IAC Cessna 172's

logie101

http://www.irishairpics.com/photo/1012337/M/Reims-Cessna-FR172K-Rocket/243/Irish-Air-Corps/?&sid=4285833855&sp=35

Does anyone know if the IAC still have or use these rocket pods?

Or does anyone ever remember them being used?

donkey balls

are they what i think they are under both wings on a c172 :eek:

Steyr

logie101 wrote: »

http://www.irishairpics.com/photo/1012337/M/Reims-Cessna-FR172K-Rocket/243/Irish-Air-Corps/?&sid=4285833855&sp=35

Does anyone know if the IAC still have or use these rocket pods?

Or does anyone ever remember them being used?

They were never really used, they did do some testing with the 37mmATG SNEB's but AFAIK there are no records of them being fired from the Cessna's.

Steyr

donkey balls wrote: »

are they what i think they are under both wings on a c172 :eek:

Yup MATRA Rocket Pods for the 37mm ATG SNEB, on our Irish Cessna's.

pclancy

I heard they practically stopped the aircraft with recoil in mid air when they were fired

Steyr

pclancy wrote: »

I heard they practically stopped the aircraft with recoil in mid air when they were fired

BS really, rockets dont recoil.

logie101

Thanks for the replies. (Steyr you really know your stuff)

Just found the photo interesting. Never heard of a cessna172 having hardpoints before. It must of really effected the aircrafts performance.

Those 172's must have been in service for a long time. I wonder if they are going to replace them anytime soon?

A few Pilatus PC-6's or a couple of Cessna Carvans would be a good replacement...

Stovepipe

Hi all,
They did have the 37mm rocket pods, which had six rounds per pod. They also had a gunsight and a firing panel and an associated wiring loom, which have long been removed from the aircraft (by me, in one overhaul).The only vestige of the weapons system on the current aircraft is a small airspeed arming switch under the right wing(I think).They did not affect airspeed at all, as the weapons were fired in a dive and the apparent disturbed airspeed effect was caused by the airflow around the pitot tube, which fed the airspeed indicator, being disturbed by the firing of the rockets.The pods were ultimately scrapped because of corrosion in the firing tubes.Earlier Cessnas such as the O-1 Birddog were armed and used as Forward Air Controllers in Vietnam.
regards
Stovepipe

Steyr

logie101 wrote: »

A few Pilatus PC-6's or a couple of Cessna Carvans would be a good replacement...

Rumours are and talk that they were considering the Cessna Caravan as an option.

Stovepipe

Hi there,
They trialled a Cessna Caravan, under Pierce Cahill of Iona's Cessna agency but no funds were forthcoming despite the clear desire of the IAC to adopt the Caravan.They even fitted recce pods for the trials but the DoF would not come up with funds.
regards
Stovepipe

logie101

Thanks for the informative replies.

That is a shame that the money was not available. The Cessna Caravan would be a great aircraft for the IAC. Being well suited for STOL, parachute drops, air ambulance, army support and even government transport around the country. A very versatile aircraft.

Stovepipe wrote: »

Hi there,
They trialled a Cessna Caravan, under Pierce Cahill of Iona's Cessna agency but no funds were forthcoming despite the clear desire of the IAC to adopt the Caravan.They even fitted recce pods for the trials but the DoF would not come up with funds.
regards
Stovepipe

Oscar Bravo

Always loved that photo,sadly 243 was written off since....