Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| Aer-Chor Nah Eireann |
| English Title: |
| Irish Air Corps |
| Abbreviation: |
| IAC |
| First Established: |
| 1922 |
| ICAO Code: |
| (none) |
| Country: |
| Ireland |
| Status: |
| Active |
History
Narrative Summary
At independence in December 1921, the Irish government took over the existing facilities and aerodromes used by the RFC, RNAS and RAF in the First World War. The Irish Air Corps was formed the following year, as part of the Army. During World War Two, coastal and neutrality patrols were maintained. Following the end of the war, overall strength was reduced. Its main duties are border security, communications, training and fishery protection.
Key Dates
| 1922 | Air Corps formed | |
| 1956 | First jet aircraft delivered – Vampire T.55 | |
| 1963 | First helicopters received – Alouette III |
Current Status
The aircraft and helicopters of the Irish Air Corps are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
National Markings
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The Irish military serial numbering system consists of a three digit mumber. The numbers are issued in a continuous sequence and not in blocks, e.g. PC-9M 264.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
False reports of aircraft on order or in service
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Headquarters, Air Corps Group, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Dublin 22.
Organisational Structure
The IAC revised its order of battle in early 2002. It now comprises 2 Operational Wings, each with between 2 and 4 squadrons, plus the Air Corps College and its Flying Training School.
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
Historical Order of Battle for 2008
All-Time Flying Units List
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The main air base is Baldonnel.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
In addition to the main bases, here are also a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are sometimes used by the Air Force.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.
More Information
Books
European Air Forces Directory 2012/13 (Mach III)
Magazines
World Air Power Journal No.5 p.143
Scale Aircraft Modelling Dec 1996
Scramble 203 (April 1996)
Websites
Official Irish Air Corps webpage
Air-Britain Photos: Irish Air Force
Irish Air Corps Aircraft 1922-1997
New Wings for the Irish Air Corps