The memoranda of understanding, the result of a synergy and an analysis process already in place between sectors of the public administration, were signed by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force General Pasquale Preziosa, respectively with the head of the Police - general director of public security, prefect Alessandro Pansa, and with the general commander of the Carabinieri, general of the army corps Leonardo Gallitelli.
The Remotely Piloted Aircraft (APR) Predator (in versions A and B) of the 32 ° Stormo dell'Aeronautica Militare, based in Amendola (Fg), is used for carrying out research missions, both point-like and d ' area, thanks to the use of advanced electro-optical and infrared detection systems, day and night, radar for the identification of surface targets with NRT FMV (Near Real Time and Full Motion Video) capability.
The Predator is, in fact, an "On Scene Eye". One of the most important features of the APR is the persistence, that is the ability to remain in flight for a long time (over 20 hours) in the area of operation, with the possibility of being hijacked in flight at any time towards new goals.
The Predator system is used to carry out reconnaissance missions, surveillance and acquisition of objectives. The aircraft is capable of flying at medium and high altitudes, it guarantees great flight autonomy, allowing to obtain high performance both in the conduct of surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and in the context of patrol, search and rescue operations.
The Predators of the Italian Air Force are able to perform a wide range of tasks demonstrating high qualities of flexibility, versatility and effectiveness. It is possible, for example, to detect the presence of threats such as improvised explosive devices that represent the most insidious and widespread danger in today's operating theaters. Missions can also be carried out in hostile operating environments, in the presence of nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological contamination, or acquire data and information relating to small and large targets in areas potentially subject to operations.
The Predator aircraft also make it possible to contribute in a unique way to the creation and maintenance of the so-called "Situational Awareness", that is to the control of the evolution of the situation by the authorities responsible for the command of the activities. The characteristics of autonomy, speed, persistence and range, combined with low operating costs, make the System one of the best tools for border control, environmental monitoring, support for police forces and intervention in the event of natural disasters.
The Predator has proved to be quite versatile and has also been used in activities that are not typically military in support of other components of both the Defense Department and other Dicasteries. In fact, he was employed to contribute to internal security on the occasion of some "big events" (for example the Russia-Italy intergovernmental summit, held in Bari in March 2007 or the G8 of the Eagle of 2009).
Source: Public Information Office - Rome - cap. Marco Bevilacqua
