Page 63 - HeliOps Frontline Issue 26

HELIOPS FRONTLINE / ISSUE 26 / 2019 63

the SH-101A Anti-Surface/Submarine Warfare configuration, four in
the EH-101A Airborne Early Warning (AEW) configuration and eight
airframes in the UH-101A Amphibious Support Helicopter (ASH)
configuration. Unlike the AEW and ASW versions, the ASH benefits
from a folding rear cargo ramp, allowing 1° Gruppo Elicoterri to
perform a large array of missions for the MMI, including search
and rescue (SAR), civil protection, anti-immigration duties,
counter terrorism, anti-piracy duties on oil platforms and cruise
ships and general transport/support duties. 1° Gruppo Elicoterri
is also responsible for providing support to the Operations Group
Commandos for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions.
In 2000 the MMI placed an order for a total of 46 NFH-90 and 10
NH-90TTH helicopters to replace the Agusta-Bell AB-212s in service
with the Italian Navy since April 1976. Locally designated the SH-
90A and MH-90A respectively, these state-of-the-art helicopters
give a welcome boost to the capabilities of the Italian Navy. The
composite airframe and fly-by-wire technology provides a huge
step-up in capability over the AB-212. The Italian Navy chose to
introduce five SH-90’s in the meaningful operation capability (MOC)
standard into service early, before the full capability ‘Step B’ version
was available, allowing both aircrew and maintenance personnel to
integrate the aircraft into service without unneccessary delay and
resulting in the helicopter entering full operational capability (FOC)
earlier than would otherwise have been possible. The first fully
operational airframes in the Step B configuration entered service on