Crash B-737-800 Turkish Airlines, Schiphol Amsterdam killing 3 crew, 2 Turkish and 4 American passengers

Amsterdam February 25th 2009-

Late in the morning at 10:31 am local time a Boeing 737-800 of Turkish Airlines (TC-JGE) from Istanbul flight number: TK1951 crashed in a field less then a mile of the runway ‘Polderbaan’ of Schiphol Amsterdam.

As it seems the pilot was trying to make a controlled landing in the field, what the reason was of this action is at this time unknown. Just before touching the ground the pilot lifted the nose of the aircraft just as it would do in a normal landing. Other stories of eye witnesses described a ‘Stall’ situation maybe caused by a fuel shortage, but at this time there are no certain facts about any of these statements. Investigations will start immediately.

The Plane has broken in three pieces during the crash, fire has NOT broke out witch probably saved a lot of lives in this disaster. Schiphol – Amsterdam has never had a disaster of this scale in it’s history of almost 100 years.

Eye witnesses saw passengers climbing out of the wreckage directly after the crash and people rushed out to help the victims. Help came swiftly from Schiphol and surrounding provinces. At this time there are at least 9 confirmed deaths and about 80 wounded from light to severely of 134 passengers and 7 crew.

Surviving passengers and family are being reunited as this article goes online.

For people with family and/or friends on the aircraft, Schiphol opened a telephone number for information. It can be internationally reached at: 0031-900-1852.

Photo’s NAP

Passengers said it felt like an Air-pocket at 30 meters from the ground, then in seconds the crash occurred. There was no warning to the passengers.

Both pilots are presumed dead.

17:00 Local Time:

At this time the wreck of the B-737-800 is as good as empty, only the three cockpit-crew are still on board and reported dead. The cockpit has to be examined before it can be torn apart to get to these crew members.

18:00 Local Time:

Six of the wounded passengers are in critical condition in hospitals, 30 are seriously wounded the rest of the 80 wounded can be considered light to moderately injured

20:00 Local Time:

The last crew members from the cockpit have been removed from the aircraft.

It seems that the aircraft stalled in the approach, as it almost fell from the sky like a brick. The drag-trail of the aircraft is just a few hundred meters long.

The ‘Black Boxes’ have been found and on there way for investigation.

Boeing Statement on Turkish Airways Crash:

SEATTLE, Feb. 25, 2009 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] wishes to extend its profound condolences to the families and friends of those who perished in the crash of Turkish Airlines Flight 1951 in Amsterdam, as well as its wishes for the recovery of those injured. Boeing is sending a team to provide technical support to the Dutch Safety Board to assist in the agency’s investigation of the accident at the invitation of the Dutch authorities.

Feb. 27Th:

Today is was released that the 9 people killed in the Amsterdam/Turkish Airlines crash were:  3 Turkish Crew members, 2 Turkish passengers as well as 4 American passengers.

One of the three pilots in the Cockpit was on a trainings flight, he was a licensed pilot since 2004 and was getting to know the Boeing 737-800.

The planes Black Box has been sent to Le Bourget / Paris for full investigation, results will be available sometime next week.

 Status of All Four Boeing Employees Confirmed in Amsterdam Accident:

SEATTLE, Feb. 27, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today received confirmation from the U.S. Embassy in Amsterdam that a third Boeing employee has been identified as among the fatalities from this week’s Turkish Airlines Flight 1951 accident in Amsterdam. Boeing extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. With the consent of the affected families, Boeing confirms the names and conditions of the four Boeing employees on Flight 1951. Three employees – Ronald A. Richey of Duvall, Wash., John Salman of Kent, Wash., and Ricky E. Wilson of Clinton, Wash. – died in the crash. One employee – Michael T. Hemmer of Federal Way, Wash. – was among the injured and remains hospitalized. Boeing remains committed to supporting the families of our employees through this very difficult time.

Boeing drops plans for JV cargo plane

Boeing Co. says economic conditions have forced it to drop a planned joint venture to build C-27J cargo planes with Alenia North America, a unit of Italy’s Finmeccanica SpA. “For us, it wasn’t about the airplane. It wasn’t about the team,” a Boeing spokesman said. “It’s purely about the economic climate.”

