Messages

1

Irish Air Corps / SpitfireTr.IX print survey

« on: June 22, 2004, 12:21:36 am »

They all look absolutely brilliant, well done to all involved - hope they are a big success.

I wonder would it be possible for them to be sold at airshows across the US and Europe.

2

Irish Air Corps / Bush preparations?

« on: June 21, 2004, 11:36:58 pm »

Look - how many ways does this need to be spelt out to you?

The Air Corps have a finite number of aircraft, their roles and capabilities are all well known. If some dolt doesnt know what they are and wants to find out, theres a little secret on the internet called google which will tell him all he needs to know. Its the same with the rest of the defence forces - but we havent even commented on what they may be doing!

And you want a media blackout for the visit of the so-called "leader of the free world"... jesus man you really do have a keen sense of irony.

You are on dangerous ground my friend - are you saying the people who don't want Bush here support (even tacitely) Bin Laden?

You're either deranged or a comic... I'm now more undecided than ever before. Go on tell me I don't value the defence of this nation and then go on to post how you remember flying the lead Fouga Magister that escorted the pope into land.

I'm surprised you havent got yourself a new nickname on this board so your posts would have some value attached to them.

I'm sorry to insult you, but dismissing anyone who doesnt want Bush here as a tree hugger/ Bin Laden sympathiser was really pushing your luck

3

Irish Air Corps / Bush preparations?

« on: June 21, 2004, 11:01:50 pm »

FiannaFail, do me a favour and don't insult my intelligence.

If anyones making a joke about this topic it's you with your continued presence on this board. Are you still flying the government jet? Or are you posting to us from Liberia on a rare break from protecting our troops from above in our uber secret jets which you spoke of so much only a while ago?

Lets be honest here, the biggest risk (I hasten to ad not the only) during the visit is some scumbags from this country, not some big bad foreigner, breaking a security barrier and getting to within 5 miles of Bush, only to be tackled by the Gardai. If they get within 100 metres of Bush they'll probably wind up being shot... with obvious consequences.

If the unthinkable should happen, i.e. bombings or the like, there is nothing on this board that could aid terrorists in their planning.

I get pissed off with all this talk about al qaeda talk since there has been well known terrorists operating from all over this island for years... or do you need your memory refreshed?

4

Irish Air Corps / Bush preparations?

« on: June 21, 2004, 12:08:52 am »

FiannaFail, I have long had no doubt that your entire role on this board is one of the satirist. After all, its easier to swallow than the only other explanation.

Tell me, when are you getting your own TV show?

5

Irish Air Corps / Bush preparations?

« on: June 20, 2004, 12:55:15 am »

First of all, I have no information with regard to the plans of the defence forces so everything I say will be speculation. In other words the PC-9's may be armed and airborne. I reckon the F-15's will be off our cost.

I personally wish Bush wasnt coming to town because of the strain on man power and finances its going to put on our security forces.

I assume he will be afforded the security befitting of any world statesman. I fear however that his presence could possibly lead to serious confontation between the Gardai, protesters and god forbid the US secret service - which nobody wants to see, except psychos. I assume that there will be a no fly zone up to a certain height above wherever his current location is.

6

Irish Air Corps / PC-9M simulator and armaments ?

« on: June 19, 2004, 06:19:04 pm »

I read on the Pilatus website a while back (ok maybe a year ago) that the PC-21 wasnt designed as replacement for the PC-9 type of aircraft, but to complement it. Seems to go against the common consensus though. That said the Austrians are apparently considering the PC-9 for themselves at the moment.

////

Bloody impressive images from that game I must say. Complements to all involved '>

7

Irish Air Corps / Neutraility?

« on: June 19, 2004, 06:14:25 pm »

Yup your right '>

I think that he also stated that the IRA didnt learn even basic encryption techniques and didnt own a single Wireless, so the idea that the IRA might have been behind the refueling of Nazi submarines is even more far fetched than the notion that it was done by the State.

8

Irish Air Corps / Armed Helicopters

« on: June 19, 2004, 06:09:36 pm »

Thanks for the picture '>

I had heard the Slovenian Air Force had gotten something like this, first time I've seen it. They got their aircraft upgraded - the "Swift" upgrade by an Israeli company methinks.

I mentioned the Mistral and Stinger, because I assume they're cheaper (but assumedly much less capable) than the Sidewinder, but might be better suited (and cheaper '> )  for the role of taking down light aircraft and helicopters.

Plus the PC-9 might be able to carry up to 4 of these missiles and still carry the Gun pod which would be useful in the role. But I am unfamiliar with the weights involved so its just uneducated speculation on my part

But I dont even know if its ever been tried.

I'll get me coat

9

Irish Air Corps / Neutraility?

