asked the Minister for Defence if the new Dauphin Air Corps helicopters are equipped with de-icing equipment to enable them to fly at sub-zero temperatures; if not, the provision which is being made for helicopter facilities for rescue operations at sub-zero temperatures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Corps Helicopters.
13.
Dauphin helicopters are fitted with engine anti-icing equipment meeting the requirements of transport category helicopters, heated windscreens and ice detectors; they are not equipped with airframe de-icing equipment. Ice on helicopters, in common with other aircraft, occurs only when there is a combination of visible moisture, such as cloud, and a particularly low temperature range. Sub-zero temperatures do not, of themselves, produce conditions which inhibit the flying of the Dauphin helicopters.
The Minister has just listed another in the litany of disasters of these Dauphin helicopters. These helicopters were purchased almost two years ago, on 25 June 1986. Is the Minister now saying that we do not have clouds and low temperatures which are precisely the conditions which he has outlined would cause icing on helicopters? Low temperatures alone would not cause it, but low temperatures with cloud formation will, something which we have no lack of. In fact, they are almost a permanent feature on our horizon.
The Minister previously agreed that these machines cannot fly in the dark. Now is the Minister saying they cannot fly in the cold and that no matter what training pilots get they will not be able to fly in the winter time? Is that not the position?
As I have said already, the Dauphin helicopters are fitted with engine anti-icing equipment, meeting the requirements in this regard. The air frame de-icing system is a system which is designed for larger helicopters. I want to get this clear because there may be some misapprehensions about it. The air frame de-icing systems which the Deputy refers to are designed for larger helicopters. They are not available for helicopters weighing less than 5,700 kilogrammes. The Dauphin helicopter weighs less than that and the system is not suitable for it. The unavailability of the system that the Deputy has in mind will not inhibit the helicopter's performance. In fact, it has not failed to effect a rescue because of icing.
Was the Minister for Defence, at the time of purchase, aware of the fact that this particular size of helicopter was not equipped with de-icing equipment? Was the Minister also aware that icing could occur in cloudy and sub-zero conditions combined?
I do not have that information. I presume they were aware. This technology is developing all the time. Let me point out that the Sea King search and rescue helicopters operated by the British Air Force and which have done many rescue operations here do not have this de-icing equipment fitted and the equipment, as I have said already, is not available for the smaller helicopters. In fact this equipment would reduce the range in the lifting capacity of these helicopters and could inhibit them in other ways. On balance, it was a reasonable decision to purchase these and I do not think this will in any way inhibit the airsea rescue service.
The purchase of equipment for the Defence Forces has been a disaster in every area.
I do not accept that.