Blackhawks x 6

[clan]

So the Irish independent again brings up the story that we are getting 6 Blackhawks. So what will the new recruits get to train on, if we have no Gazelle or A111's?

[Imshi-Yallah]

Was this supposition on their behalf?
The current tender is supposed to replace the Gazelle and Dauphin not the AIII AFAIK.
Wait out for a clearer picture.

[Joey d]

"Air Corps eyes up Blackhawk copters" - Don Lavery

         The famous US-built Blackhawk helicopter - featured in TV reports from Iraq and star of a Hollywood blockbuster - may yet serve in Ireland if a row over buying new helicopters can be resolved.
         Nearly four months after Defence Minister Michael Smith revealed a new fleet of light utility helicopters are to be bought, no tender has yet been issued.
         On December 17 last year Mr.Smith said a tender would be placed in the Official Journal of the European Community "early in the new year"
         It is understood that six helicopters will replace up to 15 Alouette, Dauphin and Gazelle helicopters.
         Mr.Smith said the choppers would be used for "surveillance, airlift, in-shore rescue, medevac, air ambulance and island relief"
        The Defense Forces is anxious that the helicopters play a stronger role in support of the Army.
        A small chopper as used by the Gardai would only be able to carry a handful of troops, but a larger one like the Blackhawk could carry at least a nine-man section of troops with their equipment.
        The Blackhawk, mentioned in the discussions, is one of the world's main troop carrying helicopters. It featured in the film "Blackhawk Down" about an incident where two of the Us helicopters were shot down in Somalia in 1993.
        Another neutral country, Austria, recently bought nine Blackhawks.

Irish Independent

[Imshi-Yallah]

So it is total supposition, besides what a godawful waste to buy blackhawks and tie them up doing on island tasks that are better suited to AIIIs and EC145s

[clan]

I think you are missing the point here, 6 Blackhawks is it, no EC145, no A111's. I am nearly sure you mentioned getting rid of the A111's in an earlier thread. And what is wrong with Island relief, they only need help if something it wrong, and Irish Helicopters cannot provide the service. And isn't it better to fly over water with 2 engines rather then one. Plus you get the support from the minister of the Islands and Gaeltecht.

[Imshi-Yallah]

Because the Island should have a civilian aviation element to handle civilian tasks with the appropriate types (EC145 et al) and the Military should be focused on MILITARY tasks with civilian taskings being a very occasional anciliary instead of the other way around

[FiannaFail]

I actually agree with Imshi!!
FiannaFail :'>

[clan]

Irish helicopters are contracted to provide the service to the islands, this service is expanding to most if not all imhabited islands, if it fails for what ever reason. Then and only then are the air corp supposed to be called in.
So are you planning on handing over the A111's to Irish Helicopters or are you buying them new second hand ones. Seeing that you got rid of the corps versions earlier.

[Imshi-Yallah]

What are you talking about, I suggest many different ideas in response to different stimulus these arent ingrained aspects of my personality these are applications of logic.
And I said something in the AIII class this doesnt mean resuscitating someones cast offs.

[clan]

Imshi, that is what I am trying to find out, what the hell are you are on about. All of your posts, confuse me as they make very little sense. So what if the Blackhawks are used in an emergency to support the Islands and the Civilian contractors, do they not pay tax as well.
As for logic, they do not go hand in hand with your posts I am afraid.

[Imshi-Yallah]

They aren't talking about on island roles as an occasional use they are talking about it as the mainstay of the IAC.
Obviously you have some trouble perceiving reason

[clan]

I certainly did not read that in the article or think it implied that either. And why would they even mention it if they are in discussions with Civilan contractors to provide a service to the islands like Irish helicopters currently do with Tory Island off Donegal.

[Taj]

Didnt see anything bout the island relief being the "mainstay" of the Corps in the future-nor is it now.A number of tasks were mentioned.I would imagine that any island relief will be in extreme circumstances where all other options have been exhausted-as with any air force around the world.
The thinking behind the Blackhawks is to allow the Corps to progress past its previous roles and move in a completely new direction-operating in direct support of the army in all operations from Platoon to Brigade level(if we ever see any of those any more).
Going on the Ministers previous record we might hear something at the press launch for the PC-9's next week.

[Fouga]

Obviously Blackhawks will be good for the AC & Country. Yesterday in the Sun or Star there was a piece about possibly
Keeping The AC heli's currently in Service for HEMS. I reckon we get at least 6-10 Blackhawks for OS missions, ARMY Co-Op (especially ARW) use the Dauphins and Alouettes for HEMS, The HEMS in London land in Streets!( Now thats Good PR !!! '>  )

The Blackhawks should also be armed like the US versions with the electric Chain Guns on Both sides for CSAR if the need arose other than that they could be fitted with refuelling probe for mid-air and also with equip for SAR and anti Drugs etc like the US DEA Blackhawks or is it customs?

[alpha foxtrot 07]

i've being saying it for a year, blachawks are perfect for the air corps. they can any job you can possible think of. i cannot think of one that it has already not proven itself capable of.