An Cosantóir

52 This breathing space was warranted as 104 Squadron and was about to undergo a complete transformation in preparation of the Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft. The capability sets that this aircraft brings to the organi- sation, is light years away from the previous platform. The Squadron had to become a multi-pilot, all weather, day/night multi-role operation. The challenge in achiev- ing this is that it all had to be done within the previous establishment of 104 Squadron, until more long-term changes to this establishment could be implement- ed. This all had to be achieved on time to introduce 3 Pilatus PC-12NG into service, or so it was thought! In 2020 the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to a capability gap identified within the Irish Air Corps, a decision was made to purchase an addi- tional PC-12NG and introduce it into service without delay to fulfil the Irish Air Corps part in the fight against COVID-19. The timespan between the initial inquiry about purchasing an additional PC-12NG, to the delivery of tail number 280, was achieved in a record break- ing 13 days. Typically, the minimum amount of time involved for an aircraft acquisition is normally 2 years. This quick turnaround involved a lot of moving parts and hard work by Irish Air Corps personnel, military finance, the Department of Defence and Pilatus aircraft. The arrival of 280 proved to be very beneficial for a number of reasons. Firstly, to provide urgent logistical air support to the state at the start of the pandemic. Secondly, the early introduction allowed both technical and flight crews to start building experience on this new platform prior to entry of the 'Spectre' variant. Due to the high demand for 280 it arrived in an unusual paint scheme for a military aircraft as there was not time to paint it in Irish Air Corps colours. At the time of writing 280 has transitioned from its predominantly white fuselage to a grey paint scheme along with new Air Corps centenary paint markings. By Comdt Michael Barcoe, OC 104 Squadron & Lt Paul Quinlan 104 SQUADRON- OPERATION TRANSFORMATION 104 Squadron Flash – A more modern take on the previous Hawkeyes flash. Cessna FR172 Reg 210 on the roll. Arrival of 280 to assist with operations as a result of the Covid 19 Pandemic. 104 SQUADRON - OPERATION TRANSFORMATION In the past, 104 Squadron was typically a place where young pilots were posted after receiving their wings. Up until 2020, the Squadron was typically involved in VFR only flights during daylight hours, performing reconnais- sance missions with the mark one eyeball, using the Cessna C172H Reims Rocket as the platform. It was an ideal environment for young pilots to develop their flying and command skills and was also an opportunity for them to become very familiar with every corner of Ireland. The aircraft were originally purchased in 1972 in response to increased coercive activity along the border with Northern Ireland. Throughout their service they were involved in several roles such as surveillance, parachute jumping, drogue towing and general trans- port flights. However, after 47 years of service and nearly 64,000 fleet hours, the Cessna fleet were humbly retired from operational service in October 2019 to allow some breathing space, before the arrival of the Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft.

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