 

Source: Reuters

NASA Awards Contract for Constellation Spacesuit for the Moon

WASHINGTON — NASA has awarded an interim letter contract to Oceaneering International Inc. of Houston to begin work on the design, development and production of a new spacesuit system for the Constellation Program. The system will protect astronauts during voyages to the International Space Station and exploration of the moon’s surface.

The letter contract requires Oceaneering International to begin work on the basic period of performance while NASA and the company negotiate the contract’s final terms. The current award amount for the performance of the letter contract is limited to $9.6 million. It will become effective March 2 and be in effect until the full contract is defined, no later than Aug. 29, 2009.

The defined contract will include the same basic period of performance and contract options as those in the contract awarded in June 2008. The project schedule has been updated to align with the latest Constellation Program schedule. Changes also were made to include Federal Acquisition Regulation and NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement updates. The schedule updates result in a basic period of performance of March 2009 to September 2015. The extension of the period of performance is required to support the Constellation Program schedule.

Option 1 covers completion of design, development, test and evaluation for the moon surface suit components. It has been adjusted to begin in October 2011 and run through September 2020. Option 2, for the suit astronauts will wear in the Orion crew module, provides for production, processing and sustaining engineering under a cost-plus-award fee or a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract structure. It will begin at the end of the basic performance period in October 2015 and run through September 2020.

The spacesuit and support systems will provide protection against the launch and landing environment and spacecraft cabin leaks. The system offers the ability to conduct contingency spacewalks. For short trips to the moon, the suit design will support a week’s worth of moon walks. The system also must be designed to support multiple spacewalks during potential six-month lunar outpost expeditions. Suits and support systems will be needed for as many as four astronauts on moon voyages and as many as six space station travelers.

Source: NASA

FUSELAGE SECTIONS JOINED FOR GULFSTREAM G250

SAVANNAH, Ga., February 27, 2009 – Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), recently celebrated the fuselage joining for the first Gulfstream G250, the company’s newest mid-cabin jet.

The G250 forward, center and aft fuselage sections were joined utilizing the most advanced assembly process, which has proven to reduce the time needed to complete the fuselage.  The improvement is the result of the G250’s cutting-edge design, which uses the most advanced engineering and design tools.

“The fuselage joining is a tremendous step forward for the G250,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream.  “The mechanics have been very pleased with the precision of the assembly process.  Everything went smoothly with the fuselage joining, and now we look forward to the next major milestone — the aircraft’s first flight.”

The G250 offers the largest cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in the industry’s mid-size class.  The aircraft is capable of traveling 3,400 nautical miles at 0.80 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.85 Mach. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, the G250
can climb to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, where it can avoid congestion and adverse
weather.

The G250 is powered by twin Honeywell HTF7250G engines, each providing 7,445 pounds of thrust. The engines and nacelle package for the first flight test aircraft have already been delivered.

Gulfstream projects the G250 to be certified in 2011 and expects to begin deliveries of the aircraft the same year.  The first flight of the aircraft is scheduled for the second half of this year.

Initial-phase manufacturing for the G250 takes place at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) headquarters near the Ben Gurion International Airport just outside of Tel Aviv, Israel.  Gulfstream maintains an office at IAI to oversee production.

“We are happy to take part in developing and manufacturing one of the world’s most advanced business jets,” said David Dagan, corporate vice president, IAI, and general manager, Commercial Aircraft Group. “This prestigious program is advancing as planned due to the hard work invested by the IAI and Gulfstream crews. We are proud of this achievement.”

Final-phase manufacturing for the G250 will take place at the Gulfstream “Center of Excellence” completion facility for mid-cabin aircraft in Dallas.  The G250 Program office is located in Savannah

Source: Gulfstream

Boeing Transfers 3rd KC-767J Tanker to Japanese Partner Itochu

WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 27, 2009 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] on Feb. 25 transferred the third KC-767J tanker to the company’s Japanese partner, Itochu Corp., for delivery to the Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). When Itochu officially delivers the aircraft in March, it will join two KC-767J tankers that Japan received in 2008.

