tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11426573727805796362024-03-27T19:34:41.359+01:00Blog Before Flight - Aerospace and Defense NewsBreaking news on Air Forces, Aviation Industry, Aviation Safety, Air Show, Fighter Jets, Military Operations and Exercises.Blog Before Flight Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06611037552503341799noreply@blogger.comBlogger2671125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1142657372780579636.post-49062825582623296622024-03-25T18:59:00.008+01:002024-03-27T19:34:08.678+01:00Pilots from Canada, UK complete LIFT phase in Italy ahead of schedule thanks to world-class training and systems<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPKzM_rmhNBPFVzvAjtTk0wjSkjIwdLQbIUleortlj3tKfBrHmx8c2hsRK2HMmaCd45gNOLLgRPdFzwGLYHKb1QGvKxA5w5ZCFf3MSveoKTXHZe4XaLYbzqKTNhpNfR4DsFKblXZmopQb6swccqwWEQYCE8Pubs1QgfGQ2G2ByKwFQqNibo9NU9uO-20/s1024/Pilots_Canada_UK_IFTS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPKzM_rmhNBPFVzvAjtTk0wjSkjIwdLQbIUleortlj3tKfBrHmx8c2hsRK2HMmaCd45gNOLLgRPdFzwGLYHKb1QGvKxA5w5ZCFf3MSveoKTXHZe4XaLYbzqKTNhpNfR4DsFKblXZmopQb6swccqwWEQYCE8Pubs1QgfGQ2G2ByKwFQqNibo9NU9uO-20/w640-h426/Pilots_Canada_UK_IFTS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada's student pilot in the cockpit of an ITAF M-346 advanced trainer aircraft.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Military pilots from Canada and the United Kingdom recently completed advanced training at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu, Sardinia, Italy.<br /><br />The pilots, who started the course in July 2023, completed the LIFT (Lead In to Fighter Training) phase one month ahead of schedule. This result was possible thanks to the efficiency and effectiveness of the teaching methodologies and the advanced technologies in use at the IFTS.<br /><br />During the course, the participants faced demanding challenges and tasks and were able to take full advantage of the resources made available by the IFTS, honing their skills and acquiring greater confidence in the use of advanced avionics. This was possible thanks to the Integrated Training System (ITS) T-346 which is a platform capable of integrating simulators and learning systems with the aircraft, making training activities more effective and less expensive.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YbHaxNOouFcq3L76u8-h044zG1C16OwhqcV2MF5AoevKFWGZnojmHyWZOpgSW42ybFYinOLNF92bLSsFZpKDLoK79YQ1-aNRIz2NWBlXZLXa6AysB0YjXd7TEsCRJ_nSm1xCq87RFr4DQlGduhvstzdDPFpEpYb2TMk_jT-L2-T0f7k_0IYMEqyMWBY/s1024/Pilots_Canada_UK_IFTS1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YbHaxNOouFcq3L76u8-h044zG1C16OwhqcV2MF5AoevKFWGZnojmHyWZOpgSW42ybFYinOLNF92bLSsFZpKDLoK79YQ1-aNRIz2NWBlXZLXa6AysB0YjXd7TEsCRJ_nSm1xCq87RFr4DQlGduhvstzdDPFpEpYb2TMk_jT-L2-T0f7k_0IYMEqyMWBY/w640-h426/Pilots_Canada_UK_IFTS1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The choice of foreign air forces to train their pilots in Italy demonstrates an Italian record in the international flight training sector. The school currently hosts pilots from Saudi Arabia, Austria, Canada, Japan, Great Britain, Qatar and Singapore.<br /><br />"The International Flight Training School (IFTS) is an Italian excellence of international value, which brings together the consolidated know-how of the Italian Air Force in flight training and the excellence of Leonardo in the sector of integrated systems for the training of military pilots . The IFTS represents a point of reference for the advanced training of military pilots from air forces around the world who fly technologically advanced fighters, such as the Eurofighter or F-35 aircraft and is a virtuous example of national institutional and industrial synergy capable of satisfy the growing demand of the Italian Air Force and partner countries for the training of their pilots," said Col. Vito Conserva, Commander of the 61st Wing, home of the IFTS.<br /><br />The effective training that pilots from Canada and the United Kingdom have received at the IFTS could lay the foundations for major industrial agreements as both nations soon evaluate the introduction of new trainer aircraft. Canada retired its CT-155 Hawk jets at the beginning of March and currently relies on NATO partners to train its military pilots. However, it is an interim solution as the <a href="https://www.blogbeforeflight.net/2024/03/rcaf-embarks-on-bridge-fighter-lead-in-training.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canadian Air Force's plan is to reactivate its training squadron within a few years</a>. The RAF is also sending a large number of its student pilots to train abroad due to the low availability of Hawk T2 jets. According to local sources, the Hawk fleet is suffering from serious engine problems.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX6JSa48_qzwaR2DkId4lKbvAahj5It0d3pZtJIxyFFzdL3RL6yb_ugfctNw3tV3rO5TAZYbRubIhSL4GFctCjhrh7zhtIYNRc-Jnte2lPmFu1X7ZKKTXfqc-39cT8FTyd0BMB3vzMwAOwKYruZpIDKE83OjowI-_3x1ARZ-5QYXh_UhznO-9bz939nE/s1024/Pilots_Canada_UK_IFTS2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1024" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX6JSa48_qzwaR2DkId4lKbvAahj5It0d3pZtJIxyFFzdL3RL6yb_ugfctNw3tV3rO5TAZYbRubIhSL4GFctCjhrh7zhtIYNRc-Jnte2lPmFu1X7ZKKTXfqc-39cT8FTyd0BMB3vzMwAOwKYruZpIDKE83OjowI-_3x1ARZ-5QYXh_UhznO-9bz939nE/w640-h378/Pilots_Canada_UK_IFTS2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The Leonardo M-346 could represent an excellent solution for both nations. It is currently recognized as the most advanced military pilot training system in the world capable of guaranteeing the highest standard of training for future fighter pilots. The M-346 is currently the only system capable of fully using the innovative Leonardo Live Virtual Constructive technology which allows pilots in flight (live) to operate with pilots in the simulator (virtual) and entities created by simulation systems (constructive). To date, Leonardo has sold 126 M-346 aircraft to 9 customers/users including the Italian Air Force; Republic of Singapore Air Force; Israeli Air Force; Polish Air Force; Hellenic Air Force; Royal Qatari Air Force. The global M-346 fleet has logged over 120,000 flight hours.<div><br /></div><div>Written by Matteo Sanzani</div><div>Images: Italian Air Force</div>
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And while this interim training program is in place, 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron will be placed on hiatus to be reactivated in the future with a new fifth-generation trainer aircraft as part of a Future Fighter Lead-in Training program.<br /><br />Canada is no stranger to ENJJPT, having been part of the program since it was founded in 1981. The aim of the program, at the time, was to increase production and provide common training of NATO pilots during the Cold War. The program, managed by the United States Air Force’s 80th Fighter Training Wing, has typically seen the RCAF post approximately five pilot instructors to instruct at Sheppard Air Force Base, in Northwest Texas, while five to six students train on T-38C Talons as part of their Fighter Lead-in Training before joining 410 Operational Fighter Training Squadron in 4 Wing, Cold Lake.<br /><br />Moving forward, Canada will now be sending up to seven Canadian students each year to ENJJPT with the NATO Flying Training in Canada program, supported by CAE Inc., coming to an end. CT-155 aircraft training operations ceased at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Sask. in summer 2023.<br /><br />“With the Hawk reaching the end of its service life after 20 years, Canada, along with many countries is faced with the challenges of what will be the next jet trainer in a world of fifth generation fighter aircraft,” said Colonel Adam Carlson, Director Royal Canadian Air Force Training. “ENJJPT and other partnerships will form a ‘Bridge Fighter Lead-in Training’ solution while a Future Fighter Lead-in Training model is decided upon.”<br /><br />CT-155 Hawks will eventually move to the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ont., where they will support the training of RCAF aircraft technicians.<br /><br />Canadian students arriving at Sheppard are first trained via the Undergraduate Pilot Training program training on the United States Air Force T-38C Talon, a modernized aircraft dating from the early 60s that continues to prove itself a capable fighter trainer. Upon completion of their undergraduate program, students move on to Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, preparing them for the cockpits of Canada’s current and future combat aircraft.<br /><br />Captain Spencer Barkes, a graduate of the Undergraduate Pilot Training and Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals Courses at Sheppard arrived at ENJJPT in following his Phase II flying course in Moose Jaw.<br /><br />“We initially started doing academics (ground school) for about a month and a half—doing simulators, learning the basics of the aircraft, how the base and airspace works and then we were on the flightline doing different phases of flying; instrument, low level formation flying and others, so it’s a pretty intensive program,” he said. “By the end, it’s about 90 hours flight time in the T-38, with an additional 30-40 hours in the simulator.”<br /><br />The multinational nature of ENJJPT has continuously proven to be a highlight for Canadian students and instructors. The course Capt. Barkes attended included another Canadian, as well as Belgian, Dutch, German, Spanish and American students and instructors.