Flight Global archive

[pym]

Hi folks, some of you may be interested to note that an archive of Flight International editions is available on-line.

There are a number of articles which are of interest to the IAC, such as this from 1973:

Irish Air Corps expansion
The Macchi MB.326 equipped for light ground-attack has been selected to replace the Irish Air Corps' six Vampire Trainers, which have no offensive role. Provision for the first replacement is written into the current Defence Estimates. Next year's Estimates, now in draft form, are understood to include provision of helicopter troop-lift capacity to improve the Irish Army's ability to patrol the border effectively. At least one Westland Commando'—the tactical variant of the Sea King—or Aerospatiale Super Frelon is likely to be bought in the first instance. Last week Defence Minister Mr Paddy Donegan promised a "big shopping list" in the next Estimates and this will include new equipment to support two new regular Army battalions to be raised for border duties, which in turn will be reflected in expansion of the Irish Air Corps....

To search the archive just go to:
http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/index.html

[Fouga23]

An IAC Super Frelon, now THAT is something I would've liked to see

[pym]

An IAC Super Frelon, now THAT is something I would've liked to see

+1

Or the Commando for that matter!

I find the Magister acquisition a bit puzzling in some respects - I can only assume it was the cheapest option. Obviously things were kicking off badly in the North and relations were somewhat strained, but I would have thought the Jet Provost would be the most likely acquisition.

I'm not complaining though - seemed to serve the Air Corps very well.

[Frank]

...but I would have thought the Jet Provost would be the most likely acquisition...

From a purely aesthetic & photographic point of view I'm glad they got the Fouga, I think the Jet Provost is one awful ugly aircraft, the Fouga, in my opinion, is a much more elegant looking plane.

[CK]

Interesting blast from the past.

[Tony Kearns]

I find the Magister acquisition a bit puzzling in some respects - I can only assume it was the cheapest option. Obviously things were kicking off badly in the North and relations were somewhat strained, but I would have thought the Jet Provost would be the most likely acquisition.

I'm not complaining though - seemed to serve the Air Corps very well.

The Jet Provost was demonstrated at Baldonnel but I do not believe it was a serious contender. Neither was the Strikemaster considered (on price alone), the Magister came at a good price and was a popular aircraft and as the "Boss" says a much more elegant looking plane.
Tony K

[pym]

Thank you Tony for that information!

I agree with you both, I think the Fouga is a far more elegant looking plane