The KC-767J departed Boeing’s tanker modification center in Wichita on a 12-hour, nonstop flight to Gifu, Japan, near Nagoya. Delivery to the MOD and JASDF will follow a final formal review and in-country acceptance processes.

“This new KC-767J will be a valuable addition to Japan’s tanker fleet as the country performs vital missions in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Dave Bowman, Boeing vice president and general manager, Tanker Programs. “The recent completion of a yearlong technical evaluation and the on-time, on-cost delivery of this third tanker bring the JASDF one step closer to assigning these new assets to active air wings in Japan.”

Japan has ordered four convertible tanker/freighter KC-767Js, which provide flexibility in carrying cargo or passengers while maintaining their primary role as aerial refueling tankers. The KC-767 tanker, a military derivative of the proven 767-200 commercial airplane, features Boeing’s advanced aerial refueling boom and Remote Aerial Refueling Operator II system.

Boeing is scheduled to transfer the fourth Japan tanker to Itochu in December for delivery to the MOD in the first quarter of 2010.

Boeing also has two KC-767 tankers in comprehensive flight test for the Italian Air Force (ITAF) and is performing modification work on two additional ITAF tankers. The first tanker for Italy is scheduled for delivery later this year.

Boeing Submits Proposal for Altair Lunar Lander Study Contract

HOUSTON, Feb. 27, 2009 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], through its Space Exploration division, submitted a proposal to NASA today for Altair lunar lander design support. NASA is expected to award multiple contracts this spring.

The lunar lander, part of NASA’s Constellation program, will launch aboard the Ares V heavy-lift rocket and provide astronauts with life support and a base for exploration missions. Altair will also return the crew to the Orion spacecraft that will transport the astronauts back to Earth.

The Altair Conceptual Design Contract calls for NASA-directed engineering tasks to support evaluation of conceptual designs, maturation of the vehicle design, and preparation of products for system-requirements and system-definition reviews.

“Boeing is uniquely positioned to provide great design support now, as well as to support Altair development, test and evaluation when the time comes,” said Keith Reiley, lunar lander project manager for Boeing. “Our ability to transition a skilled space shuttle work force ensures we can distribute the necessary expertise where it is needed as NASA transitions from the shuttle program to Constellation. We plan to support NASA with a local core team, enterprisewide specialty engineering experts, and a range of suppliers, including small and innovative high-tech companies.”

The Altair lunar lander is envisioned with two stages: The descent stage will house the majority of the fuel, power supplies, and breathing oxygen for the crew. The ascent stage will house the astronauts, life-support equipment, and fuel for the ascent stage motor and steering rockets. The lander will carry a crew of four and be able to stay on the moon for up to six months. Altair will be capable of landing with 15 to 17 metric tons of dedicated cargo. The first crewed flight is scheduled for 2020.

NASA issued its request for proposal on Jan. 28 and will manage the Altair Conceptual Design Contract out of Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Source: Boeing

Airbus MRO Network welcomes Mexicana MRO Services as new member

Mexicana MRO Services has joined the worldwide Airbus MRO Network. The official signing ceremony took place at the Mexicana premises in Mexico City in the presence of Manuel Borja, CEO of Mexicana, and Bruce Jones, Senior Vice President, Airbus Services and Customer Support. Mexicana MRO Services is a division of Grupo Mexicana de Aviacion S.A. de C.V. based at the international airport at Mexico City. It is experienced in providing integrated maintenance services for Mexicana, and is strategically located at the centre of the Americas.

The Airbus MRO Network provides customers with a worldwide choice of competitive, quality maintenance services from MRO providers with Airbus aircraft experience. Since its launch in March 2005, Airbus has worked with the MRO Network members to establish performance benchmarks for maintenance efficiency and customer satisfaction. MRO Network members also work together with Airbus in its new role as an integrator of Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS) for customers.

Manuel Borja said, “The prestige, the guarantee and status that go with our membership of the MRO network as well as the international recognition by the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, will certainly result in opening up of new markets for our maintenance services of Airbus aircraft, both with Mexicana as well as for other operators.”

