Air Corps Fleet - Pilatus Britten Norman Defender
Introduction
The Air Corps in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform currently operate one Pilatus Britten Norman Defender 4000 aircraft. This aircraft entered service in 1997 and operates seven days a week in the Garda Air Support role.
Operational control of the aircraft remains with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, while the Air Corps provide pilots and aircraft technicians to the Garda Air Support Unit to fly and maintain the aircraft.
Roles
- Garda Air Support
| Aircraft Type | PBN Defender 4000 |
|---|---|
| Role(s) | Garda Air Support |
| Crew | 1 pilot and 2 gardai |
| Powerplant | 2 x Allison 250-B17F turbo props |
| Wing Span | 16.15 metres (53 feet) |
| Height | 4.3 metres (14 feet, 2 inches) |
| Length | 12.2 metres (40 feet, 4 inches) |
| Armament | Not Applicable |
| Entered Service | 1997 |
| Max T/O Weight | 3,859 Kilogrammes (8,500 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Service Ceiling | 10,000 feet |
| Cruise Speed | 154 knots |
| Maximum Speed | 161 knots |
| Endurance | Mission dependant |
| Range | Mission dependant |