unusual sight

SNAKEDOC

hey guys saw something strange the other night thursday i think. anyway i went outside and two helicopters were flying in formation in a northerly direction but kinda out of their way for baldonnel as they were 2 aw139's and the lead aircraft had no lights on. the follow one did but both were moving at very slow speed compared to how they normally fly over the house. was wondering any one heard if a 139 had any difficulties in flight or reported a problem. this happened after half five and it was well past the hour where lights were needed and i found it funny that they were attempting to fly back to base. i presume the follow aircraft was in effect flying him home.

whyulittle

Saw something similar down here in Athlone one night during the week.

Heard something flying low outside, expected to see it easily. Couldn't see anything until it came straight at me with one light on the front. Sounded more like the Garda helicopter, and had the same kind of tail. Looked very dark though through binos.

No tail lights or any other flashing lights, just the one spot on the front/underneath. It was flying very low over town in darkness at about 7pm.

SNAKEDOC

another thought poped into my head they were hardly practicing night flying with a spotter, or are the 139's in aer corp service equiped for night flights. i think the garda 135 is so that makes sence that that was what you saw in athlone but two in formation one with all lights on and the lead with none its strange

Steyr

SNAKEDOC wrote: »

or are the 139's in aer corp service equiped for night flights.

What you most likely viewed was Night Flying using their NVE Equipment. The AW139's EC135's are fully Night Vision Capable as are AGS EC135's.

westdub

The 139s can also be fitted with FLIR as seen in this pic....

Steyr

OP, Have a read of this:

http://www.verticalmag.com/control/news/templates/?a=9881&z=6


Aviation Specialties Unlimited Trains Irish Air Corps in Night Vision Goggle Operations
Wednesday, February 04, 2009 / Aviation Specialties Unlimited

Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) Instructor personnel have completed the first phase of Initial night vision goggle training for Irish Air Corps Pilots and associated Aircrews. Follow on advanced training will include NVG Instructor, hoisting, external load, and formation flight training. ASU Inc was awarded the contract after a competitive international tendering process. ASU Inc. presented a comprehensive and competitive package of training which was conducted by very experienced ex-military and former EMS helicopter instructors. The standard course of training provided is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

No 3 Operations Wing, Irish Air Corps operate EC135 and AW139 aircraft and are an operational military unit which delivers rotary-winged, multi-purpose, combat-support air capabilities to meet Irish Defence Forces' objectives and tasks. These tasks include reconnaissance, observation, command and control, troop movement and logistical support, Medevac, security missions and Naval air support. In addition to these military tasks, No 3 Operations Wing also provides a number of services in support of the Civil Community and certain Government Departments. These tasks are varied and include, providing an air ambulance service in support of the Health Service Executive, search and rescue assistance to the Coastguard, major disaster relief, and operating a 24 hr An G**** Síochána (The Police Service) Air Support Unit.

The introduction of NVGs will enhance, to a great degree, the ability of this military helicopter Unit to execute its assigned tasks at night and with an increased margin of safety. No 3 Operations Wing is the first and only operator in Ireland to be capable of operating with NVGs in the execution of its missions.

Nforce

whyulittle wrote: »

Saw something similar down here in Athlone one night during the week.

Heard something flying low outside, expected to see it easily. Couldn't see anything until it came straight at me with one light on the front. Sounded more like the Garda helicopter, and had the same kind of tail. Looked very dark though through binos.

No tail lights or any other flashing lights, just the one spot on the front/underneath. It was flying very low over town in darkness at about 7pm.

I'm in Athlone too. It was an Air Corps EC-135*. They were doing circuits around the army barracks. NVG equipped as Steyr has pointed out.


*same as this one..

Steyr

Nforce wrote: »

I'm in Athlone too. It was an Air Corps EC-135*. They were doing circuits around the army barracks. NVG equipped as Steyr has pointed out.


*same as this one..

That is a Great shot, I find when they are Airborne that its difficult to get the Detail due to the Green on them its very dull.

Nforce

Thanks Steyr. This was taken at the recent Athlone Army Open Day when they dropped the Black Knights Parachute team...more pics here

Steyr

Your welcome, Here are a few from UCHG my Dad took well over 2 years ago now I reckon.

whyulittle

Nforce wrote: »

Thanks Steyr. This was taken at the recent Athlone Army Open Day when they dropped the Black Knights Parachute team...more pics here

Just found this on my camera. I, eh, rather lazily shot from my front door.

Btw, when you click through, your account is set to private.

Nforce

whyulittle wrote: »

Just found this on my camera. I, eh, rather lazily shot from my front door.

Btw, when you click through, your account is set to private.

Opps...try again

btw here's my version of your shot (from directly below)