V.I.P Air Corps Aircraft

[A.O.G]

In the furture will the Air Corps ever fly one of these aircraft in it's m.a.t.s role. '>

[Old Redeye]

My 'other' vote represents a preference for two Challenger 604's - replacing both the L45 and the GIV.  Operating similarly to the Canadian Air Force = One Challenger as the VIP workhorse and one as a general purpose utility with convertible higher density seating for:

1. government delegations
2. military advanced parties, planning teams, high priority cargo, etc. in overseas military ops
3. medical evacuation capability - principally for overseas ops

Follow-up with a true airlifter = C-130J-30 or Boeing 737-700C/QC - if the latter then no need for the second Challenger.

Replace the B200 with another B200, late model used, low time = necessary lead-in trainer to the airlifter and MPA's and as a back-up to the Challenger(s).

A BBJ or ACJ is overkill - costs too much to be left sitting on the ramp most days, and too expensive for that quick hop to a meeting in Brussels, and sends the wrong message about fiscal restraint.  Money better spent on a true airlifter or the proposed Multi-role vessel for the Naval Service.

[sealion]

The most important option is missing.

None!

[Turkey]

Agreed, there is no need for a bertie flyin bordello in the Irish Air Corps.
the money could be spent on better things like more troop helicopters or another MP aircraft.

Is A.O.G. fianna fail back with a new nick?  

[John K]

No I don't think so, Turkey, FF wouldn't know what A.O.G. stood for!

[Old Redeye]

Here's a solution:

*Trade in the GIV for a Boeing 737-700C/QC - with palletized fits for VIP and medevac, with the standard ability to carry palletized cargo and/or up to 125 pax.

*Add a straight up tactical airlift CN-235-300 to the imminent deal with CASA to upgrade the 235 MPA's to 300 standard plus FITS.

*Replace the B200 and most of the C172's with a pair of PC-12's for the domestic support/utility/advanced pilot training roles, one fitted to carry the anti-pollution gear sought by the ministry, with both capable of carrying an air ambulance kit.  Keep the two best 172's for pilot candidate screening and general utility.

*DO NOT buy any more PC-9's.  

*Take up the option for the additional two AB-139's and take out an option for two more.

*Consider a third EC-135 to carry the load on air ambulance/VIP/utility requirments so the 139's can concentrate on tactical training and taskings.

[FiannaFail]

No Turkey, I am not A.O.G.!! I am rather unique!!  Just back from a lovely restful holiday in our small Villa we bought in Terracina, Italy. Entertained everyday by USAF and Italian Air Force aircraft from Naples and Gaeta. Great show!!

Great to see a thread about the real important issues for the future in our services. Where would we be without the MATS aircraft!!

FiannaFail

[futurepilot]

Quote (FiannaFail @ 27 Aug. 2005,23:04)

Great to see a thread about the real important issues for the future in our services. Where would we be without the MATS aircraft!!

With a decent military capability?

[Hess]

it's a pity that you had to go to Italy to be entertained by fast jets.................................

PS I agree with Sealion

[Fouga]

Funny the way FF shows up in this post then disappears again.....Always watchin forever waiting  

[pilatus]

an ACJ could be ordered along with an A320 for the transport role for sending personnel abroad!

[SousaTeuszii]

I agree with Sealion,
There is no need for another VIP aircraft. People have mentioned that VIP aircraft are purchased from Berties pockets, true, but who maintains it and puts fuel in it. The purchase of an aircraft is peanuts compared to its operational costs over its lifetime. The Air Corp is already being stripped bare paying for 2.5 run abouts let alone a wide body jet. As for an A320 for troop movements, we dont move enough troops during a year to warrant such an aircraft. This could be offset by the purchase of a 737-QC type aircraft to allow for resupply and humaniterian operations but stop and think. During a mission setup Irish forces are likely to be sent to countries with poor infrastructure, IF you can land on the runway how do you unload the aircraft? with the brand new scissor lift at the destination? And what load can it take, Certinaly not traditional military 40' containers but rather some ULDs, now the Army have to change the way the transport goods to suit the aircraft!
Just think why Tactical Airlifters have ramps and Strategic Airlifters dont. Also consider that the difference between Tactical and Stratigtic is as much about size and operation as it is about distance. Decide where the Army are placed (not geographically) and that should decide the aircraft required to support them. There are goog reasons for it and reinventing the wheel dosnt work, it takes time and money and still turns out to be round.

[Hess]

Forget about mats.We dont have the money.  

[Old Redeye]

If I was a betting man:

Keep the Lear 45 + a Bombardier Global 5000 + a C-130J-30 + a new or newer second-hand, low time B200/C90/B350.  Replace the 172 Rockets with the two Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porters now for sale by the UAE Air Force - delivered in 1989 - always hangered, low hours all on hard runways, excellent maintenance.

[Irish251]

Several people are advocating a single machine, be it C-130 or whatever.  That does not provide any backup to cover for maintenance, unserviceability (especially away from home) or other disruptions that might occur.  It seems to me that you would need a minimum of two aircraft to be able to guarantee a realistic medium transport capacity.