The Air Corps currently operates two Casa CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. These aircraft entered service in 1994 and operate seven days a week usually in the off shore maritime patrol arena.
Working in close conjunction with the Naval Service, the two Casa CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft of 101 Squadron provide an aerial platform for patrolling the Irish Economic Zone, an area of approximately 132,000 square miles or 16% of the total EU sea fisheries. This in itself represents an area almost five times the land area of Ireland and encompasses perhaps one of the most productive fisheries in the world.
Roles:
- Offshore maritime patrol
- Inshore maritime patrol
- Air ambulance
- Military transport
- Search and Rescue top cover
- Parachuting operations
| CASA Statistics |
|---|
| Aircraft Type | Casa CN235-100 MPA |
|---|
| Role(s) | Maritime patrolling, air ambulance, military transport, Search and Rescue top cover & Parachuting Ops |
|---|
| Crew | 2 Pilots, 2 Sensor and Radar Operators, 1 Photographer |
|---|
| Powerplant | 2 x General Electric CT7-9C turbo props |
|---|
| Wing Span | 25.81 metres (84 feet 8 inches) |
|---|
| Height | 8.12 metres. (26 feet, 8 inches) |
|---|
| Length | 21.4 metres (70 feet, 3 inches) |
|---|
| Armament | Not Applicable |
|---|
| Entered Service | 1994 |
|---|
| CASA Performance |
|---|
| Max T/O Weight | 15,800 Kilograms (34,800 pounds) |
|---|
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 feet |
|---|
| Cruise Speed | 180 Knots (Patrol cruise) |
|---|
| Maximum Speed | 240 knots |
|---|
| Endurance | 8 hours (Plus reserves) |
|---|
| Range | 1,440 nautical miles (Patrol operations) |
|---|
