MURDO MORRISON / DUBLIN

Air corps to order up to six light utility rotorcraft as SAR role ends after 40 years

Ireland will within weeks issue a tender to replace its air corps' fleet of ageing rotorcraft with up to six light utility helicopters. The step comes as the service prepares to take delivery of the first of eight Pilatus PC-9M trainers in April, and end its dedicated search-and-rescue (SAR) role after 40 years by returning its leased Sikorsky S-61.

The air corps currently operates three additional helicopter types: seven Aerospatiale SA316 Alouette IIIs; four Eurocopter AS365F Dauphins; and one Aerospatiale AS342L Gazelle. These perform a mix of roles, including army and naval support, pilot training, medical evacuation, inshore rescue and VIP transport.

The aircraft will almost certainly be replaced by one type, with the requirement due to be published in the European Union's official journal. The corps also flies two Eurocopter AS355 Squirrels on behalf of the state police. All aircraft, apart from the S-61, are based at Baldonnel outside Dublin.

The air corps' six Aermacchi SF260WE trainers will also beginto be phased out once all eightPC-9Ms are in service by June. The Swiss-built aircraft, which have a much higher operating ceiling than the Aermacchis' 10,000ft (3,000m) maximum, will mean pilots in training can increase their flying hours, says corps commanding officer Brig Gen Ralph James.

The aircraft will also be more effective in a light-attack role. "They are far more weapons-capable. They couldn't be described as an interceptor, but they have much better manoeuvreability to provide the option of a limited armed air response," says James.

The air corps' long-standing SAR role is being axed, following an announcement from defence minister Michael Smith last December that the corps' SAR station at Sligo airport in north-west Ireland would be closed and the service transferred to a civilian contractor.

Neutral Ireland has long wrestled with the role of its defence forces' air wing.

Although the country has had extensive peacekeeping commitments in civil war zones such as Liberia and Lebanon, the corps does not deploy aircraft overseas and is employed in a largely civil protection and support role.

Source: Flight International