Italian Air Force shows its main air, ground capabilities in powerful 22-minute tactical demo
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| Italian Air Force F-2000A Typhoon multi-role fighter conducts CAS demo above Rivolto AFB, northern Italy. |
Taking the opportunity of the airshow organized for the 60th anniversary of the Frecce Tricolori demo team, the Italian Air Force showed its many operational capabilities to the public.
The 17,000 spectators who last weekend went to the Rivolto Air Base, northern Italy, to celebrate the Frecce Tricolori were able to enjoy the performances of many assets, including almost all the aircraft in the ITAF fleet.
After the great performances of four foreign aerobatic teams (Midnight Hawk, Patrulla Aguila, Orlik Team and Patrouille Suisse), the program included some rare demos by ITAF aircraft, such as a large tactical display that showed several air and ground capabilities of the service in just 22 minutes.
During this event, the ITAF simulated all the “kinetic” operations in a very realistic way, thanks also to the use of flares and compressed air. The activity was carried out in compliance with all safety conditions, through careful synchronization and coordination of the acts and the use of different altitudes.
The first phase involved the exfiltration of personnel from hostile territory, as happened recently in Afghanistan. A C-130J transport aircraft simulated an ERO (Engine Runway Operation) operation by exfiltrating civilian/military personnel with the support of the Air Riflemen. This complex task was completed in just 4 minutes.
Subsequently a KC-767A strategic transport and tanker aircraft showed its quick landing and take-off capabilities. It was impressive to see a 150-ton aircraft take off its wheels from the runway in a few hundred meters.
The demo continued with the entry into the airfield of various fighters. An F-35A simulated a Suppression Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) activity, using its stealth capabilities to attack and destroy an enemy air defense system without being tracked.
This delicate action allowed for the safe entry of Tornado IDS, AMX, and Typhoon fighter-bombers who carried out several attacks on the field at an altitude of about 100 meters.
Once the area was cleared, two HH-101A helicopters landed 8 units of the ITAF Special Forces in just 5 seconds. Meanwhile, fighters continued to fly over the area to provide Close Air Support (CAS).
The activity ended with the display of the new F-35B, which marked its first public appearance in Italy, followed by an overflight of all the assets involved in the tactical demo.
The 17,000 spectators who last weekend went to the Rivolto Air Base, northern Italy, to celebrate the Frecce Tricolori were able to enjoy the performances of many assets, including almost all the aircraft in the ITAF fleet.
After the great performances of four foreign aerobatic teams (Midnight Hawk, Patrulla Aguila, Orlik Team and Patrouille Suisse), the program included some rare demos by ITAF aircraft, such as a large tactical display that showed several air and ground capabilities of the service in just 22 minutes.
During this event, the ITAF simulated all the “kinetic” operations in a very realistic way, thanks also to the use of flares and compressed air. The activity was carried out in compliance with all safety conditions, through careful synchronization and coordination of the acts and the use of different altitudes.
The first phase involved the exfiltration of personnel from hostile territory, as happened recently in Afghanistan. A C-130J transport aircraft simulated an ERO (Engine Runway Operation) operation by exfiltrating civilian/military personnel with the support of the Air Riflemen. This complex task was completed in just 4 minutes.
Subsequently a KC-767A strategic transport and tanker aircraft showed its quick landing and take-off capabilities. It was impressive to see a 150-ton aircraft take off its wheels from the runway in a few hundred meters.
The demo continued with the entry into the airfield of various fighters. An F-35A simulated a Suppression Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) activity, using its stealth capabilities to attack and destroy an enemy air defense system without being tracked.
This delicate action allowed for the safe entry of Tornado IDS, AMX, and Typhoon fighter-bombers who carried out several attacks on the field at an altitude of about 100 meters.
Once the area was cleared, two HH-101A helicopters landed 8 units of the ITAF Special Forces in just 5 seconds. Meanwhile, fighters continued to fly over the area to provide Close Air Support (CAS).
The activity ended with the display of the new F-35B, which marked its first public appearance in Italy, followed by an overflight of all the assets involved in the tactical demo.
Text and Pics: Matteo Sanzani
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