At the 10th Aircraft Maintenance Department in Galatina, the repair of the Viper MK632-43 Turbojet has been successfully completed. This is the first case of maintenance of the “Compressor casing” and subsequent reassembly, at an Armed Forces Maintenance Department, on an engine type that normally saw this work carried out exclusively at the Piaggio Aerospace (PAS) company's plants.
This significant milestone, the result of ever-increasing synergy between the Armed Force and Piaggio Aerospace (PAS), was reached following an in-depth feasibility study, which involved the technical and maintenance personnel of the 10th Aircraft Maintenance Department and the PAS Company. The qualified management The training carried out by the Department's personnel has enabled the restoration of the turbofan engine's efficiency at the local 3rd LT Engine Room, in a short timeframe and with significant cost reduction.
This joint effort is part of the strategy implemented by the Department, and fully supported by the Higher Authorities, to increase its turbofan maintenance capabilities. Starting in 2019, an intense innovation effort into equipment and an increase in maintenance capabilities have been implemented, in order to support and maintain the highest efficiency levels for both training fleets and the National Aerobatic Patrol (PAN).
The objective, skilfully achieved, is also a testament to the particular sensitivity of Piaggio Aerospace (PAS) towards the operational needs of the Armed Force. The Company has contributed daily to technical and maintenance activities with augmentees of their own staff at the Maintenance Authorities.
The Viper MK632-43 turbojet, having returned to service, also represents the 50th engine currently operational for the T-339 fleet in all its versions, a milestone of particular importance in light of past critical issues that led the Armed Force to rework long-standing maintenance policies, gradually increasing its intervention capability on the turbojet, rescheduling its activities in this sector and, above all, seeking new maintenance strategies that can meet the ambitious operational objectives assigned to the fleet.
With this objective in mind and pursuing the outlined strategy, the technical personnel of the 10th Aircraft Maintenance Unit have distinguished themselves, increasing the volume of annual maintenance carried out and enhancing their intervention capabilities, tackling and resolving ever more complex malfunctions.
The 10th Aircraft Maintenance Department in Lecce is responsible for the maintenance of the T-339, T-346 and T-345 aircraft in service with the Italian Air Force and for the technical-logistical support of arrestor barriers operating within Italy and abroad.
