Page 64 - HeliOps Frontline Issue 26

64 HELIOPS FRONTLINE / ISSUE 26 / 2019

8 November 2013, supporting the systems integration for air-to-
surface missiles such as the MBDA Marte Mk./2S and torpedoes,
plus boasting advanced satellite and encrypted communications,
radar and avionics capabilities. To date around 30 airframes have
been delivered and are in a pool of helicopters shared between 4°
Gruppo Elicoterri, based at Grottaglie and 5° Gruppo Elicoterri. In
addition to this allocation of airframes, both units provide their
helicopters for ship-based missions, with several SH-90’s stationed
onboard Italian Navy ships at any given time.

NAVY TESTING

A relatively new component of Maristaeli Luni is the Centro
Sperimentale Aeromarittimo (CSA) or Naval test evolution center.
Established on 1 January 2006, it represents the evolution of the
pre-existing EH-101 working group set up in 1996 to manage the
introduction into service of the EH-101. Commander Pingitore
explained, “The center is responsible for conducting the study
and operational evaluation of helicopters and systems related to
the specific maritime use of the aircraft of the Italian Navy. Our
aircrew are experts on the EH-101, NH-90 and AB-212 and we have
test pilots and crew who are able to fly and operate with all types
of aircraft within the Italian Navy. We perform flight testing with
not only the Italian Navy aircraft but also aircraft from other Italian
government agencies. As we do not have any aircraft assigned to