Bruce Jones, Senior Vice President, Airbus Services and Customer Support, said: “It gives us great pleasure to welcome Mexicana MRO Services as a valuable and experienced member of the Airbus MRO Network. Latin America is one of the world regions where Airbus is experiencing strong growth in the number of new customers and demand for our aircraft. The addition of Mexicana MRO Services to the Airbus MRO Network enhances the customers’ choice of experienced and competitive MRO providers in the region.”

The Airbus MRO Network now includes the following 15 members:

Aeroman
Air France Industries
Air New Zealand Engineering Services
Aveos
GAMECO
Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company
Iberia Maintenance
Lufthansa Technik AG
Mexicana MRO Services
Sabena Technics
SIA Engineering Company
Singapore Technologies Aerospace
SR Technics Switzerland
TAP Maintenance & Engineering
TIMCO Aviation Services

Rockwell Collins and L-3 deliver Block I Modernization for Navy E-6B

WACO, Texas (February 25, 2009) - Rockwell Collins today delivered the first installation of the Block I modification to the U.S. Navy’s E-6B Mercury aircraft. Navy officials, Rockwell Collins senior leaders and L-3 Communications leadership celebrated the milestone during a roll-out ceremony held at the L-3 Integrated Systems facility in Waco, Texas.

The Block I Modification features an open system architecture for mission avionics, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Intercommunications System (ICS) and an on-aircraft, multi-level secure network for message processing, radio control/monitor and other mission applications. The program also improves the reliability and availability of the Ultra High Frequency Command, Control and Communication (UHF C3) system and enhances the electrical power and cooling systems.

The Navy E-6B aircraft is used to conduct both the “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) and the United States Strategic Command Airborne Command Post missions, providing reliable and survivable communications between the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense and the U.S. strategic forces. The open solution provided by the Block I modification addresses immediate requirements and enables system expansion in the future.

“For 40 years, Rockwell Collins has supplied the avionics suite for many of the TACAMO aircraft. This milestone represents our latest commitment to provide the Navy the most advanced avionics and communications for a mission that is critical to our national security,” said Greg Churchill, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Rockwell Collins Government Systems. “Design efforts on the program began in 2004 and the aircraft roll-out represents the culmination of more than 200,000 hours of dedicated engineering, manufacturing, and aircraft installation activity by Rockwell Collins and our principal subcontractor, L-3 Integrated Systems.”

“”We’re proud to work closely with Rockwell Collins and continue our E-6 legacy integration work by modernizing this aircraft for the U.S. Navy,” said John McNellis, president of L-3 Integrated Systems Group. “Our team understands the importance of delivering this critical capability to the military and our nation.”

The Block I Modification solution provides an infrastructure to support moving data on, off and throughout the aircraft even as user bandwidth demands increase in this emerging age of the digital battlespace. The E-6B Block I program also provides a template for transforming additional special mission aircraft to serve key roles in an emerging network centric world.

In 2004, Rockwell Collins was awarded a $79 million contract by NAVAIR PMA-271 to provide upgrades for the Navy’s fleet of E-6B aircraft. The program has a potential value to Rockwell Collins of approximately $300 million over 10 years.

Source: Rockwell Collins

Hi-tech needs unveiled for forces of the future

Gadgets and gizmos that could equip our troops of the future have helped to launch the MOD’s new Defence Technology Plan.

The Defence Technology Plan is the first time the MOD has unveiled its long-term research needs. It underlines the importance of science and technology in providing cutting-edge kit for the battlefield.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said:

“Innovation is at the heart of our success on the battlefield and by launching the Defence Technology Plan today, we are looking to embrace and encourage novel, cutting-edge ideas to provide our future forces with the latest technological advances so they can stay one step ahead of the enemy.

“It is more vital than ever that we exploit new and emerging technologies because the threats our troops face are always evolving. To do this, we need to make the best use of the Defence industrial base, as well as the wealth of ability and expertise found among small businesses, talented individuals and academia.”

