The first Gulfstream G550 of the MMMS (Multimissione Multisensore System) programme has landed at Pratica di Mare.
The first Gulfstream G550 aircraft of the MMMS (Multisensor Multimission System) programme landed at Pratica di Mare in recent days, after a direct flight of over nine hours from Dallas (USA). On board was a mixed crew composed of personnel from the 71st Flight Group and the Experimental Flight Department, who carried out a series of activities preparatory to the aircraft's acceptance.
The aircraft, which officially becomes part of the 71st Group's 14th Wing fleet, will initially be used for training and logistical transport activities, to enhance the unit's deployment capabilities. Since 2016, the unit has already been operating Gulfstream G550 aircraft in the CAEW version.Conformal Early WarningThe new recruit will, in the future, undergo some peculiar modifications to host a sophisticated mission suite on board which will transform it into a G550 MMMS, i.e. a platform equipped with particular sensors through which it will be able to expand the Defence's information gathering.
Curiosity: the aircraft is characterised by the markings of the 14th Wing but also by the original logo created for the 50th anniversary of the 71st Flying Group, which was founded on 1 March 1972.
The 14th Wing is based at the “Mario de Bernardi” Military Airport in Pratica di Mare and reports to the Air Squad Command through the Mobility and Support Forces Command. The Wing is organised, among other things, into two flying groups: the 71st Flying Group “Perseo”, which conducts Airborne Early Warning missions with CAEW aircraft and radio measurement and tactical transport activities, also for the Department of Civil Protection, with P-180 Avanti I and II aircraft, and the 8th Flying Group “Breus” which, with KC-767A aircraft, carries out in-flight refuelling, strategic transport and bio-containment transport missions.