<br /><br />“I like the international flavour and it’s probably my favourite part of the program, being able to interact with other nations and see and experience a bit of their culture and air force culture,” said Capt Barkes.<br /><br />These kinds of existing training relationships amongst the NATO nations at ENJJPT were major influences for the RCAF when choosing the Bridge FLIT training model.<br /><br />“We always talk about the likelihood of us meeting some of our course-mates on a ramp somewhere in the future,” said Capt Tyson Valette, who graduated the same course. “I think we all look forward to those moments.”<br /><br />“Maybe you won’t see the same people, but knowing other pilots from other nations, you can immediately make a connection with say a Belgian or German pilot,” added Capt Barkes. “I feel like there is immediately a bridge built with other nations on a deployed operation or exercise thanks to our experience here.”<br /><br />The increased number of students also means more Canadian instructors on base at Sheppard. Currently there are seven RCAF instructors teaching T-38s, with another teaching the T-6 aircraft.<br /><br />LCol Andrew Faith who recently served as the Senior National Representative for Canada, responsible for administration, course loading and ensuring all the Canadian instructors and students are well taken care of notes that the Canadian contingent in Sheppard gels like a family.<br /><br />“We had barbeques and get-togethers,” said LCol Faith, “although with more people there now that will become a bit more complicated than in the past.”<br /><br />Canadian instructors and students are appreciated by the American leadership at the 80th Wing as well. “We are excited that Canada will be increasing their participation at ENJJPT, said Colonel Brad Orgeron, Commander 80th Flying Training Wing. “Our partnership with Canada is significant in the flying training world because our shared border leads to frequent teamwork. The more our pilots instruct and train together the smoother our operational communication.”<br /><br />The RCAF will continue to be a reliable training partner at the world’s only internationally managed flying training program, but for LCol Faith, it is the enthusiasm of the students and instructors that is the most rewarding part.<br /><br />“They all have a great attitude, they all want to fly and it’s inspiring to see and be a part of,” he said.<br /><br />Back home in Canada, 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron will officially begin its hiatus period on March 8, 2024 in a ceremony at Cold Lake that will mark the end of CT-155 training operations for the RCAF.<br /><br />“This upcoming period of hiatus is nothing new for 419 Squadron; indeed, it has been part of our squadron’s story going back to its beginnings in England during the Second World War,” said LCol Ryan Kean, Commanding Officer of 419 Squadron. “Certainly, it’s bittersweet—while it is never easy to work through this kind of change, even on an interim basis, we are looking forward to the reactivation of 419 Squadron with new and exciting capabilities in the future.”<br /><br />While the squadron is on hiatus from operations, LCol Kean says that its personnel will support other units at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta., awaiting the planned reactivation of the squadron in the early 2030s. Until then, the squadron will remain administratively active, so that it can resume its role as the RCAF’s Tactical Fighter Training Squadron.<div><br /></div><div>Source, Image: Royal Canadian Air Force</div></div>
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Melanie “MACH” Kluesner, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot and commander, poses for a photo at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>U.S. Air Force Capt. Melanie “MACH” Kluesner, an F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron, became the new certified pilot and commander of the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team during the Air Combat Command Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Mar 1, 2024.<br /><br />Kluesner comes from a military family and was inspired at young age by her parents, both U.S. Air Force pilots, to become a fighter pilot.<br /><br />“When I was growing up, I really appreciated my parents, family members and friends who believed in me and encouraged me to follow my dream of becoming a fighter pilot,” said Kluesner. “My dad was the Pacific Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon demo pilot in the 1980’s and my mom was the first graduating class of women from the Air Force Academy. She graduated pilot training as fighter qualified, but at that time women weren’t allowed to fly fighters. My parents are a huge inspiration to me and have some incredible stories from their careers.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZQegB52KyI1dINDLWRGd4Y6iAsj9Lmky_PGJ8vnv9rkq7FDOZS21S85S5OMcKB3alpR7JgqFFFLxMX18LXmDn8h72jd7pj8bLJEGfGo326WIbL4Sfk_hYOT4u9JarRZr0I57ELxBvC_5Dsilw0iXbn7iRCCJpSDzFQElkfXKZf5T1wyljMKwaGXHyRc/s1024/USAF_F35_Demo_new_pilot02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="USAF F35 Demo pilot 2024" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZQegB52KyI1dINDLWRGd4Y6iAsj9Lmky_PGJ8vnv9rkq7FDOZS21S85S5OMcKB3alpR7JgqFFFLxMX18LXmDn8h72jd7pj8bLJEGfGo326WIbL4Sfk_hYOT4u9JarRZr0I57ELxBvC_5Dsilw0iXbn7iRCCJpSDzFQElkfXKZf5T1wyljMKwaGXHyRc/w640-h426/USAF_F35_Demo_new_pilot02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>After graduating from the University of Southern California, Kluesner commissioned into the U.S. Air Force in 2014. She is a veteran combat fighter pilot with more than 1,000 hours of experience in a variety of aircraft, including the T-6A Texan II, T-38 Talon, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35B and F-35A Lightning II.<br /><br />“It was a long road to get to where I am and there is nothing more rewarding than doing a job you love for something that’s bigger than yourself,” said Kluesner. “Being the demo pilot means spreading that message to the next generation and I’m really excited for the airshow season to begin.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6E04hSSsPPyWGuVP7jbsW0rYLfdtO8Bl7IREyjsg4KmKYv676MPmC76oSX_sUNwoMnVxxiw2XONpHS80to7Y07maEdTTU6gpxFwS12eZkIVOT5mlCvAdqZcIjzclbanj26P_XGN5Tzpim5t_7R8n5qzqTBD8th7w-yCsNwK1lHlaPLXCi3r4y9GS0Sw/s1024/USAF_F35_Demo_new_pilot03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="USAF F35 Demo pilot 2024" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6E04hSSsPPyWGuVP7jbsW0rYLfdtO8Bl7IREyjsg4KmKYv676MPmC76oSX_sUNwoMnVxxiw2XONpHS80to7Y07maEdTTU6gpxFwS12eZkIVOT5mlCvAdqZcIjzclbanj26P_XGN5Tzpim5t_7R8n5qzqTBD8th7w-yCsNwK1lHlaPLXCi3r4y9GS0Sw/w640-h426/USAF_F35_Demo_new_pilot03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Not only is the F-35A Demo Team commander responsible for a traveling team of 14 maintainers and supporting personnel, but they also reenforce the mission of the team across the globe each year by showcasing the combat capabilities of the F-35 and their unique military experiences to recruit, retain and inspire thousands of viewers at each airshow.<br /><br />“I think it’s really important for people to realize that if you want to be a fighter pilot or serve in the military, it doesn’t matter what you look like or that you fit the specific mold,” Kluesner explained. “What does matter is being willing to stay disciplined, work hard, become a team player and care about serving your country. I’m humbled to be in this position and hope everyone who watches the demonstration is inspired to dream big just like I was when I was a little kid.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4JfzF5w24poeMkM9smYRi-1BgbEkp-RT2zj4M60sVMk-fNeOXKNunNM1VRarhq00n6ppcuOAa9yXNkXHhxQKxiRSOB0QlgLmZ6okqTYDtjzCCdSsdb7PRGB7Qc-8NjuAUqv58uVvSLvHBNGtWV6y68DBB2KXfDEqw4lUmri0IyrNhE9u1aJWGmeOyg4/s1024/USAF_F35_Demo_new_pilot04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="USAF F35 Demo pilot 2024" border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="1024" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4JfzF5w24poeMkM9smYRi-1BgbEkp-RT2zj4M60sVMk-fNeOXKNunNM1VRarhq00n6ppcuOAa9yXNkXHhxQKxiRSOB0QlgLmZ6okqTYDtjzCCdSsdb7PRGB7Qc-8NjuAUqv58uVvSLvHBNGtWV6y68DBB2KXfDEqw4lUmri0IyrNhE9u1aJWGmeOyg4/w640-h318/USAF_F35_Demo_new_pilot04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Source. Images: U.S. Air Force</div>
