'Bird strike' cuts Red Arrows short

Published Saturday, 08 September 2012
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The Red Arrows display at the International Airshow in Portrush had to be cut short after two of the aircraft suffered problems.

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One of the planes was affected by a bird strike while a second suffered a technical problem during the opening day of the North Coast event.

The acrobatic team have now landed safely at Aldergrove.

Meanwhile the Fire Service is testing unmanned drones - which can be deployed to deal with large scale flooding and forest fires - in Portrush this weekend.

It is hoped the first-of-its kind experiment will reveal if the miniature planes can help enhance public safety across a range of emergency scenarios.

A formal agreement already exists between NIFRS and Skywatch Civil Air Patrol for the callout and use of their manned aircraft.

Max Joyce, Assistant Group Commander said this experiment is potentially the first step in enabling NIFRS to use the drones.

As the annual airshow got underway at West Bay on Saturday, he said: "The Portrush Air Show gives us a good opportunity to test the capability of using unmanned drones for aerial reconnaissance during large scale incidents.

"For the first time ever we will be relaying live footage from the drones to our Command Support Unit at the Air Show."

Mr Joyce added that the aerial view provided by the drones will enhance the safety of both fire crews and the community.

"We are excited about the potential benefits this cutting edge technology could bring to quickly gathering information during large scale incidents," he continued.

"Not only will it enhance interagency working, it will assist us greatly in emergency planning for these types of incidents and with our work in protecting our community."

Tens of thousands of people descended upon the North Coast between Saturday and Sunday for the International Airshow.

The world famous Red Arrows returned to action after missing last year, while the Belgian Air Force also entertained crowds.

Sea displays, ground shows, exhibitions and stalls were put on for the two-day event.

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18 Comments
Biggles in Aldergrove wrote (251 days ago):
I was very disappointed with the Red Arrows myself. I waved at them and not one of them waved back. It's all about me.
TJ McClean in Belfast wrote (251 days ago):
Your choice 'I'm in here' to pay for a programme. I didn't. And none of the other planes/helicopters/etc did any amazing stunts or were any good?
Ally Brown in Ballymena wrote (252 days ago):
Well said TJ McClean!
Bernie in Craigavon wrote (252 days ago):
How selfish have people become? ... From comments above sounds like you're more interested in an afternoon's entertainment than the safety of the pilots. In case you had forgotten - two Red Arrows pilots were killed last year. Have some respect.
James in Belfast wrote (252 days ago):
It is a shame when this happens but just one of those things. The Red Arrows had already performed at 2 other shows yesterday. If you want an 'air show' go to RIAT in Fairford one year. Portrush isn't really an air show, it's just the best NI can offer.
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