IRISH AIR CORPS (IAC)
GMAP report from Baldonnel Air Base; Ireland. Back in June 2009 we had the privilege to visit the Irish Air Corps (IAC).
Casement Aerodrome, also known by its old name Baldonnel, is the headquarters and sole airfield of the Irish Air Corps. Casement is situated at the town of Baldonnel, to the southwest of the Irish capital city of Dublin. Besides the IAC, Casement is also home of the Garda Air Support Unit. Baldonnel Aerodrome was established in 1917 as part of Ireland Command of the Royal Flying Corps. It was transferred to Irish control in 1922 and in 1965 was renamed Casement Aerodrome. From its humble beginnings in 1917 Casement now houses the Air Corps Headquarters, No 1 operations Wing, No 3 Operations Wing, No 4 Support Wing, No 5 Support Wing, 501 Communications & Information Services Squadron and the Air Corps College. Casement is also home to the Air Corps Museum.
Click on thumbnails to enlarge
Currently the IAC uses two CN-235 aircraft in the MPA role, a single Learjet 45 used as air ambulance and VIP transport, a single BN-2 Defender operated for the Garda unit, five Cessna Reims FR-172H surveillance and utility aircraft, six AW.139 utility helicopters, four EC-135 utility helicopters of which two are operated for the Garda unit and seven PC-9 trainer/light strike aircraft. All are operated from Casement.
