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  • #76
    Yeah Goldie but I think they were for any attrition PC-9's that may be required.

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    • #77
      Didnt realise the Gardai had ordered a 3rd Helicopter?

      Is this true?

      Is it another Eurocopter EC135?
      I went into an Italian restaurant and ordered dessert and they gave me tiramisu and a blindfolded horse and I said No, I said mask a pony (mascarpone)

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      • #78
        Yeah, Hold on while I merge...


        (goldie merges)


        Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.

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        • #79
          The Garda Síochána currently operate two helicopters as part of the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU). These are an AS355N Squirrel Helicopter (operational since 1997) and an EC 135 Helicopter (operational since Feb. 2003). The decision to purchase the original EC 135 helicopter was made following a tender competition which allowed the Gardaí choose from amongst competing suppliers for the product which best met their technical requirements rather than standardisation with either their existing helicopter or indeed the Air Corps fleet.

          In February 2005 the Garda Síochána sought approval to replace the Squirrel Helicopter with a second EC135, based on a number of factors, in particular, commonality of aircraft type, general arrangements in helicopter management, personnel training, maintenance, auto-pilot facility, optimum resale period, etc.

          A Prior Indicative Notice (PIN) alerting the market that the Garda Síochána intended to acquire a new EC 135 T2 Helicopter was published in the Official Journal of the EU on the 21st April, 2005 and an RFT for the "supply and delivery of a new Eurocopter EC 135 T2 Helicopter with McAlpine (MHL) Police Role Equipment Fit to An Garda Síochána" was placed on the e-tenders website on Tuesday 14th June with a closing date for receipt of tenders of 9th August.

          Following the completion of the tendering process the contract was awarded to McAlpines Helicopters Ltd., As part of the payment schedule for the purchase of the helicopter a down payment was made to McAlpine Helicopters Ltd before the end of 2005. A supplementary estimate was introduced by the Minister for 2005 specifically for this purpose. In the 2006 estimates €5.9m was reserved for the purchase of the EC135 and at that stage it was anticipated that the it would be delivered to the Garda Air Support Unit by the end of 2006. Construction of the aircraft took place at the Eurocopter manufacturing factory in Donnauworth in Germany and the new helicopter which is c/n 478 left the Eurocopter facility on the 4th May bound for the McAlpine Helicopter Ltd. facility in Oxford where the fitting out of the Police Role Equipment is taking place.

          She is currently registered G-CECT and due to become ‘272’ in Air corps service. The two existing Air Corps EC-135s are 270’ (c/n 0431). and ‘271’ (c/n 0425). Originally the the first two AW139s were expected to become '272' and '273' but '272' was reserved for the GASU EC-135 and '273' has been reserved for a possible future EC-135 either for the Air Corps or GAZU. 274’ (c/n 31048), and ‘275’ (c/n 31059) are the recently delivered AW139s with '276' and 277 being the next two due around April.

          The GAZU EC-135 due at the end of 2006 is not now expected until May and the existing Squirrel will be sold off when she becomes operational. In fitting out the EC-135 the Garda Síochána has decided to take the opportunity to avail of the latest technology versions of equipment which are only becoming available from suppliers for Police Helicopters. These factors have resulted in a delay in delivery. However, a subsequent retrofit would cause considerable operational down time and expense should the opportunities not have been availed of at this time.

          Information from Flying in Ireland Editorial Team
          THE source for Military news.

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          • #80
            Is that true that they will be selling off the Squirrel? Is it single or twin?
            Although I have walked in the valley of the shadows of death I fear no evil...

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            • #81
              Read in Air Forces Monthly that the second GASU EC135 was delivered to Baldonnell in November. Seems the Garda versions have different engines to the Air Corps ones - any know why?
              Last edited by FMolloy; 31 December 2007, 14:22.

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              • #82
                Originally posted by easyrider View Post
                Seems the Garda versions have different engines to the Air Corps ones - any know why?
                I'd say it's because the Air Corp had no input into the decision making process and the Garda authorities aren't concerned with parts commonality.
                "The dolphins were monkeys that didn't like the land, walked back to the water, went back from the sand."

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                • #83
                  The first EC135 used by the GASU had a T1 engine, it was later upgraded to T2. The Gardai Bought their second EC135 long before the Army decided to buy their P2 models(2005). They stuck with the T2 for parts commonality between the Garda Fleet.


                  Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.

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                  • #84
                    Originally posted by flyinginireland View Post
                    She is currently registered G-CECT and due to become ‘272’ in Air corps service.
                    Still registered to EUROCOPTER UK LTD according to the CAA.

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                    • #85
                      do aer corp pilots fly them. and how does this work out.. ie.. aid to civil power.. week on week off etc..

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                      • #86
                        Careful GR... pedants are about.
                        The aircraft are flown by Air Corps Pilot with a garda crew of 2 observers.
                        Last edited by FMolloy; 31 December 2007, 16:27.


                        Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.

                        Comment


                        • #87
                          The GASU aircraft are available 24 hours a day, how they roster the staff is operational info & won't be discussed here.
                          "The dolphins were monkeys that didn't like the land, walked back to the water, went back from the sand."

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                          • #88
                            Originally posted by FMolloy View Post
                            The GASU aircraft are available 24 hours a day, how they roster the staff is operational info & won't be discussed here.
                            funny you say that the programme on rte gave more info did you see it???

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                            • #89
                              [QUOTE=Goldie fish;190437]The Gardai Bought their second EC135 long before the Army decided to buy their P2 models(2005).
                              Thought that it was the Air Corps who operated them.

                              Comment


                              • #90
                                Hi there
                                I doubt if the Garda Commissioner actually gives a flying .... what's under the bonnet as long as it stays running, responds to the push of a button and is available...in a lot of cases, engine sub-models differ only by the accessories, ie, genes, pumps and so on, attached to them.the basic core of the engine is probably the same so there would be a high degree of commonality.The gardai are more concerned about their dedicated equipment on board than anything else.It could be in a Transit van for all they really care, as long as it flies on demand.
                                regards
                                GttC

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