Dermo245 Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 (edited) Hi everyone, More of a 'what might have been' than 'what if'. In the mid 2000’s in the Republic of Ireland, consolidation of aircraft and responsibilities led to a competition to replace the Air Corps’ 40-year-old Alouettes in the Army liaison role with a new, larger utility type helicopter that could also fulfill a Medium lift role. The competing types for the order were the proven Sikorsky Blackhawk, the Eurocopter Cougar and the Agusta-Bell (now Agusta Westland) AB139 which was originally designed as a civilian machine and at that time had no military users. From what I’ve read, the Irish Air Corps and Army’s preference was the Blackhawk - which members of our Forces (particularly our Ranger Spec Ops Wing), were familiar with having being part of the UN operation in East Timor with Australian Blackhawks and also while on training ops in the US. The Blackhawk’s service record worldwide was regarded as being better than the Cougar. There were also reports that Sikorsky offered a very good deal to the Irish Government which would have brought six new a/c and six reconditioned machines for a very competitive price. In the end, the AW139 was selected and the Air Corps became the first military operator of the type. Six aircraft currently serve with No. 3 Operations Wing. For what it's worth, Agusta Westland have now developed a pure military version, the larger AW149. So here it is, Revell's re-box of Italeri's UH-60A in Irish Air Corps markings. If you're interested, the full WIP build is here. This was the first....and last Revell/Italeri Blackhawk I'll build....really poor fit and general detail and it can't really hold it's own against the newer Hobby Boss kits which I'd rate as being far superior. Oh well, you live and learn! Cheers, Dermot Edited August 22, 2017 by Dermo245 Fixing photo links 20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noelh Posted May 22, 2018 Share Posted May 22, 2018 Late to the game I know. That's what they should have bought instead of the green painted executive helicopters they ended up with. 😗 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Aer Lingus Posted May 22, 2018 Share Posted May 22, 2018 Funnily enough I'm sure the IAC actually had pre ordered the S-92 not the Blackhawk until the Eurocopter agent intervened. The decision was reversed in favour of the AW-139 & no disrespect to 3 Support wing but the AW-139 isn't really suited for troop transport does make a very nice ministerial helo though which may well have been the original idea. Plus the when I heard about the the PC-12 order I thought it was a typo and should have been PC-21 nice model dermo hope you don't mind me diving in on your thread regards Eamonn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noelh Posted May 22, 2018 Share Posted May 22, 2018 That's exactly what it was bought for, flying fat ministers to open off licences. Doesn't happen now of course but the Air Corps is left with a undeployable civvie chopper instead of a military aircraft. Eamonn I think you're mixing up the two. The S92 was ordered as an SAR helicopter. Eurocopter stopped that and in any case the Air Corps because of the infighting lost the SAR role. Not their finest hour. As for the PC12, it's another excellent executive aircraft, this time painted grey, with no obvious military utility. Should have been a Caravan. Should be renamed, Irish Air Club.😕 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junglierating Posted May 22, 2018 Share Posted May 22, 2018 Facinating stuff Boyz....and nice blackhawk....which is what the junglies should of had instead of those RAF cast offs....☹ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Aer Lingus Posted June 19, 2018 Share Posted June 19, 2018 Noel The S-92 were to be troop transporters not SAR which bizarrely CHC use currently showing exactly what the IAC missed. Sikorsky had a mock up done at the time in standard army green with a large Tricolour on the side of the fuselage, Until the Eurocopter agent got involved I believe the initial order was for three and a down payment had been made. In regard to the Casa & Helicopter off licence trip one must remember our betters deserve to travel in style befitting their status. PC-12 decision was disgraceful but in lieu of a nice juicy A319 & lack of a Gulfstream it makes sense to our pampered elite. Meanwhile the defence forces are underfunded with lack of decent kit and are still being sent overseas on vanity UN missions. regards Eamonn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noelh Posted June 19, 2018 Share Posted June 19, 2018 There were also offsets for the S92 offered if I remember. But even so the Blackhawk was the obvious choice. As for the PC 12, it's a bizarre decision. What on earth is the use for a single engined pressurised transport with an intercontinental range in a country it so small it can can reach any part of it in half an hour? Answers on a postcard please, addressed to the OC Air Corps. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dermo245 Posted June 19, 2018 Author Share Posted June 19, 2018 Careful there now lads! 😂 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XV107 Posted June 20, 2018 Share Posted June 20, 2018 On 5/22/2018 at 8:38 PM, noelh said: As for the PC12, it's another excellent executive aircraft, this time painted grey, with no obvious military utility. Not disagreeing with the overall thrust of the argument, but the lack of obvious military utility is one of the reasons an unspecified number are in service at Hurlburt Field... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noelh Posted June 20, 2018 Share Posted June 20, 2018 1 hour ago, XV107 said: Not disagreeing with the overall thrust of the argument, but the lack of obvious military utility is one of the reasons an unspecified number are in service at Hurlburt Field... Ah yes we are all fully aware of the most useful U-28 in the service of the United States Air Force. Yes an ISTAR capability was specified in the tender. We'll see how that works out. The Air Corps is not the USAF. Most likely they will end up as air ambulance and communication roles. This has been discussed on the Irish military website. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XV107 Posted June 20, 2018 Share Posted June 20, 2018 Well that's me told.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Aer Lingus Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 According to AFM first one has already flown I suppose there is the possibility of it being displayed at RIAT next year the two PC-9s looked lovely but no one around them Friday or Sat at least the Casa is usually opened up to have a peek! Be interesting to see the plush ministerial seats 😂 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Monday Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 The problem with the Irish Department of Defense, and by extension the so-called Irish government, is that they apparently will NEVER buy American! If they can get a capable aircraft at a good price that is manufactured in the USA and favored by the Air Corps crews, they will buy some European executive airplane or helicopter. 🤦♂️ The Blackhawk looks good in IAC markings. It'd be overkill doing civilian air ambulance missions on a daily basis though! BM. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romeo Alpha Yankee Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 Nicely done Dermot, makes me want to dig out my Aussie S-70A-9 to build 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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