Alan Kelly
Ceist:21. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of each aircraft currently being used by the Air Corps. [48863/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 8 November 2023
Ceisteanna (21)
Freagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. Currently the Air Corps have twenty six (26) aircraft in service comprised of sixteen (16) fixed wing and ten (10) rotary wing aircraft. The fixed wing aircraft are as follows:
• Two (2) CASA CN-235 which are now being replaced by two new C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft which following recent delivery are expected to be operational next month.
• One (1) Learjet 45, which entered service in 2004. Its primary function is a Ministerial Air Transport (MATS) aircraft. The Learjet, also functions in the roles of air ambulance and transport as required.
• Four (4) Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which entered service in 2020. Their primary function is Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), they also function in air ambulance and transport roles as required.
• Eight (8) Pilatus PC-9M aircraft which entered service in 2004. Their primary function is pilot training.
• One (1) Britten Norman Defender 4000 which entered service in 1997. This aircraft is operated in conjunction with An Garda Síochána as a Garda Air Support Unit aircraft.
The ten (10) rotary wing aircraft are as follows:
• Six (6) Agusta Westland AW139 aircraft. The AW 139s entered service in 2006 and their primary functions are as army/naval support and air ambulance including the Emergency Aeromedical Service. These aircraft can also function in the roles of aerial fire-fighting, cargo-slinging and transport.
• Two (2) Eurocopter EC135P2 aircraft which entered service in 2005. Their primary functions are helicopter pilot training and army support, they may also function in the roles of air ambulance and transport as required.
• Two (2) Eurocopter EC135T2. These aircraft entered service in 2003 and are operated in conjunction with An Garda Síochána as a Garda Air Support Unit aircraft.