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White Paper - The Air Corps story so far.

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  • White Paper - The Air Corps story so far.

    According to Air International (Oct 98) the following were among the main Price Waterhouse recommendations regarding the Air Corps :

    (The article states that although the AC has only a small fleet, it comprises 11 different aircraft types, which ideally should be rationalised while still being able to fulfil the same variety of roles )

    PRICE WATERHOUSE RECOMMENDATIONS :
    - To upgrade and rationalise the helicopter fleet, it is recommended that the existing eight Alouette III, five Dauphins and two (now one) Gazelles are replaced by eight Eurocopter Squirrel-type helicopters.
    - Purchase of four medium-lift helicopters is also advised over the next four years as part of a major investment plan, as the report states that the IAC will not be able to function without re-equipment.
    - The six Cessna FR.172H/Ks should be replaced by two BN Defender-type aircraft.
    - The six Magisters and seven SF.260WEs should be replaced by eight examples of a single type of light strike/trainer aircraft.
    - A substitute should also be found for the Beech 200.
    - The two CN-235s and Gulfstream IV remain in service. The former are not due for replacement until 2024, by which time, the report notes, "the whole scenario in relation to fishery protection may have changed".

    - The review also recommends a 10% reduction in AC personnel down to 930 (concentrated at maintenance and engineering levels)
    - Greater independence from the Army - Relocation of AC HQ to Casement.
    - GASU expansion from the current (1998) two aircraft.
    - Suggests the contracting out of basic flying training training and air traffic control sholud also be considered.

    The article also states " The GOC (then Cranfield) has also intimated that he would like to change the name of the Air Corps to something more contemporary, as the name dates back to 1924 (prior to which it had been the Irish Air Service).

    --------------------------------------------------------


    So what has actually happened to date ?

    1. Retirement of the six Fougas.
    2. Purchase and delivery of one GASU EC-135.
    3. Relocation of AC HQ to Baldonnel.
    4. Purchase of eight Pilatus PC-9Ms.


    Additional info anyone ?
    Last edited by Silver; 23 May 2003, 20:04.
    IRISH AIR CORPS - Serving the Nation.

  • #2
    It should be noted that the white paper itself was a slash and burn exercise by the DOF that has absolutely nothing in common with the PWC report on the DF which was done by professionals suggested reasonable defence investment and responsible policy making etc and was therefore buried despite public protests by its authors.
    "It is a general popular error to imagine that loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for it's welfare" Edmund Burke

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    • #3
      Correction to my post above:

      The article in Air International referred to the Price Waterhouse review NOT the White Paper recommendations.

      Silver.
      IRISH AIR CORPS - Serving the Nation.

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