Irish Military Online is in no way affiliated with the Irish Defence Forces. It is in no way sponsored or endorsed by the Irish Defence Forces or the Irish Government. Opinions expressed by the authors and contributors of this site are not necessarily those of the Defence Forces. If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
I recently found this article about the bulgarian air force buying c27j spartans. and I noticed this line, as did future pilot. Can anyone shed any light on this.
Finmeccania; issued 6th April 2005
...The c27j spartan is also under evaluation by Portugal, Australia, Taiwan, Ireland and other countries recently become NATO members...
It's visited the Don a couple of times & has been mooted as a possible choice IF the AC got a tactical transport. That's a big if though, there's no official word on it. The article got it wrong.
"The dolphins were monkeys that didn't like the land, walked back to the water, went back from the sand."
This aircraft is only in the same category capablilty wise as the Casa. If we were to purchase something bigger...the only real option is the C130 hercules....and they can be cheap enough
Covid 19 is not over ....it's still very real..Hand Hygiene, Social Distancing and Masks.. keep safe
This aircraft is only in the same category capablilty wise as the Casa.
The C-27J is a much bigger aircraft than the CN-235 we operate (31.8 tonne as opposed to 16.5 tonne). CASA do a stretched version of the 235, the CN-295. This is closer to the C-27J, but is still smaller (23.2 tonne).
"The dolphins were monkeys that didn't like the land, walked back to the water, went back from the sand."
Theres the A400M ... lets just go straight to the 21st century. Plus a Mowag would fit in one of these. 70 tonne empty, can lift 37 tonnes, or bring 30t to 2600 nm.
* As in, its costing the consortium members between 85 and 111 million euro per unit. Export orders would be cheaper, but not by enough to make any difference ...
Ireland does require an airlift capability as a component of its commitment to EU and UN military operations overseas. The proper mechanism is to join the nascent European Airlift Group, an operationally standardized pool of airlift platforms operating similarly to the USAF Air Mobility Command in which requirments and taskings are matched to aircraft availability and capability regardless of nationality, with a multi-national support infrasturcture providing things such as a 24/7 Airlift Ops Center, international flight clearances, cargo handling and management, training, simulator access, etc. The A400 and the C-130J will be the core of the EAG, with bigger and smaller at either end, such as C-17 and continued AN-124 charters, C-295 and C-27J.
Options for Ireland:
1. Order a C-130J-30 nearly identical to the 3 in service +1 on order with the Danish Air Force. From order to delivery is approx two years. Use that period to train up aircrew and techs, including active exchange tours with other J operators. Some EU funding support likely with EAG membership. Advantage - quickest route to effective capability. Excellent, now thoroughly proven aircraft with availbale training opportunities with Italy, RAF, Denmark (though latter has optred out of EU military sturctures).
2. Operate an EAG A400 - one owned by the EU but operated by the IAC in Irish markings, or similar to Luxembourg purchased A400 to be operated by Belgium, or - Irish purchased and owned with EU funding support. Unlikely delivery before about 2012. Would necessitate an interim capability, probably a leased or purchased C-295.
3. Purchase of one or two C-295 or C-27J. Significantly reduced capabilility in terms of range and payload. Would mean Irish contributon to EAG ops outside of Europe in the intra-theater niche, i.e. supporting a deployed force with deployed aircraft in the operational area, such as the Liberia force with a 295 based in West Africa, with other EAG assets carrying the long haul heavy lift load to/from Europe. Delivery again in about two years from order. Relatively easy transition for IAC and least expensive.
Finally, before someone comes back with criticims of the C-130J - a vast improvement over earlier 130 models, well over its teething problems and much loved by Denmark, Italy, the USMC, the RAF and RAAF and yes, the USAF crews who fly it. Much of the latest controversy over USAF J's is due to USAF mismanaging introduction of the aircraft, probably due to parochial concerns or just lack of attention. Fact is it's a great aircraft and would be my choice for the IAC.
It's all acedemic anyway, such a purchase is years away. The next fixed wing purchase is likely to be a Cessna replacement, & that's not happening anytime soon :(
"The dolphins were monkeys that didn't like the land, walked back to the water, went back from the sand."
Does a Cessna have any function role or value whatsover in a modern army?
Take these men and women for your example.
Like them, remember that posterity can only
be for the free; that freedom is the sure
possession of those who have the
courage to defend it.
***************
Liberty is being free from the things we don't like in order to be slaves of the things we do like.
***************
If you're not ready to die for it, put the word freedom out of your vocabulary.
Does a Cessna have any function role or value whatsover in a modern army?
The question isn't whether or not it's of use to a modern airforce, the question is if it's of use to the AC. The AC uses them for army co-op, parachute training & target towing. They've gotten their money's worth out of them, but could do with something bigger.
"The dolphins were monkeys that didn't like the land, walked back to the water, went back from the sand."
We process personal data about users of our site, through the use of cookies and other technologies, to deliver our services, personalize advertising, and to analyze site activity. We may share certain information about our users with our advertising and analytics partners. For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
By clicking "I AGREE" below, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our personal data processing and cookie practices as described therein. You also acknowledge that this forum may be hosted outside your country and you consent to the collection, storage, and processing of your data in the country where this forum is hosted.
Tweet
Comment