

6

Irish Air Corps / What if.....

« on: September 30, 2004, 10:25:27 pm »

Hi Fouga,

I  am from London and am second generation Irish, I started looking at this site and some others due to my father having served in the Defence Forces in the 1950's in the Curragh which aroused my curiosity. I generally look at the site once or so a day and thought why not post to it as well though  I cannot make any claim to be an expert in aeronautical matters  '>

7

Irish Air Corps / What if.....

« on: September 30, 2004, 07:42:54 pm »

Hi firstly everyone here as I am a new poster, although I have been 'lurking' for some time reading peoples posts on a variety of topics.

In reply to the need for jets in the events of emergency surely Ireland which is a resonably well of country can afford a small fleet of mid-range jets to protect it's airspace. A fleet of 10-12 jets does not seem unrealistic to me, I know Ireland spends a very low percentage of GDP on defence generally.

I also know this is a well worn topic here, but what roughly would be the cost of such a fleet of jets approximately.