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Since its entry into service to date, the HH-212A has accumulated over 180,000 flight hours and has helped save hundreds of lives.<br /><br />The ceremony was held at the Grazzanise air base, southern Italy, home of the 9th Wing "Francesco Baracca" and was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Luca Goretti, as well as other military and civil authorities and the crews who have flown the iconic military helicopter over the years.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhwUFGQlljMVxIYvtnYfdVldjIyxUnRCVKWIB8P8pa66LyxTxB4ncSNTb1O2HKllGDXy_aRxtbtmAM4TH4Ef8l1Jclx2GwM-88eYyWjzJYZf9I2Czpa5ib2nQOLYCZ2t3jTrNB0NDEKz5sJPfipj-84l9PU-1mylBtb7nanODuNVBJlL3mH92LD6JGQg/s1024/Italian_Air_Force_says_goodbye_HH-212A_helicopter02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Italian Air Force HH212 farewell" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhwUFGQlljMVxIYvtnYfdVldjIyxUnRCVKWIB8P8pa66LyxTxB4ncSNTb1O2HKllGDXy_aRxtbtmAM4TH4Ef8l1Jclx2GwM-88eYyWjzJYZf9I2Czpa5ib2nQOLYCZ2t3jTrNB0NDEKz5sJPfipj-84l9PU-1mylBtb7nanODuNVBJlL3mH92LD6JGQg/w640-h426/Italian_Air_Force_says_goodbye_HH-212A_helicopter02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Over these four decades, the Italian Air Force has deployed the HH-212A as part of various national missions, especially to provide support to populations affected by natural disasters, and abroad (Afghanistan).<br /><br />The Commander of the 9th Wing, Colonel Salvatore Florio, recalled how the 212 guaranteed excellent reliability and allowed the crews that followed in the various generations to operate in all circumstances with timeliness, effectiveness and maximum safety. He also reminded his colleagues who, in peace and war, sacrificed their lives in carrying out their duties in compliance with the oath they took.<br /><br />"The results obtained were achieved because they were based on solid foundations and the meticulous daily work of the crews." Col. Florio said. "This is perhaps the best wish we can give to those who will continue this difficult and silent work without interruption. We must always keep in mind what has been done to get here, but always remaining focused on the next objectives, only in this way can we reach future goals and overcome the challenges that the Air Force will ask us to face."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KroJiMOqlaL7TT872jfPxJbkMfTKG4MbQr6DmqS-A0G5gb5Nw2VJeA9CK3XeEJfFMD9Rj4g2hy_fz7u94OQG50cabOZb5g6f-WXBuFQ5dxNOjgtUKfwzlPGeDYm_aJZMgiyfKQueQKcV7Z_xg_QQN9j80FipRUWkIH5HiNihKR9bkX8oEM5KgN6paHI/s1024/Italian_Air_Force_says_goodbye_HH-212A_helicopter03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Italian Air Force HH212 farewell" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KroJiMOqlaL7TT872jfPxJbkMfTKG4MbQr6DmqS-A0G5gb5Nw2VJeA9CK3XeEJfFMD9Rj4g2hy_fz7u94OQG50cabOZb5g6f-WXBuFQ5dxNOjgtUKfwzlPGeDYm_aJZMgiyfKQueQKcV7Z_xg_QQN9j80FipRUWkIH5HiNihKR9bkX8oEM5KgN6paHI/w640-h426/Italian_Air_Force_says_goodbye_HH-212A_helicopter03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>General Goretti, during his speech, underlined the importance of the special event: "today we proudly salute a platform that has made the history of the Air Force, but above all the personnel who made this helicopter exceptional." Referring to all the crews who operated with this aircraft, he highlighted: "When there is a flood, an emergency, when someone needs to be rescued, even in bad weather, you are always there unconditionally, even putting your life at risk, because you are going to save someone else's life. And we do this because we are convinced that, when we need to save one of our colleagues or a fellow citizen, we intimately feel it as our duty and not because we are obliged by law." He then added: "The machines change, the people change, but the spirit remains: that winning spirit that distinguishes the Air Force and was demonstrated during the Centenary. Passion, strength, teamwork. Be proud of it."<br /><br />The HH-212A is a medium helicopter with a two-bladed rotor powered by two 1,342 kW Pratt & Whitney PT6T turbines. It essentially derives from the 205 model from which it differs due to the elongated fuselage. The Italian Air Force purchased the first three examples in 1979 and a further 32 in 1984 to assign them to seven different squadrons. Following the ICO (Operational Capability Implementation) program, in 2006, the aircraft was deployed in Afghanistan with the 21st "Tiger" Group/9th Wing with reconnaissance tasks, personnel transport, medical transport, emergency medical evacuation urgency and control of the territory, reaching there over 2,000 flight hours in over 1,800 missions.<br /><br />The "Phase-out" ceremony of the iconic HH-212A helicopter also represented a symbolic handover between the HH-212A and the new HH-101A, which will continue to provide support to special operations. The new state-of-the-art platforms will allow the Italian Air Force to always be ready to operate in modern operational scenarios to safeguard the country, national interests and protect citizens.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72oA9JamoP6nOeVk_pR9hD_os2T3SZnHhzOxI1CV5rn7AFKHuI-NOPazsbE7E0tq7fWhhRAEiFthg2_0eDVzp43etol_ue9_BJcgFr96uGu_5Irlrkp11fJaRDoH1FFsRKrrAsHDq4AhVtowt3AHgkiHehNHgE9IqvmHPifojiHJvZ0fLEmniLSC8qRI/s1024/Italian_Air_Force_says_goodbye_HH-212A_helicopter04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Italian Air Force HH212 farewell" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72oA9JamoP6nOeVk_pR9hD_os2T3SZnHhzOxI1CV5rn7AFKHuI-NOPazsbE7E0tq7fWhhRAEiFthg2_0eDVzp43etol_ue9_BJcgFr96uGu_5Irlrkp11fJaRDoH1FFsRKrrAsHDq4AhVtowt3AHgkiHehNHgE9IqvmHPifojiHJvZ0fLEmniLSC8qRI/w400-h266/Italian_Air_Force_says_goodbye_HH-212A_helicopter04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqD0sJtCF_NDbCh-tJQpNS5HfletbMtUsTrTJ9asx7UqDsDNUUT9I3fWNu0kNuQeXbpt9OLjxwmaBBKffWbxisbXqCoMAW6bQeWqBGkhXvWvXHK2oHOLZiF59hcxsWkCVAb6HjDZ4DAHqwHMlMQ4c7bgZOYeuxezpV37TXj6lb423h-IHNeRy0Ya6Dqc/s1024/Italian_Air_Force_says_goodbye_HH-212A_helicopter05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Italian Air Force HH212 farewell" border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqD0sJtCF_NDbCh-tJQpNS5HfletbMtUsTrTJ9asx7UqDsDNUUT9I3fWNu0kNuQeXbpt9OLjxwmaBBKffWbxisbXqCoMAW6bQeWqBGkhXvWvXHK2oHOLZiF59hcxsWkCVAb6HjDZ4DAHqwHMlMQ4c7bgZOYeuxezpV37TXj6lb423h-IHNeRy0Ya6Dqc/w400-h266/Italian_Air_Force_says_goodbye_HH-212A_helicopter05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkzeLpxaRotf16y6w4oJ6yB4aUATuf5Wl5F3FiuXO90GveMrOZ2H69LZMP_O65uNRBRVb4r4Sced49wgMi5d4Ps5BTLNSCennWsG3zScU21ZgxU4RFfCtDFy6kUr_mKdTkEbgME_81I2U1RrrtcMqpZKfRiFLYhXgoy-8Weve9k9h1f6v91DWQ3NEF2I/s1024/Italian_Air_Force_says_goodbye_HH-212A_helicopter06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Italian Air Force HH212 farewell" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkzeLpxaRotf16y6w4oJ6yB4aUATuf5Wl5F3FiuXO90GveMrOZ2H69LZMP_O65uNRBRVb4r4Sced49wgMi5d4Ps5BTLNSCennWsG3zScU21ZgxU4RFfCtDFy6kUr_mKdTkEbgME_81I2U1RrrtcMqpZKfRiFLYhXgoy-8Weve9k9h1f6v91DWQ3NEF2I/w400-h266/Italian_Air_Force_says_goodbye_HH-212A_helicopter06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Written by Matteo Sanzani</div><div>Source, Images: Italian Air Force</div>
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UTVA-66 and UTVA-75 were the first aircraft used by Macedonian Air Force and Air Defence Forces. After the full-scale conflict began in 1991 in the newly indipendent Republics of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Security Concil adopted resolution, requesting the immediate UN arms embargo to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Federal Republic of Jugoslavia, Macedonia and Slovenia. <br /><br />In 1994 the Macedonian Air Force acquired four Mi-17s from Ukraine, because of embargo they were registered with civilian codes. In 1996 the Security Council excluded Macedonia from the UN embargo and short after this, the four Mi-17s were painted in military camouflage scheme and they received military serials. One year later four Zlin 242L were acquired from Czech Republic for training of pilots.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLh2r_WER5BW5mKmI27OZgZ2A0gYX6NJ7yW4pRbNFABH3qhIieh9g3OKKCbut_UimrQiFs2sMx3XGHgWdyJ2ptHsrvuwAStZkmduziOetUU5m0D1N2NX766r09kiT3S_p-WjuptAxGZuzmBbkxJWeSNdtQXkl_CaEdc5__1EKwiAwW4xO1DUTcLeeQr7g/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLh2r_WER5BW5mKmI27OZgZ2A0gYX6NJ7yW4pRbNFABH3qhIieh9g3OKKCbut_UimrQiFs2sMx3XGHgWdyJ2ptHsrvuwAStZkmduziOetUU5m0D1N2NX766r09kiT3S_p-WjuptAxGZuzmBbkxJWeSNdtQXkl_CaEdc5__1EKwiAwW4xO1DUTcLeeQr7g/w640-h426/North_Macedonia_Air_Force03.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>During the Kosovo crisis in 1999, the North Macedonian Air Force relocated all its aircraft in safe places deep within Macedonian territory, while it monitored the borders with Jugoslavia and Albania. <br /><br />In 2001 began a conflict with ethnic Albanian National Liberation Army (NLA), also known as Macedonian UCK, that launched a large scale frontal assaults at police stations, check-points and border points in southern Serbia and Macedonia. During the conflict the Air Force of North Macedonia and Air Defence Forces rapidly increased in numbers receiving an additional of 20 machines. On March 2001 Ukraine donated to Macedonia four Mi-8MT combat helicopters, that served with Ukrainian contingent of KFOR on Kosovo, and an additional two Mi-24V Hind combat helicopters. The solidarity from Greece was shown with the delivery of two UH-1H Huey combat helicopters. On April 2001 other eight Mi-24 and in June 2001 four Su-25 Frogfoot were donated by Ukraine. On December 2001 North Macedonia Air Force received other additional two Mi-24K with photo-reconnaissance and artillery spotting capabilities donated by Ukraine. <br /><br />As response to the brutal assaults of NLA fighters on the town of Tetovo, on 25th March, Macedonian Security Forces launched a full scale offensive attack in order to neutralize the NLA fighters. In this operation, Macedonian armed forces used Mi 17 and Mi-8 and this had been the first time when Northen Macedonian air assets were used in real combat. <br /><br />On 23rd June 2001 a Su-25 took off from Petrovec air base and took part in a reconnaissance mission over Arachinovo village where havy fighting were underway. This was the first time when a Macedonian fixed wing airplane perticipated in a combat operation. During the entire confict Macedonian Air Foirce lost only one Mi-17. <br /><br />Since December 2001 the North Macedonian Air Force undergone a re-structuration: the new structure views the 101 Aviation Company equipped with Su 25, the 201 Anti-armour Helicoper Company equipped with Mi-24 and 301 Transport Helicopter Company equipped with Mi-8MT and Mi-17 and in 2010 a new Company was estebilished, the 401 Training Company which operated with Zlin 242L and Bell 206. The Su 25s were retired in 2004. <br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNwF-Kc87QaqNwrW_cFN81JroeTCKuD7kMBAwD5OCz5Q29JyA49pBlkOuHankf9_rR59gtGOZma2Dj2_uNTdujeuf2oyoer8GOhiKBJgWUtFz1L_3XPELL90M1CclvoxO_uF1QcaYU6hBj694VYvsLmyfb7zprrADafy1HWtwQkphahQtJHqsf3Usob8/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNwF-Kc87QaqNwrW_cFN81JroeTCKuD7kMBAwD5OCz5Q29JyA49pBlkOuHankf9_rR59gtGOZma2Dj2_uNTdujeuf2oyoer8GOhiKBJgWUtFz1L_3XPELL90M1CclvoxO_uF1QcaYU6hBj694VYvsLmyfb7zprrADafy1HWtwQkphahQtJHqsf3Usob8/w640-h426/North_Macedonia_Air_Force14.