Underlining MOD’s commitment to science and innovation, the Minister announced nearly £2M of funding to the following research contracts:

• Portsmouth-based company Mindsheet was awarded £28,000 for a month-long project to make their Unmanned Ground Vehicle robot, Testudo, more rugged and user-friendly.
• Team Stellar has been awarded a £1.3M contract to take their integrated Saturn system to the next level of capability.
• London-based Swarm Systems has been awarded a £115,000 contract to develop their idea of a co-operative swarm of micro-UAVs.
• Blue Design Ltd, from Hove, has been awarded £96,000 to develop its D3O shock absorbing material for troops’ helmet lining.
• Teledyne Defence Limited, based in Shipley, West Yorkshire, has been awarded £246,000 to research ways to help pilots operate in dust clouds caused by rotor blade downdraft.

Also on show at the launch was the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s (DSTL) Portable Integrated Battlespace Bio Detection Unit, which is capable of detecting the full biological warfare threat spectrum from a unit the size of a suitcase.

Science and Technology Director, Paul Stein, said:

“The Defence Technology Plan is the first time we have publicised most of our key our long-term defence challenges, where the development of new technology could lead to significant benefits for future combat forces. The evolving, web-based plan sets out to encourage fresh thinking and engagement with new and existing defence technology suppliers.”

The Defence Technology Plan has been published on http://www.science.mod.uk/ and is accessible to all. It sets out objectives addressing the MOD’s research needs across its future military systems. The plan also introduces five Capability Visions designed to stimulate new technologies and new uses of existing ones.

They are:

• Reducing the burden on the dismounted soldier – challenging industry to lighten the load on a soldier to 25kg while maintaining and improving personal protection levels.
• Future Protected Vehicle – lightweight vehicles to achieve the effectiveness and survivability of a main battle tank.
• Reducing operational dependency on fossil fuels – finding options for alternative sources of energy supply, management and use in future operations.
• Novel Air Concept – a cost effective, reusable uninhabited air system that operates within the urban landscape.
• Electronics Defeat – understanding the threats of and to sophisticated electronic systems and information technology and how they can be protected against.

MOD will acquire solutions to the Department’s research needs through a variety of procurement mechanisms. Proposals can be submitted to the MOD through the http://www.science.mod.uk/ website. The ideas will then be assessed by the Centre for Defence Enterprise.

Dr Helen Almey, Head of the Centre for Defence Enterprise, said:

“Our task is to anticipate, prepare for and meet the forthcoming challenges by being highly innovative, agile and flexible in our approach to defence science and technology. We can only do this by actively seeking novel and exciting ideas and contributions from across industry, academia and other enterprises.”

The launch also marked the publication of the MOD’s Innovation Procurement Plan, part of a pan-Government initiative to encourage and promote innovation.
Photographs: Crown Copyright.

Source: RAF

Boeing Delivers 1st CH-47F Chinook Manufactured Under Multiyear Contract Award

RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa., Feb. 26, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced delivery of the first CH-47F Chinook manufactured under a five-year U.S. Army contract awarded in August 2008. The helicopter will be assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., the fourth unit scheduled to be equipped under the Army’s ongoing Chinook modernization program.

“The timely delivery of our first multiyear CH-47F helicopter signifies the continued commitment of the U.S. Army and its Team Chinook partners to keep pace with our soldiers as they continue to serve this great nation,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Todd, CH-47F product manager. “Boeing has once again stepped up and proved it is a steadfast partner in our efforts to keep America safe and strong.”

“The Boeing Company has shown its commitment to this important program by applying company funds and working in advance of the contract award to meet the delivery schedule,” said Tommy Filler, CH-47F program director for Boeing. “It takes a dedicated group, including the U.S. Army customer, suppliers, and Boeing teammates, to achieve this milestone event. Our performance is measured daily and our commitment to ‘Soldiers First’ sets high expectations for first-time quality, on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.”

Under the multiyear contract, Boeing will deliver 24 aircraft in 2009 and then begin a graduated delivery rate through successive years, culminating in 2015. The multiyear contract also contains priced options for an additional 24 aircraft, for a total of up to 215 Chinooks.

The 82nd Airborne has a long history of using the Chinook in combat, resupply and transport operations. The unit is simulating these missions in training with the new F-model aircraft.

Built at the Boeing Rotorcraft Systems facility in Ridley Township, the CH-47F helicopter features a newly designed, modernized airframe, a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit and a BAE Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS).

