Centenary of the Italian Air Force: “Air Force Experience”, the aviation village dedicated to the first 100 years of the Armed Force's existence, inaugurated in Piazza del Popolo.

From 24 to 29 March, the exhibition will allow citizens to experience the world of the Air Force, ahead of the celebration of its centenary on 28 March.

This morning, the inauguration of “Air Force Experience”This is the name of the exhibition space that the Italian Air Force has set up at Piazza del Popolo, in Rome, to mark its Centenary, which will officially fall on Tuesday 28 March.

A veritable aeronautical village, steeped in history and technology, with aircraft on static display, experiential paths, educational and entertainment events, promotional stands, recreational simulators, screenings, musical and sports exhibitions that will allow citizens of all ages to get to know the Air Force better and celebrate the 100th birthday of the Blue Force together.

The exhibition will remain open until March 29th, every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on weekends until 10:00 PM, with free entry and no booking required.

The opening ceremony began with a performance by the Italian Air Force Band, in the presence of Air Squadra General Luca Goretti, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of the Municipality of Rome, the leaders of the Armed Force and other religious, military and civil authorities.

“Air Force Experience, set up in one of Rome's most evocative locations, Piazza del Popolo, will be a wonderful celebration for the city, involving schools with boys and girls.” These are the words of the’Councillor Alessandro Onorato who then went on to say: “Many young people will have the chance to see up close the extraordinary aircraft of the Air Force and perhaps deepen their knowledge of this prestigious Armed Force, some of them perhaps even with the aim of understanding if they would like to join this prestigious Corps in the future. We wanted to start the national Centenary celebrations right here in Rome with a big public celebration, and we are sure that it will be a unique event also for the many tourists visiting the Capital, who will have another great free event to attend.

“Let's celebrate 100 years to thank those who have shown us trust, those who have actively participated in Aeronautics, and those who have supported us.. È a way to thank people, the public, citizens, and to send a message to young people” General Goretti emphasised, who then continued by saying: “It is a component, that of defence, which is very alive, very felt, very proud of what it does every day in the skies, on land, at sea in Italy and abroad [...] we must be proud of this”.

“What you see here is just a small example of what we are capable of doing. [...] Sometimes we do it in a quiet, hidden way, but we are in the service of the country 365 days a year, including holidays.”continued the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

“The village is a way to thank the city of Rome, giving enthusiasts, tourists and the curious the chance to understand the symbiosis between institutions, and this is the best calling card we want to offer, even to young people who may one day wish to join the Italian Air Force.” concluded Air Force General Luca Goretti

Citizens will be able to freely access and see up close the aircraft on which the Armed Force's operational activity is based, such as the highly advanced fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet, the Eurofighter which patrols the skies of Italy and allied countries, the MB-339A in the Frecce Tricolori livery, the Tornado fighter jet, and the HH-139, a versatile helicopter used for search and rescue.

Not only that: visitors will be able to immerse themselves within three Dome futuristic, an interactive journey which, starting from historical roots in a past populated by pioneers and heroic deeds, and touching upon a mature and rapidly evolving present, then leaps towards an avant-garde and as-yet-unimagined future, made up of artificial intelligence, robotics, multi-domain operations, sub-orbital flights, space exploration, dives into the cyberspace and much more besides.

Every afternoon, there will be moments of entertainment and fun, with the participation of well-known personalities alternating with testimonial of the Armed Forces, including for example the pilots of the Frecce Tricolori, the Band of the Air Force, the athletes of the Air Force Sports Centre.

Saturday 25 March, at 4:30 PM, a performance is also scheduled. Live of the Air Force Band in Piazza di Spagna. Information stands will also be available for those who wish to have more details on how to join the large Air Force team or simply to learn more about its history and its daily commitment in service to the country. Thanks to three recreational simulators – two of the National Aerobatic Team and one of the Eurofighter fighter jet – the public will be able to experience the thrill of boarding some of the most iconic aircraft used by the Armed Force in different operational scenarios, as well as talk with the crews who use them daily.

For more information: https://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/2022/01/02/centenario-am-air-force-experience/