Messages

1

Irish Aviation History / Miles Martinet T.T. 1 in Irish service

« on: November 06, 2008, 09:36:09 am »

Hello,

My name is Jan Forsgren, a Swedish aviation historian and free-lance writer. I am currently compiling a book on the Miles Martinet T.T.1, which will be published by Mushroom Model Publications (MMP), hopefully next year.

I have some questions on the two Irish Martinets, s/ns 144 and 145:

1) S/ns 139 and 140 were allocated to Martinets, but not delivered. What was the reason/s for this?

2) Squadron allocations and service histories for s/ns 144 and 145.

3) S/n 144 written off on 25 May 1952, cause said to be belly landing. Cause and location needed.

4) S/n 145, wfu on 23 December 1958. Became Ground Instruction Airframe, then scrapped. Details on its use as a GIA, where and for how long? Also information on its final disposal. Incidentally, this was most likely the last remaining Martinet in airworthy condition anywhere in the world!   

5) Any photos of Martinets in Irish service would be much appreciated!

The publisher (MMP) can be contacted at http://www.mmpbooks.biz, e-mail: rogerw(at)mmpbooks.biz

Best regards,

Jan Forsgren 

2

Irish Air Corps / IAC Cessna 172B s/n 98

« on: July 11, 2005, 01:14:35 pm »

In Wrecks & Relics, 19th edition, there's a photo of a stub-winged Cessna 172B at Baldonnel in a non-standard IAC colour-scheme, carrying the s/n 98. What is the story behind this aircraft? Is it used for ground instruction by the IAC?

Regards,

Jan

3

Irish Air Corps / Seafire III RX168/IAC 157/G-BWEM

« on: May 24, 2005, 10:52:33 am »

Hello,

This Seafire III is apparently the only survivor from the dozen that were operated by the IAC.

Apparently, she is under long term restoration to fly in the UK. Does anyone have more information on this unique survivor?

Regards,

Jan

4

Irish Air Corps / The fate of Lysander No 61 ?

« on: May 02, 2005, 10:18:54 am »

Hello,

While reading through old copies of Air International, I came across this piece of information concerning the fate of Lysander No 61:

"One aircraft, No 61, remained on the forecourt of a garage some 80 mls (129 km) south of Dublin until the early 60s, when its fuselage was removed and finally destroyed."

The source for this is Air International, Feb 1984 (vol 26, issue 2) p 86.

Does anyone have additional information on this?

Regards,

Jan

5

Irish Air Corps / IAC Cessna 172 history

« on: March 25, 2005, 09:30:46 am »

All,

Many thanks for your help!

As the T-41/172 book will include historical information, as well as details of current operations, it will not be a simple run-through of serial numbers and units. A production list of all T-41s will be included, though, as well as information on military-operated Wichita and Reims-built Cessnas. Regarding air arms, we have information on 62 operators in 54 countries.

We also intend to include as much details as possible on the operational use of the Cessnas, both historical and current. Any pilots/technicians stories and recollections would be greatly appreciated!  

I've read the book by MacCarron years ago, and thought it was a very good historical account of aviation in Ireland. I don't think it's available anymore, at least not from the publisher.

I've received a couple of off-board invitations to visit Baldonnel, and view the Cessnas. I would be delighted if that would be possible.

Cheers,

Jan

6

Irish Air Corps / IAC Cessna 172 history

« on: March 23, 2005, 01:17:44 pm »

Many thanks for your help!

The earliest piece of information I have on the Irish Rockets, is a short article in the June 1972 issue of Air Enthusiast.

In the article, it is mentioned that up to 12 FR172s, equipped with Matra rocket launchers would be acquired, along with some FMTA 337 Milirole multi-purpose aircraft.

I would assume that financial considerations meant that only eight FR172Hs were acquired, but does anyone have further details on this?

Also, how long will the Cessnas remain in IAC service?

Regards,

Jan

7

Irish Air Corps / IAC Cessna 172 history

« on: March 21, 2005, 12:22:56 pm »

Hello,

My name's Jan Forsgren, a Swedish aviation historian. Together with two US authors, Walt Shiel and Mike Little, I am currently compiling a book about the Cessna T-41/172 in military use. The book will be published in March 2006 by Slipdown Mountain LLC.

As an operator of the '172 Rocket, the Irish Air Corps will feature heavily in the book. We are looking for information on the Cessna in IAC service. Photos, events, incidents etc. Anything regarding the IAC Cessna 172s is of interest!

Regards,

Mr Jan Forsgren