Dinny McGinley
Ceist:90 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the number of aircraft within the service of the Air Corps; the age of the aircraft within the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28768/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 17 November 2004
Ceisteanna (68)
Freagraí scríofa
There are a total of 40 aircraft in service with the Air Corps at present, comprising 14 helicopters and 26 fixed wing aircraft. The type and age of these aircraft is set out below.
The eight recently purchased Pilatus PC-9M turbo propeller aircraft will replace the Marchetti aircraft in the pilot training role. These aircraft will allow for the continued training of young cadets to the highest standards. These aircraft will also be capable of being armed and, as such, will have a limited defensive capability.
A comprehensive tender evaluation process is ongoing at present for the acquisition of new helicopters for the Air Corps. A project team comprising officials from my Department and Air Corps and Army personnel is undertaking the evaluation. This major investment programme involves the acquisition of six helicopters — two light utility helicopters, primarily for Air Corps crew training purposes and four larger utility helicopters, with the option of two further such helicopters — for use in support of the Army and for other ancillary uses, including Air Ambulance and emergency community support. The new aircraft will replace the current fleet of Dauphin, Alouette and Gazelle helicopters.
|
Aircraft Type |
Number in service |
Age |
|
Helicopters |
||
|
Alouettes |
7 |
30 to 41 years |
|
Gazelle |
1 |
24 years |
|
Dauphins |
4 |
18 years |
|
Ecureuill |
1 |
7 years |
|
EC 135 |
1 |
2 years |
|
Fixed Wing |
||
|
Cessna |
5 |
32 years old |
|
Marchetti |
7 |
27 years old |
|
Beechcraft |
1 |
24 years old |
|
GIV |
1 |
13 years old |
|
CASA |
2 |
10 years old |
|
Defender |
1 |
7 years old |
|
Learjet |
1 |
11 months old |
|
Pilatus |
8 |
Up to 8 months old |
Question No. 91 answered with QuestionNo. 82.