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Nowadays, the main mission of the Air Brigade is to provide air support and transport of Army units, observation of airspace of the Republic of North Macedonia, provides overall sovereignty of the State air space and participates in peace support operations aboard. At the same time in times of natural disasters performs civil search and rescue, fire-fighting and medical evacuation.<br /><br />As Lt Col Nastovski, commander of training centre, explains us, one of the milestone in the History of North Macedonian Air Force is the creation of the training centre in 2010, when North Macedonian Governament signed a contract with Israeli Elbit Systems for a training centre, equipped with four Zlin 242L and four Bell 206B and simulators full-motion for Mi-8/17/171 and for Mi-24. The centre was declared active in 2014 and it is structured in 180 hours of training for young pilots, such as 18 months, where there is a elementary step where pilots learn theory and fly on the Zlin 242 and then they pass to basic and advanced step flying on Bell 206 learning to fly in formation, night flight with NVG, low level flight and all tactics of combact operations. After this, they make more practice on the simulator and then they arrive to 301 Squadron where they start to flight on Mi-8/Mi-17. The training centre provide the certification even for the pilots of the Macedonia Police Aviation and also for the crew from Croatia, Poland, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Nigeria and Camerun.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_44DFSx1AY1eOX2Bjph1lxlGHzPmD1_D0tLY33CZ6tzG1rUoy2WPPsUPAE9aJvdEHAdKV5bxViUnLizhNrEig4_E5Y-LciaFJbXDQToWJzBEvhnNkgKrJQhOFNNv17ppj3kpu6S9y1NQcfKL4TD7TlCnASx2uOpI6CFgv0ocgSSBCC8gy3ystSh9lGZg/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_44DFSx1AY1eOX2Bjph1lxlGHzPmD1_D0tLY33CZ6tzG1rUoy2WPPsUPAE9aJvdEHAdKV5bxViUnLizhNrEig4_E5Y-LciaFJbXDQToWJzBEvhnNkgKrJQhOFNNv17ppj3kpu6S9y1NQcfKL4TD7TlCnASx2uOpI6CFgv0ocgSSBCC8gy3ystSh9lGZg/w640-h426/North_Macedonia_Air_Force13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>After an upgrade program with the extension of operative life, in 2016, the Mi-24 fleet had been grounded in 2021 and nowadays the Air Force is organized on the 301 Squadron equipped with four Mi-8MT and two Mi-17 and 401 training centre. <br /><br />In 2003 two Mi-17 and two Mi-24 had been upgraded by Elbist Systems with the introduction of the Aviatiors Night Vision Head-Up display (ANVIS/HUD-24). On 2005 Elbit upgraded other machines, two Mi-17, two MI-8MT and two Mi-24V with the installation of ANVIS/HUD-24, ILS and VOR/DME systems, IFF, improved comunication systems and NVG. <br /><br />One of the problems of Republic of North Macedonia summers, such as for Greece and Italy, is the wildfires. In 2009 Republic of North Macedonia bought three Air Tractor AT-802 “Fire Boss”for the needs and under command of Center for Crisis Managment, not belonging to Air Force. The aircraft that become operational in 2010, but due to some maineinance problems, in the years there was the need to use also the Air Force with their MI-8 and Mi-17 to fight the fires. All the helicopters used the Bumbi-Backed with 3.000 liters of capacity. One of the main positive aspect that was highlighted during this crisis was the effectiveness of MI-8 and Mi-17 in carrying out not only fire-fighting activities, but also all the task that are needed in the Macedonian Air Force. After the last overhoul, the Mi-8 and Mi-17 can have other 7 years or 1500 flight hours before the replacement. <br /><br />As Lt.Col. Ljumani explains, commander of 301 Squadron, “the Mi-8 is particularly good for fire fighting thanks to its power and capability to operate under high temperature and in extreme conditions, the engine is very powerful and reliable and able to fly in high altitude, such as when we have to bring the soldiers to Karab mountain at 2700 meters, where they provide the security of our borders.”<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmKe614OfXZpdDtAIKPKyCUU5TH4eHTkzbt1oTlcYc2kX8aBWrtKzipruJnw-b1ImXVKskS3UrocLrQeqhpEqSAV4etS9hSfaC17CcdgbpzEpyGJIq0dLcaBqMTORp9UWEmIr3C_WThL6l2d_nhSAULw2_yUkJVT_9h78af4AwZ1V2PQoVsq2hgfIcrc/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmKe614OfXZpdDtAIKPKyCUU5TH4eHTkzbt1oTlcYc2kX8aBWrtKzipruJnw-b1ImXVKskS3UrocLrQeqhpEqSAV4etS9hSfaC17CcdgbpzEpyGJIq0dLcaBqMTORp9UWEmIr3C_WThL6l2d_nhSAULw2_yUkJVT_9h78af4AwZ1V2PQoVsq2hgfIcrc/w640-h426/North_Macedonia_Air_Force04.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>On March 2020 North Macedonia joint NATO and it rapresented a new step in the Hisotry of the Air Force. The Ministy of Defence has the aim to modernize the Air Force in order to achive the NATO standard and at the moment all the air fleet is available for the needs of the Alleance.</div><div><br />North Mecedonia already took part in NATO exercise such as Adriatic Strike in Slovenia and as Maj Pilot Dusko Stevoski explains “these exercises are very useful because we can share our experience with other air forces and we can compare and learn our tactics and technics in the aim to improve consantly.” <br /><br />North Macedonia Air Force participated in ISAF mission in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2014 and Resolute Support from 2014 to 2020, Iraqui Freedom and UNFIL mission in Lebanon in 2008 and also these operations provides important improvements in the air tactics. The helicopters participated only in EUFOR-ALTEA mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina with two Mi-8/17. On 12 January 2008 a tragic helicopter crash happened in the vicinity of the village Blace, Katlanovo, where 11 members of the ARM lost their lives on returning from a successfully completed mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of the third rotation of the helicopter detachment. <br /><br />According to the NATO supporting strategy to Ukraine, also the Republic of North Macedonia decided to donate part of its helicopter to Kiev. <br /><br />The North Macedonian Air Force process of modernization in ongoing and five offers have been received by North Macedonian Air Force and they are under evaluation by a team in the Ministry.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCN5XzLMTMJnpO6wu_ZFM_oe_2Z4mP5SkPS3IFQcyPGwbm-veaFFqYvTovYzrD8_QVlrPjiAqPxrnuHWZ7-uLJz_NwQnhO4Fyg8SrsLxARLmPBXOp2UrJSqdH_OFiLWmSKcsxAKlLXVENqutAVgD20-QCJbtRAP0E-Lf-0NPixSS1wGNgJK8Cgd8lOnc/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCN5XzLMTMJnpO6wu_ZFM_oe_2Z4mP5SkPS3IFQcyPGwbm-veaFFqYvTovYzrD8_QVlrPjiAqPxrnuHWZ7-uLJz_NwQnhO4Fyg8SrsLxARLmPBXOp2UrJSqdH_OFiLWmSKcsxAKlLXVENqutAVgD20-QCJbtRAP0E-Lf-0NPixSS1wGNgJK8Cgd8lOnc/w400-h266/North_Macedonia_Air_Force02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSnJWW_xQ8wnFyJwf1Q7OqINyNXjhvIXuSUxlhuUD5LQwhlJ-TwcDR_tZHQSoKqY5e129qzAObsk_Ac2WqB56DeuehcHiC7rpsU1K5pk9rn6cY6DhBRNWreJUybJ-7s3s8qEkaeqDx5P0fQU28Mr7XftvMCKIdU67BeYM8kVCtTQPuUPtTRe_0qWccYM/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSnJWW_xQ8wnFyJwf1Q7OqINyNXjhvIXuSUxlhuUD5LQwhlJ-TwcDR_tZHQSoKqY5e129qzAObsk_Ac2WqB56DeuehcHiC7rpsU1K5pk9rn6cY6DhBRNWreJUybJ-7s3s8qEkaeqDx5P0fQU28Mr7XftvMCKIdU67BeYM8kVCtTQPuUPtTRe_0qWccYM/w400-h266/North_Macedonia_Air_Force05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowUqvvhuZAKOP08Ila9MoCdynH6z7k0NgQEYtc6BAfwdiho1x4rqPIB_ej7z5cqqfqAqqH0Lk5_xbBDHfwgqrlpwTpD8kTcxoAHakIZAa9mekX3kCy76SpG3dpO_5YJ7ylrWbjwmZ7iKkzTvPRL9tLSKwXVahVeQtQMFIYCJj_kXiHKC84UX-Y3h7oqw/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowUqvvhuZAKOP08Ila9MoCdynH6z7k0NgQEYtc6BAfwdiho1x4rqPIB_ej7z5cqqfqAqqH0Lk5_xbBDHfwgqrlpwTpD8kTcxoAHakIZAa9mekX3kCy76SpG3dpO_5YJ7ylrWbjwmZ7iKkzTvPRL9tLSKwXVahVeQtQMFIYCJj_kXiHKC84UX-Y3h7oqw/w400-h266/North_Macedonia_Air_Force06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhASvOJsB2NwP0sh8AaqmGx1c32deKhIUhs0UWonfjqtIVkxPcME8lYNgM1T2Ln0Vl011VLn-PpDUM5laob-H_500uy9LeKtXw6wO855e74b9axjDlNFekEVufe7OmKeAlGsWtvz0eOL-tuajTaptnt_sAduLawcBCN7haBR6Zt_iU9AuyUmvjfI1xdWs/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="1024" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhASvOJsB2NwP0sh8AaqmGx1c32deKhIUhs0UWonfjqtIVkxPcME8lYNgM1T2Ln0Vl011VLn-PpDUM5laob-H_500uy9LeKtXw6wO855e74b9axjDlNFekEVufe7OmKeAlGsWtvz0eOL-tuajTaptnt_sAduLawcBCN7haBR6Zt_iU9AuyUmvjfI1xdWs/w400-h203/North_Macedonia_Air_Force07.