« on: June 19, 2004, 05:52:38 pm »

It should also be noted when this rumour was started, it originally said the submarines were being refuelled in Donegal... until someone realised... "hey.. the Donegal corridor...what the HELL?!".. in other words, the RAF were going over that area on a daily basis... so obviously in response the rumour has sent the Submarines down to Kerry. The amount of planning that would be needed to refuel a submarine means that something like this would have gotten out... and if it had, this would have been tantamount to declaring war on Britain, we would have been invaded. There's no way in hell any right thinking individual could have partaken in this. No way. Jesus even the Nazi spy who got here and saw for himself the state of the IRA couldnt escape the country when he wanted to... and at the same time we were refueling Subs? methinks not

Anyway this is only a small point, but I get very angry when I hear certain people (yehaw, you're NOT one of them) who obviously have a problem with our country and start spouting utter rubbish about how we were pro Nazi during WW2 - while leaving out the ever so minor point of allowing British prisoners to go north of their own will, the Donegal corridor, weather reports, etc etc. Why do I get angry about it? Because it's a bloody dangerous rumour that no doubt some people will believe and base their opinion of this country on.

I'd love to know the minds of those that come up with this junk

10

Irish Air Corps / Armed Helicopters

« on: June 19, 2004, 05:32:44 pm »

Um the question has to be asked, why would this be needed?

If these aircraft were to be deployed on a mission that actually neccessitated some top cover, i.e. on an EURRF or UN mission, surely better suited aircraft from other countries would fill that role, rather than a few utility helecopters whos main task is going to be carrying troops.

In my opinion this would only add expense but in answer to your question, i'd say its possible.

In ireland, leave any "rogue" helicopters or light aircraft to the PC-9 '>

Would the PC-9 be suited to the Mistral or Stinger systems?

11

Irish Air Corps / Neutraility?

« on: June 19, 2004, 04:36:11 pm »

I dont believe the "apparent" refueling of Nazi submarines ever took place, only when I see real evidence will I believe it.

My reasoning? Umm lets see, Nazi submarines sinking Irish Shipping and I dont know...  ummm the total lack of fuel entering this country in the first place. How on earth would we have gotten a tanker out to a submarine, loaded with fuel and food which the rest of us were doing without?

Show me evidence.

The stuff with the allies is all true.

I wouldnt be too critical of DeValeras rationalisation for not entering the war. Its easy to criticise 60+ years after the event.

12

Irish Air Corps / Marchetti's flying CAP over Dublin today

« on: January 23, 2004, 06:39:15 pm »

A quick feature was just on TV3 within the last 5 minutes with regard to this. It was officially confirmed that a Marchetti was on CAP, with orders to shoot down any aircraft that were a threat.

The report mentioned the Air Corps have no capability to shoot down, let alone investigate any jet aircraft who were a threat. And went on to say the RAF would have to be brought in for this.

There were quick glimpses of a pilot strapping into a Fouga and the cockpit of the Casa (I think)

.....

13

Irish Air Corps / Ground Based Air Defence

« on: January 23, 2004, 04:14:17 pm »

Looking up some specs for the flycatcher radar. I think the Army have got the Mk1 version, which has a range of 20km. Looking up the Giraffe radar, they have a range quoted between 60- 100 km distance.... hell of a difference.

The two armys that came up for both searches were the Venezuala and Pakistan....  go figure.

If I was a conspiracy theorist I'd speculate theres a treaty with forces foreign to look after our airspace above 15,000 feet, in return for overflights... based on our equipment, or lack thereof.

But I'm not '> The stuff we get is cheaper due to its limited range... simple..

14

Irish Air Corps / If it was up to you.....

« on: January 20, 2004, 09:32:41 pm »

It'd be electoral suicide for a government to order A10's. Its been used in too many wars and the use of depleted uranium ammo hasnt exactly endeared it to people.

[More likely?]

15

Irish Air Corps / If it was up to you.....

« on: January 19, 2004, 11:05:45 pm »

Using the upper estimates of the price per aircraft of these two types, i basically converted the figures to euro's and multiplied by 12...

Cost of 12 SU-30MK    €359,432,916
Cost of 12 EADS Mako €242,833,092 (light combat version)

€80,944,364    <- 4 MAKO's at a time

€119,810,972  <- 4 SU-30's at a time

........ its a bit unlikely eh?

More likely?
12 L-159's based on Silvers secondhand price:  €48,000,000

But I guess I should ballance it against other figures:
"Car owners face a charge of £1.65 and heavy goods vehicles £4.06 for using the 35km stretch of motorway being built privately at a cost of £257m." -  Irish Independent 28-8-2001

That translates into €326,323,00

Ok anyway these figures were just plucked off the internet and I'm not sure about their accuracy, I think its an interesting rough guide if nothing else '>