New helicopter fleet to cost €50m

[Frank]

New helicopter fleet to cost €50m
 

A ORDER worth more then €50m for six new helicopters - four of them armed and able to carry up to 32 elite Army Rangers in one lift - is to be placed before the end of the year, it emerged yesterday.

Three of the world's top helicopter manufacturers are competing for the lucrative contract with the Department of Defence for a new fleet of helicopters for the Irish Air Corps.

Four utility helicopters, each capable of being armed with two GPMG machineguns and a variety of other weapons and with the ability to carry eight soldiers each, will be bought.

They will have a primary role operating and training with Ireland's Special Forces, the Army Ranger Wing, along with other tasks. There is also an option to buy two more.

Two light utility choppers will be used mainly for training but all six helicopters will also be available for VIP transport, air ambulance and aid to the civil community.

The three firms confirmed yesterday to the Irish Independent what type of aircraft they will be offering:

* Agusta Westland: Their small A109 which has been bought by Italy, South Africa and other countries and their new larger AB 139.

* Sikorsky: The US firm will offer two versions of their famous Blackhawk helicopter. There are 2,500 Blackhawks in use with many countries, while their smaller S-76 will also be on offer.

* Eurcopter: This group will offer their EC-145 for the utility role and their smaller EC-135, already in use with the Gardai, for the light utility chopper.

The privatisation of search and rescue operations means the Air Corps is now being given more traditional military roles providing more air mobility to the army.

Defence Minister Michael Smith said yesterday that a team of military and civilian personnel which is examining the tenders is expected to complete its work by the end of October and it is hoped to place the contract for the new helicopters before the end of the year.

Don Lavery

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