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TWXdo11lewS8P6CCz73NJk0UeqqTVgNOURVVEDmCIRYO7Fiund2-WpOXvBNWhA1l70Ke2T-GomUdydf0xJtZxnBQhek1CX0Q74sHJwkALfWB4FxnpaDDrx9qtflLw073EOEDcq8yUTmC4a4bL4NJ0u3nQiQ-5g5H7Bj5iTxK4SnCZrY5JGwRvWTct6w/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TWXdo11lewS8P6CCz73NJk0UeqqTVgNOURVVEDmCIRYO7Fiund2-WpOXvBNWhA1l70Ke2T-GomUdydf0xJtZxnBQhek1CX0Q74sHJwkALfWB4FxnpaDDrx9qtflLw073EOEDcq8yUTmC4a4bL4NJ0u3nQiQ-5g5H7Bj5iTxK4SnCZrY5JGwRvWTct6w/w400-h266/North_Macedonia_Air_Force08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfUzwqvmhtA7wHVcueDa7F-0VxxA3FsuLbWPCtDnKL3dCyBR2TKKXrD5w85AiEAnqOIke8rZ9ncW9fFo98JQAjO-a_ww36n_gzHdrVM-nya5RahyphenhyphenR5wyDlMIe7ZjWTGBB0TqTCkPsyTtNgAxEGy-g-5XgN1PcoHfLDaK5EXCjzsPYDboJqzDIQpV7Cx0/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfUzwqvmhtA7wHVcueDa7F-0VxxA3FsuLbWPCtDnKL3dCyBR2TKKXrD5w85AiEAnqOIke8rZ9ncW9fFo98JQAjO-a_ww36n_gzHdrVM-nya5RahyphenhyphenR5wyDlMIe7ZjWTGBB0TqTCkPsyTtNgAxEGy-g-5XgN1PcoHfLDaK5EXCjzsPYDboJqzDIQpV7Cx0/w400-h266/North_Macedonia_Air_Force09.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE60yGMx8DqZU0xlvw9x24W-u65AZiIXpkfTMNfuD34cORP-i0k_ZKj27ug6bx4KQPny9wVOrIpTCcfIRHmP1HLftOBG_PVCMHBkdYPN7tmY6Kz0J_ppPk2TfYTn7IvWCF7eBThjUbGF9q0C5tk61RnkjDCNONSsFmaibQ2YDjHrEACh2uBaozeR0dVOk/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE60yGMx8DqZU0xlvw9x24W-u65AZiIXpkfTMNfuD34cORP-i0k_ZKj27ug6bx4KQPny9wVOrIpTCcfIRHmP1HLftOBG_PVCMHBkdYPN7tmY6Kz0J_ppPk2TfYTn7IvWCF7eBThjUbGF9q0C5tk61RnkjDCNONSsFmaibQ2YDjHrEACh2uBaozeR0dVOk/w400-h266/North_Macedonia_Air_Force10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQitIdgWhxDsX0SwlHyuxOYX-6sipvFqCdjj9GLwwP4shx8VS26SkxvJ7PGA7i9PJE56yF-7tk6iBZhn62P8ENjMAYLK5rNqllYIvQ4Uy7MaLMQ3Xi2-8Zr4FKRtEbI6VQfVYXggEWaXG2N9fgm20s6IsGxckQ3-HhmzszruQR-rgJ0MV242NSCrXiBrI/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQitIdgWhxDsX0SwlHyuxOYX-6sipvFqCdjj9GLwwP4shx8VS26SkxvJ7PGA7i9PJE56yF-7tk6iBZhn62P8ENjMAYLK5rNqllYIvQ4Uy7MaLMQ3Xi2-8Zr4FKRtEbI6VQfVYXggEWaXG2N9fgm20s6IsGxckQ3-HhmzszruQR-rgJ0MV242NSCrXiBrI/w400-h266/North_Macedonia_Air_Force11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM99Kv9pq6-19uzltR2SMzxfEiNnZ9nseYCrycfgfVn5dJh4nAO7Y8RbSLtjfPyJ-2CTL_bxlcVvtdvtNyR8XEQjjBukhpGZw1tsHWaFXBDvGsFkwNTAftv2fnMaTgjKwJMGw9LOnUh9axuGztYjJx7yxq65kdRM6MHjrvPUIH2da2vvZwjwy9uiv9ms/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM99Kv9pq6-19uzltR2SMzxfEiNnZ9nseYCrycfgfVn5dJh4nAO7Y8RbSLtjfPyJ-2CTL_bxlcVvtdvtNyR8XEQjjBukhpGZw1tsHWaFXBDvGsFkwNTAftv2fnMaTgjKwJMGw9LOnUh9axuGztYjJx7yxq65kdRM6MHjrvPUIH2da2vvZwjwy9uiv9ms/w400-h266/North_Macedonia_Air_Force12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiOccFNCiCrixwtJOlxwqhUM1mPwXA5m7jgVdZ0UY2jaAH4IVFOkEaeyOWq9nRBZWM1lOdX4LYdasXJd0t96rbuAYZSRB6xvZeDT48D7C3h1tEHHpfj7LcjSd9jb0b7Bm-S6AZFwgohPNLED2cH1z9NvfB3_qvFxr8Yd7mYEZBMtvwBNvvUnaY6pB75o/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiOccFNCiCrixwtJOlxwqhUM1mPwXA5m7jgVdZ0UY2jaAH4IVFOkEaeyOWq9nRBZWM1lOdX4LYdasXJd0t96rbuAYZSRB6xvZeDT48D7C3h1tEHHpfj7LcjSd9jb0b7Bm-S6AZFwgohPNLED2cH1z9NvfB3_qvFxr8Yd7mYEZBMtvwBNvvUnaY6pB75o/w400-h266/North_Macedonia_Air_Force15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcpQfenw6ID6IZ2mRGP_U9QkxtlVHyH8q4lYWVFN60sf8jbU5WEUk1oPXLeFKBV3cAIg-HlqfMYi80ns-XvC1BcAegbTbToJ2wORIlURsuJAOJq3YbzuQT5SEvPBkMU2Yde71c0fneIP6F6idCCsbDWmnVqfvN-5wpCWqGpjOQc18E-B-vAQQX2y6FCg/s1024/North_Macedonia_Air_Force16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="North Macedonian Air Force" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcpQfenw6ID6IZ2mRGP_U9QkxtlVHyH8q4lYWVFN60sf8jbU5WEUk1oPXLeFKBV3cAIg-HlqfMYi80ns-XvC1BcAegbTbToJ2wORIlURsuJAOJq3YbzuQT5SEvPBkMU2Yde71c0fneIP6F6idCCsbDWmnVqfvN-5wpCWqGpjOQc18E-B-vAQQX2y6FCg/w400-h266/North_Macedonia_Air_Force16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Report by Mirco Bonato</div></div>
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</script></div>Blog Before Flight Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06611037552503341799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1142657372780579636.post-9142991238803754832024-01-24T06:57:00.000+01:002024-01-24T06:57:06.522+01:00Swedish pilots start training in Italy<h1 style="text-align: left;">Cadets of the Swedish Air Force for the first time at the 61st Wing in Galatina</h1><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Swedish pilots training Italy" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJqiut_8qA2xKdFWOQ57OHfOexu8iwMkdFykchrKefSl_sq3hpk_w3aAf9nhlRdabaoZJHQCWC6onH92bxQNtyW0BqzzThXn0c5tlrd5fX3dVoQq6ahCHU8AQtlEDepS-p0Rtvzw4Q5uH3QxWC7RQ8FpY5syU29VDCbtfrE7hVA4Wcr_x2Mi2KRGbrNw/w640-h428/Swedish_pilots_start_training_in_Italy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Swedish pilots" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swedish Air Force student pilots head to the Italian Air Force's MB-339 trainer jet at Galatina Air Base, southern Italy.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In accordance with the Technical Arrangement, signed in December 2023 between the Italian Air Force and the Swedish Air Force, the first four Scandinavian students arrived at the “F. Cesari” military airport of Galatina, accompanied by their Senior National Representative, to undertake the flight training course that the Air Force also offers to various international partners.<br /><br />The young cadets, after a short in-processing period at the base located in the territory of Salento, will begin the Phase II “Primary Pilot Training” course on 22 January 2024 at the 214th Flight Group, through which they will acquire the necessary basic knowledge and skills of military flight.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizChOUNhHJamHe4KDGffueq7tcwiTYIwuEjLy-_u5JB5TB6dE0i2HxsL84YA3zBEMLge8eTdQuMAlu9rSO9BLqwG_XrH3InY6RqLDeNDJFi02F_A5-JVBbZ55RUvnQML1MX5EpJbiUuS1Wv3eIKARMv6qUA70JL5vJh9nBj93Wh3rK41rI3EG5XALRPy8/s1024/Swedish_pilots_start_training_in_Italy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swedish pilots training Italy" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizChOUNhHJamHe4KDGffueq7tcwiTYIwuEjLy-_u5JB5TB6dE0i2HxsL84YA3zBEMLge8eTdQuMAlu9rSO9BLqwG_XrH3InY6RqLDeNDJFi02F_A5-JVBbZ55RUvnQML1MX5EpJbiUuS1Wv3eIKARMv6qUA70JL5vJh9nBj93Wh3rK41rI3EG5XALRPy8/w640-h428/Swedish_pilots_start_training_in_Italy1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The training will continue with the subsequent Phase III Fighter Track “Specialized Pilot Training”, managed by the 213th Group, which, through more advanced and specific preparation, will allow them to reach the most important and significant stage in the long road to full operational capacity: obtaining a military pilot’s license.<br /><br />Once obtained the “turreted eagle” pin, which distinguishes military pilots, the process will continue within the 61st Wing under the guidance of the 212th Group/IFTS, at the International Flight Training School of Decimomannu, an innovative and cutting-edge training campus, resulting from the collaboration between the Air Force and Leonardo.<br /><br />Phase IV “Lead-In to Fighter Training” will thus begin, a path which, by means of the highly advanced Integrated Training System 346 (ITS-346), will allow for a smoother transition to operational activities on latest generation aircraft.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE1Ksvd-hLWI9W5Oga56MW4kv7w45QpYsaAaYV2gPlGO2vv2Qh57GJzZkdTbOWu5EDi6jU44iiv9DDCa2XjjJJZGTWI5vAM4Zikt3S6KqUXMsShA3_wKtrT3gAZsQo7CNygYhw_AlWunYXJhDdSmHlyYFJeEJM3TMP-R4FxiiHVZ0IU6Fz8WRwSG3vGU/s1024/Swedish_pilots_start_training_in_Italy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swedish pilots training Italy" border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1024" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE1Ksvd-hLWI9W5Oga56MW4kv7w45QpYsaAaYV2gPlGO2vv2Qh57GJzZkdTbOWu5EDi6jU44iiv9DDCa2XjjJJZGTWI5vAM4Zikt3S6KqUXMsShA3_wKtrT3gAZsQo7CNygYhw_AlWunYXJhDdSmHlyYFJeEJM3TMP-R4FxiiHVZ0IU6Fz8WRwSG3vGU/w640-h374/Swedish_pilots_start_training_in_Italy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Sweden joins the numerous nations that over the years have chosen the Italian Air Force and the 61st Wing, demonstrating the recognized international value of the quality of the training offered by the Italian flight school. For Col. Vito Conserva, Commander of the 61st Wing, “the increasingly significant presence of foreign personnel confirms the continuous growth of our school, now a consolidated centre of excellence for flight training, based on the most modern assets of the Italian Air Force”.<div><br /></div><div>Source, Images: Italian Air Force</div></div>
