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| Iraq-Jordan |
| Iraqi Air Force Fact Sheet |
| 2004-04-19 |
| The Iraqi Air Force not only represents a real military capability and the foundation of a modern air force, but also indicates the re-emergence of Iraq as an air-capable power with an ability to take its share of security responsibilities under a democratic leadership. The Iraqi Air Force will be an integral part of Coalition efforts, with its activities built into Coalition air plans and working closely with ground, maritime and air units to accomplish its mission. The Iraqi Air Force’s roles will include the policing of international borders and surveillance of national assets. Air capability will allow Iraq to rapidly deploy its developing Army, and with over 3,500 miles of border, aviation is the only practical method of surveillance. Airplanes: The Iraqi Air Force’s long-range tactical airlift capability will be initially supported by two C-130B Hercules transport aircraft, which will be operational in October and based at Baghdad Air Station. The fleet will eventually grow to six aircraft by April of 2005. Each Hercules is capable of transporting 92-troops or 42,000-pounds of freight over a distance of 2,000-miles. Each is manned by a crew of two pilots, a navigator, an air engineer and a loadmaster. Helicopters: A squadron of six UH-1H Iroquois helicopters will be operational in July and stationed at Tadji Air Base. This fleet will increase to sixteen Iroquois by April of 2005. Each is manned by two pilots and capable of carrying 13-troops at 120-knots over a 180-mile range. Its main tasks are border and coastal patrol, troop transport and search and rescue duties. Reconnaissance Aircraft: A squadron of light reconnaissance aircraft will be operational later this summer, with four aircraft at Basrah and expanding later, possibly to Kirkuk. This fleet will be tasked with infrastructure and border security duties - reporting problems directly to the appropriate repair and intervention units. The reconnaissance aircraft has yet to be decided upon, but will be a new aircraft and will be operated by two pilots, with Army observers on appropriate missions, able to stay airborne on extended patrol and communicate directly with ground forces. EFL |
| Posted by:Chuck Simmins |
| #2 threaten his neighbors Ya mean Syria, Iran and Saud-owned Arabia? As we say, that's not a bug, it's a feature. |
| Posted by: Steve 2004-04-19 2:54:30 PM |
| #1 ..Let me make a suggestion: As the old IqAF was one of several cudgels that Saddam used to threaten his neighbors, call it the Iraqi Army Air Corps for the time being. It won't have quite the same offensive connotations, and it will still get the point across. Mike |
| Posted by: Mike Kozlowski 2004-04-19 2:34:02 PM |