The Minister for Defence, Mr. Michael Smith, T.D., today welcomed the arrival at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel of three new training aircraft for the Air Corps. The new, turbo propeller aircraft is the PC-9M, manufactured by Pilatus Ltd of Switzerland.
The Minister, the Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Jim Sreenan, the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Ralph James and senior representatives from Pilatus were present in Baldonnel as the aircraft landed.
These three aircraft will be followed by a further five over the coming months. The cost of these aircraft is approximately €60 million. The eight aircraft will replace the Siai Marchetti aircraft in the pilot training role. In addition to the main training role, the aircraft have a light armament capability and as such can be used for security or defensive operations as necessary.
Welcoming the new Training Aircraft to Casement, the Minister stated that the new aircraft would play an integral role in training of cadets and would ensure that the calibre of pilots produced by the Air Corps remains extremely high. The acquisition of the aircraft is a very realistic response to the current requirements of the Air Corps and the Defence Forces. He wished the General Officer Commanding and all members of the Air Corps well with their new aircraft and he promised that he would continue his efforts to further modernise the Air Corps fleet.
With the arrival of the new training aircraft, the focus is now on the acquisition of Light Utility Helicopters for the Air Corps. In that regard, the Minister indicated that the tender documentation for the competition for the procurement of Light Utility Helicopters for the Air Corps is nearing completion, adding that he expects the competition to commence very shortly.
"Honour, loyalty and steadfastness" is the translation of the motto in Irish on the side of these Aircraft.
Issued by Department of Defence Press Office Ph. 8042108 087 234 0397.