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Blog Before Flight Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06611037552503341799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1142657372780579636.post-30279077146180069422024-01-16T05:20:00.000+01:002024-01-16T05:20:04.164+01:00Skunk Works rolls out X-59, NASA's newest X-Plane<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyCcSBmWuRYOC6DApP1TBeZLQZbHytK9ZUiL1BUP0-knLfvRqbOHCyyQ5XRZREvVXXkz0MMt2EsTCuJ3nVmFUf3p-YTAx1yeFNS0NB8Z6XREs9K2eQ46wfzPwOX1gcI3jyqnaEQ9nnxFhNkOxQI2Xel08Dk7eRdk7Qb1JQydXmglROz9F1vkcLDLCIbs/s1024/Skunk_Works_rolls_out_X-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Skunk Works NASA X59" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyCcSBmWuRYOC6DApP1TBeZLQZbHytK9ZUiL1BUP0-knLfvRqbOHCyyQ5XRZREvVXXkz0MMt2EsTCuJ3nVmFUf3p-YTAx1yeFNS0NB8Z6XREs9K2eQ46wfzPwOX1gcI3jyqnaEQ9nnxFhNkOxQI2Xel08Dk7eRdk7Qb1JQydXmglROz9F1vkcLDLCIbs/w640-h426/Skunk_Works_rolls_out_X-59.jpg" title="X-59" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockheed Martin Skunk Works rolled out the X-59, a unique experimental aircraft <br />designed to quiet the sonic boom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Jan. 12, 2024 – Lockheed Martin Skunk Works rolled out the X-59, a unique experimental aircraft designed to quiet the sonic boom, at a ceremony in Palmdale, California. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Lockheed Martin's and NASA's decades-long journey to solve one of the most persistent challenges of supersonic flight – the sonic boom.<br /><br />"We're thrilled to take on this challenge alongside NASA, whose quiet supersonic technology mission will have lasting, transformational impacts for people around the world," said John Clark, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "This project is just one example of the broader ingenuity of our industry as we continually strive to push the envelope of what's possible."<br /><br />Rollout ceremonies are a long-standing aviation tradition, and in the case of the X-59, it celebrated technical advancements, collaboration and innovation that stemmed from years of research, development and production of a one-of-a-kind technology demonstrator aircraft that will reduce the loudness of sonic booms to a gentle thump.<br /><br />"The entire X-59 team leaned into the expertise of both legendary organizations, NASA and Lockheed Martin, to ensure success for this program. I am extremely proud of everyone who made this historic moment possible," said Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.<br /><br />Next, the aircraft will complete ground tests including engine-run and taxi tests before its next major milestone, first flight, later this year. After the aircraft is validated in initial flight tests, it will move into the acoustic testing phase. This phase will include flights over populated areas to provide U.S. and international regulators with statistically valid data required to help approve new rules that could allow quiet commercial supersonic flight over land. This would cut commercial flight times to half of what they are today, transforming travel for people around the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Source, Image: Lockheed Martin</div>
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The American aerospace giant underlined that these advanced aircraft represent not only a technological leap but also a firm commitment to strengthening Slovakia's national security.<br /><br />OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the significance of this delivery: "The delivery of the first two F-16 Block 70 jets to Slovakia signifies a crucial starting point in bolstering the country’s defense capabilities. We are proud to be part of this endeavor and are committed to delivering a total of 14 jets to Slovakia." <br /><br />Sanchez continued: "The integration of this proven platform will allow the Slovak Air Force to effectively safeguard its borders and partner with allies across Europe, NATO, and the world. We stand committed to our mission of advancing 21st Century Security through cost-effective operations and strategic partnerships, ensuring the safety and well-being of U.S. allies."</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w99Gc0hLAV4iYV0NPbUvNStzWyuwOqRWc720sDyU1UQhPO_7_W3yAOwPuZXjPYiS9MztxBgAnJ3cDgyMKtKL2Wy2f2NzhcTawrQmYvDH1fO7SpkRnSeM2tWiIBF1kvXl_RZlizyGt8OX10YJSWzFEBIfiO0QiD30BuymbxxVT69wY_eb4y1esZz9vSM/s1024/Lockheed_Martin_delivers_first_two_F-16_aircraft_for_Slovakia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lockheed delivers first Slovakian F16" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w99Gc0hLAV4iYV0NPbUvNStzWyuwOqRWc720sDyU1UQhPO_7_W3yAOwPuZXjPYiS9MztxBgAnJ3cDgyMKtKL2Wy2f2NzhcTawrQmYvDH1fO7SpkRnSeM2tWiIBF1kvXl_RZlizyGt8OX10YJSWzFEBIfiO0QiD30BuymbxxVT69wY_eb4y1esZz9vSM/w640-h426/Lockheed_Martin_delivers_first_two_F-16_aircraft_for_Slovakia1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />These F-16 Block 70 jets, proudly manufactured in Greenville, South Carolina, are a testament to advanced engineering and technology. With a current backlog of 135 jets, the production line serves as a cornerstone of national security, offering state-of-the-art F-16 fighter jet capabilities to allies worldwide. <br /><br />Furthermore, Bulgaria has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for an additional eight jets for its fleet. Once the agreement is finalized, the backlog will increase by eight. <br /><br />Deliveries for Slovakia will continue through 2025, and the first group of jets, known as a ferry cell, is expected to arrive in Slovakia mid-2024.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVf__XXU6vEiXheyzfLYlEHEToznNYhnPFoMfBpv82Tm79aNKeuZW0peHmV5YPXJSixxho1UDFv0Z1Ak2fG9qkjXTNwTGdMMePR4BZvBrbxgwGtX6sT8j7xIiwoAnXm7jkKe0hTAtZtoN76PqgE3jJriLBcFKuextAYJZZAlfh3gecmj2FvaQsKatAQw/s1024/Lockheed_Martin_delivers_first_two_F-16_aircraft_for_Slovakia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lockheed delivers first Slovakian F16" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVf__XXU6vEiXheyzfLYlEHEToznNYhnPFoMfBpv82Tm79aNKeuZW0peHmV5YPXJSixxho1UDFv0Z1Ak2fG9qkjXTNwTGdMMePR4BZvBrbxgwGtX6sT8j7xIiwoAnXm7jkKe0hTAtZtoN76PqgE3jJriLBcFKuextAYJZZAlfh3gecmj2FvaQsKatAQw/w640-h426/Lockheed_Martin_delivers_first_two_F-16_aircraft_for_Slovakia2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Source, Images: Lockheed Martin</div>
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The aircraft it is equipped with advanced avionics equipped with a glass cockpit with five multifunction colour screens, a radar for tactical transport missions, communication systems, a satellite system, ballistic protection, and winglets which further increase its aerodynamic performance.<br /><br />Within the framework of the G2G Agreement between the two countries, Leonardo and the Air Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate of the Secretariat General of Defence/National Armaments Directorate have signed two contracts over the last two years, each of the contracts includes one aircraft plus logistics and training services. The selection of the C-27J by the Slovenian Ministry of Defence fully meets a variety of operational needs in terms of transport and projection capabilities in international operations. This is in addition to supporting the national community for rescue, disaster relief, and fire-fighting duties. The Slovenian programme intends to use the C-27J in the new fire-fighting configuration, equipped with the latest generation MAFFS II (Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting System) palletized fire-fighting system from United Aeronautical Corporation, a world leader in aerial fire-fighting application systems.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnpN2fNySUnEg6HCRXb19vHGe83R3rZYjUiciGlA7NlPqgsp-8AdeJV_umIA9rZAe4abxWpTKAFv08LfGhTZZZTCh2MniXS0zv92UX1_zOj1Jf7WA0b0NicxVa5xwjem565XrQvb_D8_lUHy8wVNXC0-69WJXznqS2LJjBkQFs7LXUbaPNNlrEAoG5gg/s1024/Leonardo_delivers_first_C-27J_Spartan_to_Slovenia1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Leonardo delivers first C27J Slovenia" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnpN2fNySUnEg6HCRXb19vHGe83R3rZYjUiciGlA7NlPqgsp-8AdeJV_umIA9rZAe4abxWpTKAFv08LfGhTZZZTCh2MniXS0zv92UX1_zOj1Jf7WA0b0NicxVa5xwjem565XrQvb_D8_lUHy8wVNXC0-69WJXznqS2LJjBkQFs7LXUbaPNNlrEAoG5gg/w640-h426/Leonardo_delivers_first_C-27J_Spartan_to_Slovenia1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The system architecture of the C-27J Next Generation ensures a cost-effective solution for all the tactical operational requirements expressed by the market, ensuring, among other things, interoperability with other higher category transport aircraft. To meet operator needs, the aircraft's modular architecture allows integration with in-flight refuelling, self-protection, secure communications and ballistic protection systems to operate in high-threat environments, transporting materials, light vehicles, and personnel. Thanks to the versatility of the platform, the C-27J can in fact be rapidly reconfigured, by means of kits and roll-on/roll-off mission systems in the configuration necessary to carry out defence and civil protection missions, in line with emerging market demands.<br /><br />With over 90 units ordered to operate in the most challenging geographical, environmental, and operational contexts, Leonardo's Spartan continues to grow in capacity and performance, thanks to its design and intrinsic versatility and is able to perform with maximum effectiveness and cost competitive military transport missions, airdrop of paratroopers and materials, tactical support to ground forces, special forces operations, Maritime Patrol (MP), Command-Control-Communications (C3), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconaissance (ISR) and for operations of humanitarian/aero-medical assistance and support to populations impacted by environmental disasters.</div><div><br /></div><div>Source, Images: Leonardo</div>
