Final day of training in flight technical presentations for pilots and crews of the T-346A, Eurofigther and C-27J aircraft
On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the “Mario de Bernardi” military airport in Pratica di Mare, the final day of training for the crews of the Experimental Department (RSV) took place, with technical presentations of the aircraft in flight.
The event took place in the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force (SMA), Air Force General Luca GORETTI, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the SMA, Gen. S.A. Aurelio COLAGRANDE, the Commander of the Air Force, Gen. S.A. Alberto BIAVATI, and the Commander of the Logistics Department, Gen. S.A. Roberto COMELLI
The military authorities were welcomed by General D.A. Alessandro DE LORENZO, Commander of the Air Division of Experimental Aeronautics and Space (DASAS), and by Colonel Fabio DE MICHELE, Commander of the Experimental Flight Department (RSV), and were shown around the flight line of the 311th Flight Group (GV) to witness the technical demonstrations of the aircraft in flight.
The presenting crews, coordinated from the ground by the Commander of the 311th GV, T.Col. Marco M., performed their evolutions with high technical content on the T-346A, Eurofighter and C-27J aircraft. These activities are one of the peculiarities of the Experimental Flight Department, which are concretized in the execution of a series of maneuvers of high technical and operational representativeness that, although performed within the limits of speed and altitude established by the regulations, have the purpose of demonstrating the capabilities of the aircraft provided to the Armed Forces.
At the end of the flight activity, pilots and crews were welcomed by the senior military officials and a representative of the staff of the 311th GV. The speaker was the Commander of the RSV, Col. Fabio De Michele, who, after thanking the present authorities, focused attention on the valuable work carried out throughout the training phase: “This commitment to flight demonstrations was undertaken by the entire Department with great responsibility and professionalism, starting with the Group Commander, the presenting crews, the technical and maintenance component, and the engineering component. The preparation for the technical demonstrations in flight represents an undertaking that the Department undertakes by applying the scientific-experimental approach, always keeping in mind the ultimate goal of ensuring the implementation of the operational capabilities necessary for the Operational Departments to better meet the assigned mission.”. Turning then to the crews, he added: “You are called upon to demonstrate the technical capabilities of the Armed Forces’ aircraft, to demonstrate the professionalism and preparedness of the personnel of the Air Force, and to bring the
Salute to the Blue Army and the Nation in Italy and abroad, a task that will be even more exciting this season as you will be the protagonists of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of our beloved Air Force.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. S.A. Luca GORETTI, then ushered in the solemn moment of the delivery of the Patch of Display Pilot and of Display Crew, Accompanying it with the ritual and well-augurative pat on the shoulder, he then addressed the newly appointed crews, and in general the entire Experimental Flight Department, emphasizing that the display activity is the essence of an organization that is much more complex and articulated, and how important the task performed in favor of all the Operational Departments of the Armed Forces is. “I am pleased today to hand over these patches that represent the go-ahead for the various events that will take place this year of the Centenary; the “Sperimentale” has represented, represents, and will always represent one of the key elements of our Armed Forces; the seriousness and professionalism with which you address certain issues represent for me a sense of security and assurance, and your performances are a source of satisfaction for me.”.
The 311th Flight Group belongs to the Experimental Flight Department of the Italian Air Force and performs all those functions intended to carry out the Department’s institutional task, namely the testing and implementation of new aeronautical systems and aircraft acquired recently. The Experimental Flight Department serves the Operational Departments of the Armed Forces by implementing new technologies on the aircraft in service and, above all, developing new ones to make the operational activity of the Armed Forces increasingly efficient and safe.
The 311th GV, first among equals, This includes pilots, navigators, and test mechanics, drawn from the Italian Air Force's aerotactical units, as well as all non-flying personnel who carry out key functions for flying activities, such as aircraft maintenance, flight matériel, and the tasks of managing and supervising daily flight activity.
A fundamental part for the Group, as well as for the Armed Forces, is the effective collaboration with the National Industry for the process of research and development of aeronautical products.
Activities that allow the Armed Forces to always be up-to-date with the latest available technologies and, for the National Industry, to draw on knowledge and expertise not available in the civilian sector.
The 311th Flight Group is a fully integrated unit within the Experimental Flight Department alongside all the other highly technical components; the 311th GV is the technical interface between the country’s military and industrial components and ensures the appropriate technological level that enables the military instrument to be useful and up-to-date.
The 311th GV serves the Armed Forces' operational capability, bringing together traditions, research, method, and curiosity for technological development.
