Irish Air Corps

Regarded as one of the smallest air forces in Europe, the Irish Air Corps (IAC) boasts a limited number of fixed- and rotary-wing platforms that enable Ireland to fulfil its national and international military aviation requirements. Founded in 1924, the IAC has operated a variety of platforms in several different roles throughout its 100-year-long history. That being said, the air arm has always maintained a relatively small size, in terms of the number of aircraft that it has physically operated at any one time.

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The inside story of Ireland’s two-seat Spitfires

While Vickers-Armstrongs failed to enjoy their hoped-for success with the Spitfire Trainer, the Irish Air Corps was an enthusiastic customer. Today, these aircraft have assumed great importance on the warbird scene. With new research and never-before-seen archive photographs, this is the most comprehensive study yet of Ireland’s two-seat ‘Spits’

VIDEO: Irish Air Corps PC-9Ms conduct live-fire exercise

Once a year, the Flight Training School (FTS) of the Irish Air Corps (IAC) carries out a live fire exercise with its Pilatus PC-9Ms. Take a look at some behind the scenes cockpit action

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Inside the 100-year-old Irish Air Corps and how its preparing for big changes

Air Forces Monthly visited the Irish Air Corps on the eve of its 100th anniversary to learn how the force is doing more with less

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The IAC’s new MPA C-295's and the potential for a fleet of three

On April 22, images emerged via the Irish Air Corps (IAC) of one of its two new Airbus Defence C-295W Persuader aircraft rolling off the paint line at Airbus’ facility in Seville, Spain

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Irish Air Corps to potentially become Irish Air Force

It is understood that the Irish Air Corps will likely transition into an independent air component – potentially titled the Irish Air Force – in the near future

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Ireland’s PC-9M fleet close to gaining new weapons capability

The Irish Air Corps (IAC) are close to signing a contract with Austrian company Airborne Technologies (ABT) for three Self Contained Aerial Reconnaissance (SCAR) Pod systems to attach to its PC-9M fleet

In-cockpit 360° video: Low-level in IAC PC-9M

Key.Aero gained privileged access to the Irish Air Corps and flew with its Flight Training School in the Pilatus PC-9M. Here, we present a spectacular sortie involving aerobatics and low-level flying and speak to the squadron's members to explore the crucial role that the FTS plays

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A day with the Irish Air Corps' Emergency Aeromedical Service

As the Irish Air Corps marks its centenary year, Chris Croot was invited to spend the day with its Emergency Aeromedical Service to witness its life-saving work

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Inside the Irish Air Corps: CASA CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft

Comdt Donal Curran, OC 101 Squadron, talks to Key.Aero about the objectives of the unit, its use of the CN-235 and the future of procuring two more modern MPA platforms.

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Inside the Irish Air Corps: 102 Squadron’s Learjet 45

Operating a sole Learjet 45 for VIP transport and other mission sets, Comdt Peter Smyth, OC 102 Squadron speaks to Key.Aero about the aircraft’s role and future.