Air Corps sending planes to Malta

[balkanhawk]

The Irish Times and RTE are reporting that two air corps aircraft are being sent to Malta. Anyone any info?

[Goldie fish]

Two Irish planes on way to Malta
AOIFE CARR

The Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen has approved the immediate deployment of two Air Corps planes to Malta to stand-by for a possible air-lift evacuation of Irish citizens from Libya tomorrow.

The decision, in conjunction with Minister for Defence, Eamon Ó Cuív, follows increasing concern in relation to their safety arising from the latest assessment of the deteriorating political situation in that
country.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing to issue advice to Irish nationals in Libya with regard to arrangements for evacuation.

These arrangements are being coordinated by Ambassador Pat Hennessy, the Irish Ambassador in Rome who is accredited to Libya.

According to information available to the Embassy there are approximately 40 Irish nationals remaining who are seeking to leave the country.

The Department’s Crisis Centre will continue to operate tomorrow and can be contacted at 01-4180222

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...reaking61.html

[Goldie fish]

Ftom DFPO:

Defence Forces have deployed two Air Corps aircraft to Malta tonight for the potential evacuation of approx 40 Irish Citizens from Libya if required

[Craghopper]

So which of yee from here posted on the defence forces FB page that we should have a C130 to send to collect Irish Nationals like its the Capt's fault?

[Captain Edmund Blackadder]

Hahahahahaha. Almost as good as the guy asking could he use his own weapons abroad with the army. Thems was the days.

[DeV]

1 x CASA & the Learjet

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...reaking61.html
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fb...165&aid=286161

[Victor]

1 x CASA

So thats where Mary Harney's been the last while.

[pym]

Interested to see if they will actually be allowed land, personally I wouldn't fancy being the member of a foreign military on Libyan soil right now...

French aircraft have already been refused landing permission.

By the sounds of things, at least 1x Libyan vessel is off the cost of Malta right now and unconfirmed reports of additional vessels - Casa would be able to provide a good picture, could it be supported by Air Corps techs for a week or so in Malta?

5x Italian F-16's are reported to have taken a close look at one of the ships.

[Goldie fish]

Libya Likes us. Mo and Gerry are old pals.

Nice clip of the aircraft preparing to leave on Facebook.
Well done to AC. Well done to their management for seeing an opportunity to use the governnment status symbol for useful purpose.

[Jetjock]

How many airline type seats has the CASA post Mid Life update? It was around 6 before the work was done. I'm sure a few more could be squeezed in if the situation was dire enough not to allow multiple trips.

To be affectionately known as the "Tripoli Taxi" if US C-141 Vietnam naming traditions are to be followed.

[DeV]

Spare aircrew are among the personnel deployed so if they only get a short window they can get everyone out.

[Goldie fish]

They'll have to get a short window twice so.. The 2 aircraft can't carry 40 passengers.

[FMolloy]

You sure? The CASA can take up to 57 troops, according to this - http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/cn-235-300/

That would be for the transport variant. Our CASAs are full of kit for maritime patrol, the number of passengers they can carry would depend on how much of that is easily removed.

I think they can take about 20 but I'm not sure.

[Goldie fish]

See post 12.

Somewhere on the web there is a photo of the cabin layout of the MPA.

[DeV]

The Casa aircraft, routinely used for fisheries patrols, can carry 21 people and the LearJet can hold eight. “The LearJet was dispatched with a spare crew for the Casa if a window of opportunity arises,” a Defence Forces spokesman said. “

http://forum.irishmilitaryonline.com...278#post327100