Page 87 - AirForces Monthly - Issue 381 (December 2019)

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1: Lightning up close. Northern Lightning was the fifth occasion – and the second time this year – that Italy supported this NATO mission in Iceland. The AM
previously deployed Eurofighter F-2000As for the mission. 2: ‘Slime lights’ aglow, F-35A MM7361 (AL-11, FMS 17-5287) ‘32-11’ taxies out for a Tango training

scramble at dusk. The local climatic conditions also served as a useful test for the F-35A’s ability to adapt to any temperatures. 3: A view inside the hardened
aircraft shelter reveals the pair of AIM-120C-5 AMRAAMs in the weapons bays of F-35A MM7360 (AL-10, FMS 15-5204) ‘32-10’. This is the same standard
conventional load used at home to carry out QRA shifts as part of the Air Space Surveillance Service. 4: A fine aerial study of F-35A pair MM7358 (AL-8, FMS

14-5109) ‘32-08’ and MM7359 (AL-9, FMS 15-5144) ‘32-09’. The detachment continued the tradition of working with the Icelandic Coast Guard, which maintains
the ground-based air defence picture of the local airspace and also provides SAR cover.
Keflavik is probably windier than Amendola, surveillance aircraft based at Reykjavík During their rotation, the Italians carried out
though. The ground temperature is around 8°C, Airport, as well as five patrol vessels. around 20 training scrambles and logged 150
but we wear the Tacconi neoprene watertight The two F-35s on QRA were checked flight hours, with availability of their aircraft
suit [required for flying over the sea when and accepted by the pilots inside the close to 100%. In his final speech during the
the water temperature is below 13°C], even hardened aircraft shelter in a readiness ceremony that officially closed Operation
during missions when we fly over land as there posture at the beginning of the alert shift. Northern Lightning, detachment commander
are zones of Iceland – for instance glaciers In case of Alpha (real-world alert) or Col Spreafico reflected: “The participation of the
– where it would be extremely difficult to Tango (training) scrambles, the pilots F-35s from the 32nd Fighter Wing at Amendola
survive without an anti-exposure suit for two could quickly start the fighter’s engine and has been an opportunity that allowed the
or three hours, until the rescue team arrives.” reduce the time required for take-off. Maj Italian Air Force to test not only the operational
SAR service was provided round the clock Simone added: “Just like any other modern capabilities of the aircraft, but also deployment,
by the Icelandic Coast Guard, which operates platform, this aircraft can use abbreviated logistics and sustainability procedures in a
a mixed fleet of AS332L1 and H225 Super procedures in case of scrambles to meet the special operational, climatic and environmental
Puma helicopters and a Dash 8 maritime NATO peacetime readiness requirement.” context far from our home base.” AFM

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