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Chosen by military operators in 16 countries worldwide, the C-27J has been deployed since its entry into service into the most challenging terrains, environmental and operating contexts, from the Andes to Afghanistan.<br /><br />Dario Marfè, Senior Vice President of Commercial, CSS&T & Proprietary Programmes Business of Leonardo’s Aircraft Division, said: ‘The Spartan embodies the very essence of the national security concept, proving to be the ideal solution for defence force operations and making a vital contribution to population support and civil protection tasks. In a world impacted by many emergencies, like the Covid-19 pandemic, the Spartan has sustained support to communities in need.”<br /><br />The aircraft’s capabilities, which have been extensively demonstrated in many challenging operations, with its modular design have grown over the years to meet evolving requirements in the market, both in terms of technical characteristics and military/civil missions, leading to the latest standard, designated the C-27J Spartan Next Generation. This configuration features state-of-the-art avionics and winglets for greater efficiency and enhanced operational performance. Core avionics include a glass cockpit with five multi-functional colour screens, a radar system for tactical transport missions and advanced communication systems. The system architecture ensures interoperability with other transport aircraft. The addition of winglets further enhances the overall aerodynamics performance, by increasing the lift-drag ratio with benefits, including even better hot and high runway performance, increased payload, range, endurance and the overall deriving reduction in operating costs. The winglet design includes parts produced with modern 3D Additive Manufacturing technology.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGADbNNFVPXdEuzpgv8XrROMRurpY2DiClBPR7Dmo9qKkBBef4Qe7NFJ_jn08zhuMISFc8KfMf07NdFPmrsBVCORyHkEl9nL8ydKRlZTZmxfV0exl2SXeEm6cR6EU24jJv0bkt-X0WyFP7VKntigBhmaxU3TtnkpYnzfEdhDcbwQ_jE7hVTOaoLMJgVk/s1024/Leonardo_C-27J_global_fleet_logs_250000_flight_hours1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Leonardo C27J fleet 250000 hours" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGADbNNFVPXdEuzpgv8XrROMRurpY2DiClBPR7Dmo9qKkBBef4Qe7NFJ_jn08zhuMISFc8KfMf07NdFPmrsBVCORyHkEl9nL8ydKRlZTZmxfV0exl2SXeEm6cR6EU24jJv0bkt-X0WyFP7VKntigBhmaxU3TtnkpYnzfEdhDcbwQ_jE7hVTOaoLMJgVk/w640-h426/Leonardo_C-27J_global_fleet_logs_250000_flight_hours1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The inherent growth potential and versatility of the C-27J leverages a solid basic design, a wide-ranging in-service experience as well as an established strong industrial know-how and expertise backing the type’s ability to meet evolving market needs. The C-27J can be provided with in-flight refuelling, self-protection, secure communications and ballistic protection systems to operate in high-threat environments. With multiple roll-on/roll-off mission kits easily installed and transportable roll-on/roll-off mission systems, the C-27J can be quickly reconfigured into the configuration required for the current mission. A wide spectrum of mission configuration/versions also include fire-fighting, Maritime Patrol (MP), Command-Control-Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C3ISR) and special operations versions.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Source, Images: Leonardo</div>
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There were 16 F-16s on the flight line, of which 13 aircraft ultimately took to the airspace. Two F-16s remained behind on the flight line and one aircraft ultimately did not participate in the flight. This was done to test the readiness and to demonstrate the operational strength. <br /><br /> “Good to show how much air power we can generate in this transition phase.” said the commander of 312 Squadron Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Vreeburg. “It is the last year of the F-16. Furthermore, it is important to monitor the readiness of these devices. The employability is still very high. Not only for this transition phase, but I have never seen it this good in the last twenty years." <br /><br />Before take-off, a so-called 'Elephant Walk' was organized, during which 14 F-16s slowly drove over the entire runway, before the 13 aircraft finally took off from Volkel air base.<br /><br /></div><div> The aircraft that took part in the Elephant Walk flew a 'standard mission' to training areas above the North Sea and the Danish areas. To manage all of this, a team effort was required from all 270 men and women who make up the 312 Squadron. The unit has had this size since the 313 Squadron and most of the 900 Maintenance Squadron were integrated into the 312 Squadron in 2021. Vreeburg: “That merger has really paid off in terms of the deployability of aircraft”<br /><br />The very first LockheedMartin (General Dynamics) F-16 was delivered to the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1979. The 312 squadron at Volkel air base will fly the F-16 until approximately September 2024, after which the aircraft will be permanently taken out of service.<br /> <br /> This gray day was a bit hampered by low clouds and a light ground fog.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5q2lwzb6OcdpsENPz8__c-i5QXEycnKmNbeLoFOJnxq99fzOeba-G1oZ-8J0qdB2MzLKlAts7mg1xfav5gX1ObxlrrPUEU7_n9tdjY_sH31hKIzNj2cYmppF5pris9Fsd4IfNTwAqhzMDWVcSILk34G8qztORsTdtU02Vt2bzDm-rJIDDcOcmsjI-KI/s1024/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkel F16 Elephant Walk" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5q2lwzb6OcdpsENPz8__c-i5QXEycnKmNbeLoFOJnxq99fzOeba-G1oZ-8J0qdB2MzLKlAts7mg1xfav5gX1ObxlrrPUEU7_n9tdjY_sH31hKIzNj2cYmppF5pris9Fsd4IfNTwAqhzMDWVcSILk34G8qztORsTdtU02Vt2bzDm-rJIDDcOcmsjI-KI/w400-h268/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2d8SFd5GOD3wFC1A1YLnETp1ZEyXdniU7IMRuBAnvBgJ632doO76aXGlWMrEAfMkFjC0MVENUnQ0n3PAcztGWYUj-30P8jrge-WL6dYii3DX96-lqGBFCZzdP3zTPwO5gMA-LkTOCrojm906L-apoZfsdBrnaQL1fiOomkPAjmamCIZD4qRHTbH83FjE/s1024/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkel F16 Elephant Walk" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2d8SFd5GOD3wFC1A1YLnETp1ZEyXdniU7IMRuBAnvBgJ632doO76aXGlWMrEAfMkFjC0MVENUnQ0n3PAcztGWYUj-30P8jrge-WL6dYii3DX96-lqGBFCZzdP3zTPwO5gMA-LkTOCrojm906L-apoZfsdBrnaQL1fiOomkPAjmamCIZD4qRHTbH83FjE/w400-h268/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeJl6SGVvmMuvjXnA3P4O1rP4G_rHTBlkghDxaG5941Y_D7HFYokgsLhHAxzKiFHTWdeGcXdJGiBvDgG0t0K3u5YwdZBCl5nLX3I-o6zMK3QptFjpvrx5lXIhYlH5-wMdunhGBLxIq39wuKK3rkT6G3Z2Cvi-cQGMdrg3wDrkHqyX5Tgs7iJtvZ_-58s/s1024/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkel F16 Elephant Walk" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeJl6SGVvmMuvjXnA3P4O1rP4G_rHTBlkghDxaG5941Y_D7HFYokgsLhHAxzKiFHTWdeGcXdJGiBvDgG0t0K3u5YwdZBCl5nLX3I-o6zMK3QptFjpvrx5lXIhYlH5-wMdunhGBLxIq39wuKK3rkT6G3Z2Cvi-cQGMdrg3wDrkHqyX5Tgs7iJtvZ_-58s/w400-h266/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKlmOUke5pUz3ntatMQspxWMuDc_B4UKUb5lHCLB1JkuPGJumNNgpaBiJHy5lHwRId_zLj9i5TcFFcEkXesS9pckwWPp_SGXwikoWMO7lo1x7_Zy2HbI9l1ennYS1TZ9E_-1tL3yUQoC7s4xNd26HiVqZDR77cwvWLk6GnLjAqI2sQS6I-XTmFkbSEoo/s1024/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkel F16 Elephant Walk" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKlmOUke5pUz3ntatMQspxWMuDc_B4UKUb5lHCLB1JkuPGJumNNgpaBiJHy5lHwRId_zLj9i5TcFFcEkXesS9pckwWPp_SGXwikoWMO7lo1x7_Zy2HbI9l1ennYS1TZ9E_-1tL3yUQoC7s4xNd26HiVqZDR77cwvWLk6GnLjAqI2sQS6I-XTmFkbSEoo/w400-h268/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJhGeAbNvsL129sasOK0-q7iIFgSEVh7NblPJPgvph5HkwfiBRH9KuS8nZ3N6BAW0LSsmAMl1-4V0i7W4lr4bztzJB4DZgralRyXIJj-bM7U0bLLvht7Y3Awr7xzCv4-kCH1yZ6UAbKlYUNkLHgCsgx8jkm3OPE8Ftp0IJvVF4rcEa30qy4zfRXIs9tI/s1024/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkel F16 Elephant Walk" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJhGeAbNvsL129sasOK0-q7iIFgSEVh7NblPJPgvph5HkwfiBRH9KuS8nZ3N6BAW0LSsmAMl1-4V0i7W4lr4bztzJB4DZgralRyXIJj-bM7U0bLLvht7Y3Awr7xzCv4-kCH1yZ6UAbKlYUNkLHgCsgx8jkm3OPE8Ftp0IJvVF4rcEa30qy4zfRXIs9tI/w400-h268/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVYSlsxYnp3t7f7nNYsxFbYq9D1IQBlQmcZSYXcSYrKJxcn4oSUYSQAgZpCcGcoCnVBEg6qqcDl5qlHmz7fRWYkIlrPjO4cLRv7PqVIt5VTQFKnWz3mWUtY1sb0FldTJPAaG7OpHUPYnHNtCE7UC7rtiLsK6_F5_jxyojJ60HVdQJBC0JJzRbDxeVZ3Q/s1024/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkel F16 Elephant Walk" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVYSlsxYnp3t7f7nNYsxFbYq9D1IQBlQmcZSYXcSYrKJxcn4oSUYSQAgZpCcGcoCnVBEg6qqcDl5qlHmz7fRWYkIlrPjO4cLRv7PqVIt5VTQFKnWz3mWUtY1sb0FldTJPAaG7OpHUPYnHNtCE7UC7rtiLsK6_F5_jxyojJ60HVdQJBC0JJzRbDxeVZ3Q/w400-h268/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvzLsafhTwiQahglAbrZJWO7I5iJer3ltJU2kSYnKZyEueUil7yk7C4h7rmiUjwy1aNatbhhslfDirJ1ZNCIkp0asHhYb-wNXS8NmI6DDidqgXjwjP-18Jd7p-gaUPrw3QGhVHXvko14ADFdl-T5PjLMydiJ0l0fartejEQcJWPCDYcpYdhklKUB_bBU/s1024/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkel F16 Elephant Walk" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvzLsafhTwiQahglAbrZJWO7I5iJer3ltJU2kSYnKZyEueUil7yk7C4h7rmiUjwy1aNatbhhslfDirJ1ZNCIkp0asHhYb-wNXS8NmI6DDidqgXjwjP-18Jd7p-gaUPrw3QGhVHXvko14ADFdl-T5PjLMydiJ0l0fartejEQcJWPCDYcpYdhklKUB_bBU/w400-h268/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cSkIkuExF7pvv27M9-1Mp8ndMWNMDPTlElLG5esFEBY-kpBaQnEvLhGMsXPfUOk9hi6sPc06hXFeyzu7L_ECzl0Tu9IeKDBjA-iznp-D8xIj3oX1VE82lFRCwwTTmAayIdd8yGG2Z17cYynQKQfswTbqhJT5lMmrDD-sirv6Uuu9OHYyFUT_WHcFF_Y/s1024/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkel F16 Elephant