That “Streetfighter” USN project above is nearly exactly the same as the Super Seacat ferry that does runs between Belfast and Scotland. The terminal is 3 miles from my house in Belfast and I swear thats exactly the same boat with a new coat of paint.

Why is the NH90 not on the list?

Because its an unproven helicopter. The government doesn’t want its fingers burnt again due to the major problems in being a launch customer for the Dauphin, which were awful in IAC service (not their fault, they were over specified with unecessary kit). Same thing nearly happened with the S92 purchase as they would have been a launch customer.

Does the Irish Air Corps realy know what they want?

Its not want the IAC Army and Naval Service want. Its what the government is willing to give them.The IAC know exactly what they want but the government is just buying these helicopter to keep them busy for a while.The EC145 is favoured as it doesn’t have an image problem like a Blackhawk which appeases certain political groups.

The combination specified allows for initial training, SAR, Medevac and moving their spec ops unit but not much else.Ireland could make good use of a dozen or more ULH and MLH if purchased but that will not happen for years to come

How about hurrying up with my AWAC!!! :p
If not I would be satisfied with a Nimrod in the future, please…… sir

I’d like to see someone figure out what to do with the Buccaneer, XV361, that is in the recently closed Langford Lodge museum in Northern Ireland. I live in belfast and never knew that place existed! It flew into the museum but I don’t know if it can fly back out but it should be in suitable condition. It would be nice to see it in the skies of Northern Ireland.

Probably has better combat capability than a Super Hornet :p

Well, since I’m pretty sure we are talking about the Irish Air Corps here, I will fit my purchases around their requirements.They have lots of retiring aircraft about so I’ll cut them out and I’m left with
8xPC9s (brand new)
2xCN235MP (great condition, only for MP, no transport ability)
1xGulfstream IV (brand new VIP transport)

Plus these other aircraft operating for government agencies
1xDefender 4000 operated on behalf of police by IAC
1xEC135 operated on behalf of police by IAC
1xSquirrel 2 operated on behalf of police by IAC
4xS61s operated by CHC Helicopters for Coast Guard SAR

Wish list-
Long range troop transport capabilities to support peacekeeping forces
Extra fixed wing maritime patrol capability
Troop transport helicopters, medium lift
Possible need for ship based helicopter for new class of blue water ships
Air policing ability
Overland SAR

Possbile choices-
C130H
CN295s
NH90
A109s
Surplus F16s
Surplus F3 Tornadoes
Leased Gripens

Funds-
Possibly as much as 100 million Euros due to the persistant rumours of purchases of S92, EC135 and EC145 helicopters but more likely to be half that amount, if lucky.

Problems-
Government openly hostile to military aquisitions but willing to send troops abroad on UN peacekeeping missions and to be part of new EU force.Troops are well trained and motivated but often have to “make do” with some old or obsolete equipment, or not have enough modern equipment to go around.The IAC are probably the most disregarded of the services which causes problems for the other 2 services due to lack of air support of all kinds.

Solutions fitting the above requirements on a card plase and you can operate no more than 25 aircraft due to the facilities available at airbases.Consider things such as using foreign pilot, paramilitary and civil assistance missions conflicting with military mission and the need to patrol a huge maritime area.Equipment also needs to be of NATO standard for EU compatability reasons.

We did the UFO bit before.The Iranian incident was never solved and is still down as one of the most convincing and best recorded cases ever.This case looks fairly good.Many airforces other than the americans are very open about UFOs.The French and the Spanish are quite good at making their investigation tranparents to the public.

I say we call it Donkey Kong