The current issue of 'Flying In Ireland' carries a small article which states that the govt has no current plans to sell either of the govt jets. (Somebody must have raised a Dail question, I havent seen the full article yet)
To me it would make so much sense to sell one of the jets and purchase the likes of a CASA 235 or 295 in it's place. (I think a C130 would be ideal, but a CASA would be more appropriate given potential usage and experience re maintenance).
Such a transport aircraft could provide the DF's with the following -
- Transport capability
- Multi-Engine Training
i.e. allow multi-engine training for potential CASA Maritime pilots (and therefore free up the two current CASA's for patrols instead of training)
- Participation in foreign missions
e.g. delivery of troops and supplies, and even (highlighted by the tragic events in Haiti) deliver humanitarian aid and Rescue teams to disaster zones.
I know this has been discussed here before, but if the possibility of selling one of the govt jets is even been considered, surely this is the time to push for a transport aircraft as its replacement.
Its only a pity the original AC Casa No '250' wasnt purchased outright when its lease expired in 1995, and used for transport and training duties. Apparently it was offered to the govt for c.$2 million (later sold to Chile for $5 million).
