The ceremony was attended by Colonel Gianluca Ercolani, commander of the Experimental Flight Department; during his speech, addressing the men and women of the outgoing 311th GV Group, he expressed his gratitude for the dedication shown, urging them to continue believing in their work, to be united by a unique willingness and an admirable spirit of sacrifice. He then thanked Colonel Ercolani for the trust shown in him and for the approach taken towards the activities of the 311th GV Group. The outgoing 311th GV Commander, after a long period spent at the R.S.V., will assume another assignment under the State Major of the Air Force. The incoming Commander, in his inaugural address, first thanked the current and previous Commanders of the R.S.V. who, believing in him, allowed him to assume command of this prestigious Flight Group of the Air Force. He therefore renewed his unconditional, ready and loyal commitment to Colonel Ercolani. Turning finally to the personnel of the 311th GV, he reminded them of the uniqueness of the work and the capabilities they are capable of providing to the Armed Forces. Colonel Ercolani, at the conclusion of the event, with his intervention, highlighted the uniqueness of the 311th GV within the Armed Forces, capable of creating, in synergy with the other technical groups that make up the Department, that security framework in which the Operational Departments of the Air Force can effectively employ the assigned aircraft, enhancing their capabilities. Colonel Ercolani therefore congratulated the outgoing and incoming Commanders on the work carried out and offered them his best wishes for the assignments they are about to assume.
The 311th Flight Group, together with the Technical Group, the Software Management Group and the Space Systems Group, participates in the evaluations and technical/functional checks of the characteristics and performance of aircraft, on-board systems and related material during flight, as well as in the revision of the flight manuals and checklists. The 311th GV is responsible for the initial training of the RR.OO. on the new weapon systems and the training of Production Pilot Test Pilots.
