On September 7th, three new operators of the Italian Air Force took and passed the final exams to obtain the qualification of On-board Technical Operator (OTB) on the P-72A aircraft of the 41st anti-submarine wing of Sigonella.
Among the crew members of the P-72A, the OBT is one of the peculiar figures that historically is ensured by the AM specialists unlike the others who could also come from the Navy (MM). In fact, a unique example in the Armed Forces, the crews of the 41st flock come from both the ranks of the AM and the MM.
The need for the course, aimed at personnel in the "Onboard Operator" category already assigned to the 41st wing, arose with the introduction of the P-72A aircraft and the consequent remodeling of the OBT figures - who were already operating on the " Atlantic "- in order to fulfill the Mission in all its phases.
The aspiring airmen had started training in January 2020 and, after having undergone a Entry Level Test in order to determine the propensity for use on board the aircraft, they followed a precise theoretical and, in particular, practical path with an intense training activity in flight, both day and night, always followed by the tutors of the 86th Center Crew training of the 41st Wing.
With the qualification acquired, in congratulating the new OBTs, the commander of the 41st wing and of Sigonella Airport, Colonel Gianluca Chiriatti, told them that: "[...] in recent years the P-72A set-up has grown considerably, gaining appreciation both nationally and internationally. Thanks to you crews, who have learned to use it to the fullest extent. Your desire and professionalism, as well as a stimulus for improve, are an added value for the Armed Force and the full testimony to be able to further increase the operational capabilities of the weapon system of the 41st wing ".
With the inevitable connected difficulties dictated by the current emergency situation linked to COVID-19, the course has always been carried out in strict compliance with all precautionary health measures.
The "P-72A" of the 41st antisom squadron of Sigonella is a medium range maritime patrol vessel, with "all weather" characteristics and capable of carrying out a varied typology of missions. The main features are the versatility, the rapidity of intervention, the possibility of redeployment, the ability to share the acquired data in real time and the reliability, which make the P-72A a cutting-edge weapon system. Although it is particularly suitable for use on the sea at medium-low altitude, the aircraft can operate in diversified environments, at various latitudes, with even considerably different climatic factors, regardless of light conditions (H24) and in marginal weather conditions.
