Transport Aircraft

Sgt. Bilko 09

Few rumours knocking about on twitter today suggesting the AC are leasing an Airbus ACJ(319Neo), AC are due to take delivery of the temporary new aircraft next week until the newly order aircraft is ready. Unsure how true it is but all seems to going towards an Airbus….

roadmaster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120202601#Comment_120202601

If true that soon how would the crew work. Have former Air Corps pilots that fly commerical Airbus jets reenlisted or are they getting civilan pilots like they did with the gulfstream?

sparky42

I’m going to go with doubt about that to be honest, happy to be wrong but it would be a hell of a quick and quiet decision to get something in motion so quickly.

mupper2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120203063#Comment_120203063

But and we have to remember this...it would benefit politicians....😎

tippilot

If you are referring to the individual that posted the story with a pic of an Ivory Coast ACJ that's already been "painted" with a winking emoji in the follow up comment about delivery....well..... 🇨🇮

Sgt. Bilko 09

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120203267#Comment_120203267

No I seen that one but there is another one up from a former pilot so it’s either really bad sarcasm or a little dig at the procurement side of but farfetched to bluff but it’s rumours until rubber hits tarmac

jonnybigwallet

Tis a hell of a classy plane! Exceeds most expectations.

Larbre34

Its a wind up lads, jesus.

Dohvolle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120203286#Comment_120203286

Former pilots have a very dark sense of humour.

Its a ball hop, we had them before. Fokker were at the 1997 Airshow in Bal because they won the MPA contract. (They didn't)

Later on, Alpha Jets were at the airshow in 2000 because they were replacing the Fouga.

We were DEFINITELY getting blackhawks as the medium heli, only DoD changed their mind because Blackhawk Down was in the cinema at the time...

sparky42

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120192943#Comment_120192943

Seems Mary Lou might have heard you...

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/strong-argument-required-to-support-purchase-of-new-government-jet-mcdonald-1428728.html

Dohvolle

Does she need something with a rear ramp?

roadmaster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120207201#Comment_120207201

Its shocking what the mere taughts of the chance of getting the perks and mercs can do to a person

Larbre34

Its decided, she can shut up.

Grassy Knoll

It is a pity, but this sort of petty politicking will bedevil this acquisition if it goes ahead. Scale it up, it will and has affected the entire DF … we live on an island, we are in the EU and other international organisations. It might just be handy to have our own autonomous air transport…

California Dreamer

Take this one!

https://www.controlleremea.co.uk/listing/for-sale/210288279/airbus-a330-jet-aircraft

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120210026#Comment_120210026

It won't.

The words 'children's air ambulance service availability' have a magical ability to shut people the **** up.

California Dreamer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120211145#Comment_120211145

If only the narrative can be steered that way.

Currently its all about transport for ministers etc.

roadmaster

It looks like somebody raided the Casas Fridge!!!

https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/government-spent-up-to-e30000-on-charter-flight-for-taoiseach-as-learjet-broke-down-1429325.html

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120211508#Comment_120211508

What narrative?

The plane has a budget, its signed off by Govt and the opposition have talked shyte for a couple of days. End of story.

Next we'll know is either a tender going out, or award of contract on a restricted procedure.

Markcheese

What's the reason for reluctance for the president to be flown in a PC 12 ,

The country would hardly notice if he went missing !

sparky42

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120219371#Comment_120219371

The smartarse in me thinks its because Finance doesn't want to risk having to pay out for a State Funeral, but yeah it seems BS.

Topgear on Dave

It's quite a small aircraft to try to fit in his enormous ego.

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120219371#Comment_120219371

Single engine ops.

They don't meet the safety redundancy needed when carrying a Head of State.

And I'm not just speculating either, I know a man well who works in the Garda SDU including diplomatic protection, the President's Sec Gen and Garda brass agreed that.

roadmaster

A Good Deal to be made with our neighbours for additional helicopters if needed?

https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/what-s-next-for-the-latest-uk-mod-h135-order

Larbre34

Unlikely. Different specification, different currency, different market.

The DF have a very experienced working relationship with Airbus anyway - including a recent hefty deposit on the new Tactical Transport - there is nothing to be gained by becoming the hind tit of a British order, the whole point of which is to build the hulls in Britain anyway and generate a bit of investment.

BowWow

I don't think that roadmaster is suggesting that we become the hind tit - to me it reads that he is suggesting we should consider a look at items already made, that are not now needed, and that may be available at substantially reduced cost.

Larbre34

Fair point. That'll teach me to read the detail!

Dohvolle

To be fair, Airbus Helis have an operation in the UK specialising in fitting out police helis. Those aircraft will be rebranded and operating as Air Ambulance or polis helis either here or the UK in no time.

They may evenend up as the new GASU heli, who knows.

roadmaster

Since HEMS seams to be a long term project with the Air Corps they would be a good fit. 3 could go to HEMS and free up the 139 fleet and two could go to the rangers as they seam very fond them

sparky42

The journal is reporting 2025 for the Transport Casa:

https://www.thejournal.ie/heavy-lift-aircraft-air-corps-5962345-Jan2023/?utm_source=shortlink