The new aircraft replaces the HH-3F Pelican, in service for over thirty years at the 15 ° Stormo, which will soon end their operational life in armed force.
The 85 ° C / SAR center, the last of the SAR centers and groups of the 15 ° Stormo to guarantee the national alarm service with the HH-3F, during the transition to the new helicopter continued to provide its contribution in aid of the civilian population, for events of public calamity or for the transport of people in imminent danger of life.
The flight crew training was carried out by the 81 ° CAE (Crew Training Center) of Cervia (RA), through ground training courses preparatory to the next flight phase. Full operational capability was achieved in a short time thanks to the contribution and consolidated experience of the 84 ° C / SAR of Gioia del Colle (BA) and of the 82 ° C / SAR of Trapani on the new aircraft and the support of the 31 ° Ciampino Wing (RM). The logistical contribution provided by the 6 ° RME (Helicopter Maintenance Department) was also important, providing the necessary skills, personnel and facilities for the new machine.
With the 85 ° C / SAR the transition of the 15 ° Stormo to the new helicopter was thus completed, while the 80 ° C / SAR center in Decimomannu (CA) will continue to guarantee the search and rescue service on HH-212.
The entry into service of the HH-139A will allow it to operate effectively, taking advantage of the modern avionics configuration and the sophisticated sensors available in any weather and environmental condition.
The helicopter, in fact, was designed to be used in multiple missions. It can be configured, in the SAR version, for air search and rescue on sea, land and for emergency medical transport and, in a short time, reconfigured for the transport of personnel with a maximum number of 14 passengers.
Source: 85 ° Centro C / SAR - Pratica di Mare (RM) - cap. Alessandro Salamena
