Three historical aircraft of the Italian Air Force are on display at the static display; they have regained their former glory
The “recovery” program began in late 2013 with the repainting, by personnel from the Group of Air Defence Control and Restoration (GRCDA) and the RSSG, of the statue of the Madonna of Loreto located in front of the operational rooms of the Italian Air Operation Centre (ITA-AOC) and the GRCDA, as well as the metallic winged lion, symbol of NATO’s presence at the base and of continuity with the 5th ATAF in Vicenza, where it was originally placed.
Obviously, the interventions on the three aircraft were more complex in terms of their design. The work began with the restyling of the MB326G, which has been on static display in Poggio Renatico since 2007. The aircraft – which has trained hundreds of AM pilots – was repainted on site by a team of “restoration specialists” led by Mr. Renzo Catellani, a keen aviation historian and owner of numerous historical aircraft, including an MB326 that is still capable of flying in Italy.
Then they intervened on the Agusta AB47J helicopter – the first aircraft to be positioned, in 2001, on the Poggio Renatico airfield. The restoration work was carried out in the base hangar by a team of personnel from the Efficienza Aeromobili Group (GEA) of the 6th Ghedi Squadron.
Finally, the F104, on static display at Poggio Renatico since 2006. To carry out the operation safely, this historic aircraft was also moved – with the collaboration of the Fire Department of Ferrara – to the base hangar, where it was restored to its original shine by personnel from the GEA of the 51st Stormo of Istrana.
The objective quality of the restoration work has earned the sincere appreciation of the staff of the COA for all those who collaborated in restoring the luster of the historic “monuments” of the base.
