Page 87 - AirForces - Monthly (February 2020)

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transported. The AM’s VC-319s are specifically VIP flagships screens, an Electronic Flight Instrument System
modified for long-range operations, with The flagship of the VIP transport fleet remains (EFIS) and fly-by-wire controls with a sidestick.
supplementary fuel tanks replacing half the the VC-319A, which entered service in 2000, Another long-range aircraft serving with the
standard luggage hold, increasing the aircraft’s three examples being acquired to replace the Stormo is the Falcon VC-900. Three examples
endurance to around 12 flying hours. In most ageing DC-9-32. In 2005 one of the VC-319As of the 900EX version entered service from
other aspects, the aircraft in service are virtually was sold to Turkey, to be replaced by a new September 1999. Two 900EASY variants were
identical to their civilian counterparts, apart example the following year. In 2015 the AM’s acquired during 2005-06, while two of the
from some minor but significant differences, first VC-319A was grounded and offered for older 900EX aircraft were put up for auction
including supplementary navigational systems sale, but it remains unsold, mainly because the in March 2015 and subsequently departed for
(the Falcon 50s are equipped with three engines have no flying hours available, and new owners. The Falcon 900 can carry up to
inertial platforms instead of two) and the the aircraft therefore cannot be flown out of 12 passengers; the flight deck incorporates a
digital aircraft communication addressing Ciampino. It’s possible that it could be returned head-up display (HUD) and is based on the
and reporting system (ACARS) data link for to operational service with the 31° Stormo. Honeywell Primus 2000 system. This aircraft
satellite communication of brief radio or text The VC-319A’s standard configuration offers a range of more than 4,970 miles
messages. The most recent multi-year budget comprises three separate areas in the (8,000km). The oldest model of the Falcon
plan issued by the Italian defence ministry passenger cabin: a working stateroom, a operated by the 31° Stormo is the VC-50,
proposed that, in future, the aircraft of the 31° presidential salon with bathroom, and a 40-seat four of which entered service from 1985,
Stormo should also be fitted with protection passenger area. The flight deck incorporates a although the two most heavily used of these
systems against surface-to-air missiles. glass cockpit, equipped with six multifunction were disposed of in March 2006. The VC-50

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1: A stretcher inside the cabin of a VC-50A is standard equipment for aircraft on alert for medevac missions.
Riccardo Niccoli 2: The cockpit of the VC-900B is dominated by the Honeywell Primus 2000 system, including
head-up displays and five colour multifunction displays. Riccardo Niccoli 3: MM81807 (c/n 31408), one of
the two VH-139A VIP helicopters of the 31° Stormo’s 93° Gruppo over the Coliseum in Rome. Note the
‘REPUBBLICA ITALIANA’ titles. Italian Air Force/Troupe Azzurra 4: A 31° Stormo Falcon 900EX (VC-900A) over the
Mediterranean during a training flight. This aircraft has a range of more than 4,320nm. Italian Air Force/Troupe
Azzurra 5: The Airbus A340-500 that was acquired in 2016 under a leasing arrangement seen at Rome-Fiumicino
Airport. It was mainly used for qualification and training of aircrews, completing only a few state flights before
being retired in summer 2018. Mattia De Bon via author

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