Walk" border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1024" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cSkIkuExF7pvv27M9-1Mp8ndMWNMDPTlElLG5esFEBY-kpBaQnEvLhGMsXPfUOk9hi6sPc06hXFeyzu7L_ECzl0Tu9IeKDBjA-iznp-D8xIj3oX1VE82lFRCwwTTmAayIdd8yGG2Z17cYynQKQfswTbqhJT5lMmrDD-sirv6Uuu9OHYyFUT_WHcFF_Y/w400-h260/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oGeI_lYc9RqmeFg0MJQd3_xqVPN7QwQpVMGNTIObGRomJHPUWIVsJashR7TH6uwkZFhjsjgkaeDoQxYX6Z9X-dm8c5fN9NGuR1ZdOJbFV7hoWQIPVSQ3UqU3HIKwoP2DPzpBcjC7biPLmxVCJjP2iQCakzkWFg7b7a1dtb7OQXctGDChL-edN1ugvxM/s1024/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkel F16 Elephant Walk" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oGeI_lYc9RqmeFg0MJQd3_xqVPN7QwQpVMGNTIObGRomJHPUWIVsJashR7TH6uwkZFhjsjgkaeDoQxYX6Z9X-dm8c5fN9NGuR1ZdOJbFV7hoWQIPVSQ3UqU3HIKwoP2DPzpBcjC7biPLmxVCJjP2iQCakzkWFg7b7a1dtb7OQXctGDChL-edN1ugvxM/w400-h268/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZRiVyrliqc4Y2pFB0nx4YYrg9O06Xl9E-Dx_6EE-Ti1uGVP3PL2P9WSMQdsv6pqtlGSAPr0JHwvKM6l0z-zFLKlM78XVipAy-j55URmRzqRBhS3-RrgJ5v5QvrhkU8cmXljaMzl1r2E7sDwch9VGynunpFcUrp-LFkJwL9qzQ3wNVgrRFfIEeD2YFVI/s1024/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkel F16 Elephant Walk" border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZRiVyrliqc4Y2pFB0nx4YYrg9O06Xl9E-Dx_6EE-Ti1uGVP3PL2P9WSMQdsv6pqtlGSAPr0JHwvKM6l0z-zFLKlM78XVipAy-j55URmRzqRBhS3-RrgJ5v5QvrhkU8cmXljaMzl1r2E7sDwch9VGynunpFcUrp-LFkJwL9qzQ3wNVgrRFfIEeD2YFVI/w400-h266/Volkel_F16_Elephant_Walk11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>👉 <a href="https://www.blogbeforeflight.net/2021/11/dutch-f16-elephant-walk-volkel.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here is the report of the previous elephant walk at Volkel Air Base</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Photo: Joris van Boven (Last one from RNLAF)<br />Text: Joris van Boven, Alex van Noije</div>
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According to the agreement, pilots of the Swedish Air Force will conduct part of their training in Italy starting from January 2024. The document was signed by the Chief of Staff of the Swedish Air Force, Major General Jonas Wikman, and his Italian counterpart, General Luca Goretti.<br /><br />The training will take place at the 61st Wing/Lecce-Galatina Air Base (Phase 2 and 3), and at the International Flight Training School-IFTS (Phase 4)/Decimomannu Air Base, Sardinia.<br /><br />"I am happy that the agreement has now been signed and that we have the necessary conditions to get started with qualified flight training that meets the requirements of the future," said Major General Wikman.</div><div><br /></div><div>"This is a further significant step for the safety of European skies: finding agreements and synergies between countries that share spaces and orientations is always productive. Working with Swedish colleagues will represent an opportunity for growth for both countries. This agreement also represents another fundamental piece for the IFTS project, in which the Country System is investing with trust, conviction and, above all, results. A project born thanks to the full and convinced support of the Ministry of Defense and which is also based on the profitable and proven synergy with Leonardo," said General Goretti.<br /><br />The training will be carried out by the Italian Air Force with the support of Leonardo Industries. The Swedish Air Force will send flight instructors to both air bases to be trained to fly the Italian training aircraft and operate its integrated systems. Subsequently the Swedish flight instructors will serve as flight instructors at the Italian flight school. In total, over one hundred students and a dozen instructor pilots are expected to be trained.<br /><br />The International Flight Training School was born from the strategic collaboration between the Air Force and Leonardo S.p.a. for the creation of an advanced flight training center intended to constitute an international point of reference in the training of military pilots starting from Phase 4 (Advanced/Lead-In to Fighter Training). The IFTS uses a modular, very versatile syllabus, based on the innovative T-346A Integrated Training System, particularly effective for training pilots for a wide range of latest generation fighters, including the F-35, the Eurofighter and the Gripen.<br /><br />This Air Campus is an example of collaboration and synergy for the country system which aims to satisfy the growing demand of the Air Force and partner countries for the training of their pilots. The project will in fact make it possible to double the current training offer through the creation of a new training center distributed between the Galatina base and the Decimomannu base in Sardinia, home to the new IFTS campus. It is a complex structure capable of hosting students and technical staff, also equipped with recreational areas, canteen, sports facilities, logistics and maintenance infrastructure capable of managing a fleet of 22 T-346A aircraft. Furthermore, an entire building is dedicated to the highly advanced Ground Based Training System (GBTS), a modern training system based on latest generation simulation systems.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Swedish Air Force has to date trained its pilots at home by flying the SK 60 (Saab 105) aircraft which is 60 years old and no longer suitable to provide adequate training for pilots destined for modern combat aircraft.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Written by Matteo Sanzani</div></div><div>Sources: Swedish Armed Forces, Italian Air Force</div><div>Image: Italian Air Force</div>
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</script></div>Blog Before Flight Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06611037552503341799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1142657372780579636.post-59286690972948232542023-11-30T11:33:00.002+01:002023-11-30T11:34:47.484+01:00Romania receives first three F-16 fighters from Norway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_aCKKHlBe3uIcGIMd0ytMhGExKQHCeYWBl4id74R1_Mpe6t-LigZ8C3sGnHqVGlFpQVosLBAELMCkHrbtkoX9af7934ZiqLSJhUQ-gNuDusP9rYSLIsS4Txj2e2FCyIWh_hTDsQhd56VZNANBUkYxP1hN2138S9o14k3PPG0ALkEKLBqYYRN9TJcqfo/s1024/Romania_receives_first_three_F-16_fighters_from_Norway.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Romania receives first F16 Norway" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_aCKKHlBe3uIcGIMd0ytMhGExKQHCeYWBl4id74R1_Mpe6t-LigZ8C3sGnHqVGlFpQVosLBAELMCkHrbtkoX9af7934ZiqLSJhUQ-gNuDusP9rYSLIsS4Txj2e2FCyIWh_hTDsQhd56VZNANBUkYxP1hN2138S9o14k3PPG0ALkEKLBqYYRN9TJcqfo/w640-h426/Romania_receives_first_three_F-16_fighters_from_Norway.jpg" title="F-16" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (L) congratulates Romanian ambassador Cristian Bădescu in front of one of three F-16s that were handed over to Romania.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Three Romanian fighter pilots took off Tuesday from Rygge Air Base, Norway, flying freshly overhauled F-16 jets to their new home base in Romania.<br /><br />"The sale of the F-16 will strengthen and modernize the defense of Romania, an allied nation along NATO's eastern flank and bordering Ukraine. With the delivery of the first aircraft to Romania we celebrate an important milestone," Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) said.<br /><br />The aircraft underwent an intense preparation period, during which Forsvarsmateriel together with Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS) carried out modifications, maintenance and certification of the aircraft, in order to prepare them for use in the Romanian Air Force. The sale of the defense systems was also subject to approval by the Norwegian and American authorities.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKkPpqnfV24_05nKN9ZH9wbQPVzqiy3eJCzyoNxb1WgyxmI1Rai7kPoGaTLWChJFFXwWEhJhiopni3qO8apfJMs6jldAuDPKmi2bY4vt-nGvolM2jsIW3eiBKgayAuA2rlpi6CVoi-KXhsoWxOaoO4H4BhDC3Buf_0KrMvOWteDo8AiyfBN4rcdy5dz4/s1024/Romania_receives_first_three_F-16_fighters_from_Norway1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Romania receives first F16 Norway" border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKkPpqnfV24_05nKN9ZH9wbQPVzqiy3eJCzyoNxb1WgyxmI1Rai7kPoGaTLWChJFFXwWEhJhiopni3qO8apfJMs6jldAuDPKmi2bY4vt-nGvolM2jsIW3eiBKgayAuA2rlpi6CVoi-KXhsoWxOaoO4H4BhDC3Buf_0KrMvOWteDo8AiyfBN4rcdy5dz4/w640-h426/Romania_receives_first_three_F-16_fighters_from_Norway1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>"The agreement with Romania includes two squadrons of fighter aircraft with the addition of spare parts, support equipment and technician training. The start of deliveries is the result of good work done by Forsvarsmateriel employees, with good support from KAMS and experienced F-16 personnel from the Air Force," Gram said.<br /><br />The delivery of the aircraft will be completed in 2025, this will give Romania time to train pilots and technicians. Furthermore, Forsvarsmateriel will assist the Romanian defense with the transfer of experience related to the use of the F-16.<br /><br />Romania has <a href="https://www.blogbeforeflight.net/2022/11/norway-signs-f-16-contract-with-romania.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">signed a contract with Norway in 2022</a> to buy 32 of the 57 F-16 aircraft decommissioned by the Norwegian Air Force following the introduction of the advanced F-35A.</div><div><br /></div><div>Written by Matteo Sanzani</div><div>Images: Onar Digernes Aase/Forsvaret</div>
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