Hi Dave,
Yes, the IAC has a low profile in Ireland which doesn’t help it’s case. However, on the positive side they recently took delivery of their new PC-9M turboprops and a helicopter tender contract was recently signed which will see Eurocopter EC-135’s and Agusta AB139’s coming into service over the next few years – replacing our (workhorse!) 40 yr old Alouette III helis.
I didn’t see a C47 at Ohakea when I was there. The only aircraft on display were a Skyhawk, a Macchi (and another older jet-it’s name eludes me just now?).
When did they drop the ‘Air Force World’ name (it was still there last August when I visited) ?
I was going to mention the RNZN – I recall reading about the contract when I was in Arthur’s Pass in October. Circa $550 million is to be spent on new ship if I recall correctly ? (Indeed, some of the ships will be of the same design as the new Irish Navy ships).
Actually, the exact same thing happened here over the last few years, the Army got new equipment first, then the Navy and (finally!) the Air Corps has started to get it’s fleet replaced ?!
I’m surprised that the RNZAF are being so neglected. I really began to understand the area they have to cover when I visited The Cook Islands – over 15 islands spread over a huge area, and all part of the RNZAF’s coverage area !
Not to mention the other pacific islands they assist, and the huge pacific ocean SAR area they patrol.
Actually, what exactly is the size of their SAR area over the pacific (map) ?
Where does it end and (I presume?) the U.S. Coastguard’s area begins ?
Panther.
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