It was 1 March 1961 when the first six F86 “Sabres” arrived at the Rivolto air base from the 4th Air Brigade of the Prancing Horse.
2024 will be a special year for the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian Air Force's aerobatic demonstration team, which today celebrates its 63rd anniversary. This occasion allows us to recall a particular moment in its history. It was, in fact, on March 1st, 1961, that the first six F-86 “Sabre” jets arrived at Rivolto air base from the 4th Air Brigade of the Prancing Horse, ready to form what would become the greatest aerobatic team in the world.
However, this is also an opportunity to remember that next summer, after more than 30 years of absence, the aerobatic team will fly to Canada and the United States, headlining an extensive tour that includes a series of events and fly-overs across the Atlantic.
The season will open on March 21st with a flyover in Pozzuoli and will conclude on November 4th in Rome.
The aircraft in service with the Frecce Tricolori is the MB-339A PAN, a version equipped with a smoke system, which allows the National Acrobatic Team to paint the longest Italian tricolour flag in the skies around the world.
The 313th Aerobatic Training Group, which is the official designation for the Frecce Tricolori, is a Flying Unit of the Italian Air Force comprising approximately 100 military personnel, tasked with representing the capabilities of the entire Armed Force.
From 1st March 1961, the date of its formation at Rivolto (Udine) Air Base, the National Aerobatic Team, which recently concluded its 63rd season, has the honour of representing, with its spectacular aerial aerobatics, the over 40,000 men and women of the Air Force and the values they uphold every day: cohesion, teamwork, professionalism, dedication and sacrifice. This makes it a symbol of our Armed Forces and of Italy in the world.
https://www.difesa.it/primopiano/le-frecce-tricolori-compiono-63-anni/48237.html
www.aeronautica.difesa.it/home/noi-siamo-l-am/personale-e-mezzi/pattuglia-acrobatica-nazionale
