Hi Guys,
With reference to more helis there is absolutley no current requirement for them. Perhaps if they were to go overseas but then a new type would be required, The 139s were not purchased with overseas in mind.
For domestic tasks the current fleet is more then enough if, and only if, the problems on the maintenance side are sorted out. Lack of staff, no 24hr maintenance, no shift allowances etc. Civil helicopters in the north sea are more maintenance intensive then anything in the AC yet they regularly produce 200+ hrs PER MONTH. The cost of 6 new helicopters would go along way to sorting out the maintenance problems.
I agree with the 737QC and maybe an Intra Theatre airlift capability IF a requirement exists. To throw out a few meatbombs and lift 1 vehcile at a time is just not enough justification.
Jets, no way. No requirement, too expensive to operate and considering armed PC9s do nothing in Ireland whats the point. As for Jags I dont think the RAF varients have AA radar and so would be as blind as a PC9.
More 235 MPAs? Lets show that the AC can utilise what they have before buying more. 800hrs per year per airframe is not utilisation.
Perhaps allow the customs to purchase an MPA aircraft operated under contract by the AC, as with the GASU. Please dont say the AC could just do that job becasue they wont. They cant even put together a 24hr Air Ambulance / SAR top cover roster.
ST