The CAAS greatly improves aircrew situational awareness, while DAFCS provides dramatically improved flight-control capabilities through the entire flight envelope, significantly improved performance, and safety in the harshest of environments.

CAAS also incorporates an advanced digital map display and a data transfer system that allows storing of preflight and mission data. Improved survivability features include the Common Missile Warning and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser systems.

Powered by two 4,733-horsepower Honeywell engines, the new CH-47F can reach speeds greater than 175 mph and transport more than 21,000 pounds. The CH-47F, with the Robertson Aviation Extended Range Fuel System, has a mission radius of more than 400 nautical miles.

Source: Boeing

Second Lockheed Martin F-35B STOVL Fighter

FORT WORTH, Texas, February 25th, 2009 — Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] second short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B Lightning II accomplished its first flight on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The aircraft, known as BF-2, joins a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A and another STOVL F-35B that already have logged a combined total of 84 flights.

During its flight on Wednesday, BF-2 went through a series of maneuvers to assess its subsystems and basic handling qualities, and to check on-board instrumentation. Subsequent missions will take the aircraft higher and faster, in a structured series of flights. All F-35 test aircraft to date have been powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan, the most powerful engine ever to fly in a jet fighter.

“The F-35 program is now entering a period of greatly accelerated flight testing, as aircraft are delivered to the flight line at an ever-increasing rate,” said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager. “Each aircraft that rolls off the assembly line fulfills a unique verification objective and moves us closer to our customers’ initial operational capability dates.”

BF-2 is on schedule to deploy to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., later this year. It will remain in Fort Worth for the next several months to conduct a series of ground-test events, instrumentation calibrations, powered hover-pit testing (simulating flight) and airworthiness flights, including STOVL-mode operation. Initial flights will be in conventional mode.

BF-2 is essentially identical to the first STOVL jet, BF-1. The major difference lies with the instrumentation – the two aircraft have different roles during flight testing. BF-2 will conduct flutter envelope expansion, air-refueling testing, high angle-of-attack testing, performance and propulsion testing, weapons testing and radar-signature testing. BF-1 will concentrate on initial STOVL flight operations such as short takeoffs, hovers and vertical landings, and will conduct ship-suitability and gun-integration testing. BF-1’s first vertical landing is planned for the middle of 2009.

The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter. Three F-35 variants derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide will replace at least 13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially, making the Lightning II the most cost-effective fighter program in history.

Source: Lockheed Martin

Saving lives has no borders

Two missing climbers have been taken to hospital in the Republic of Ireland after being found by British mountain rescue teams assisted by a RAF Search and Rescue helicopter from RAF Valley on Anglesey in North Wales.

Rarely seen arctic weather conditions hit the Republic of Ireland leading to an increase in demands for search and rescue services. One such incident in the Wicklow Mountains led to a request for RAF search and rescue helicopters and two British mountain rescue teams which have been sent across the Irish Sea to assist the Irish Coast Guard and Guardai (Irish Police) find two snowboarders lost overnight in the Wicklow Mountains.

The climbers have been missing overnight in arctic conditions on Lugnaquilla mountain near LOGHNACOLIGH but have been in mobile phone contact with the Irish Coast Guard who have a helicopter on scene. Both the RAF Valley and Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Teams have been flown to the area in RAF and Irish Coastguard helicopters.

The aircraft airlifted the joint, twenty-man strong team to the Irish military airfield at BALDONELL. From there they were conveyed to the search area by Irish military road transport as bad weather is restricting aircraft movement in the Wicklow Mountains due to cloud which covered the mountains’ peaks, reducing visibility to zero. Several Irish mountain rescue teams were involved in the search which was coordinated by the Gardai (Irish Police).

Mutual cross border assistance and rescue missions are written into international search and rescue agreements of which both the UK and the Republic of Ireland are signatories.

During the last 12 months the Irish Coastguard has provided reciprocal assistance to UK search and rescue operations during periods of high demand.
Photograph: Corporal Steve Bain and SAC Dave Rose, RAF SAR FORCE HQ.

Source: RAF

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