The first Gulfstream G550 aircraft of the MMMS (Multimission Multisensor System) program landed in pratica di Mare in recent days, after a direct flight of over nine hours from Dallas (USA). On board a mixed crew composed of personnel of the 71st Flight Group and the Flight Experimental Department, who conducted a series of preparatory activities for the withdrawal of the aircraft.
The asset, which officially becomes part of the fleet of the 71st Group of the 14th Wing, will immediately be used in training and logistical transport activities, to enhance the redeployment capabilities of the Department, which since 2016 has been operating with Gulfstream G550 aircraft in the CAEW (Conformal Early Warning) version.
The new serial number will undergo, in the future, some peculiar changes to accommodate on board a sophisticated mission suite that will transform it into a G550 MMMS, that is a platform equipped with particular sensors through which it will be able to expand the information supply of the Defense.
Curiosity: the aircraft is characterized by the insignia of the 14th Wing but also by the original logo designed for the 50th anniversary of the 71st Flight Group, which on March 1 , 1972 saw the light.
The 14th Wing is based at the “Mario de Bernardi” Military Airport of Pratica di Mare and depends on the Air Squad Command through the Forces Command for Mobility and Support. The Department is divided, among other things, into two flight groups: the 71st “Perseus” Flight Group, which conducts Airborne Early Warning missions with CAEW aircraft and radio measurement and tactical transport activities, also in favor of the Department of Civil Protection, with the P-180 Avanti I and II aircraft, and the 8th “Breus” Flight Group that with the KC-767A aircraft carries out refueling missions in flight, strategic transport and transport in bio-containment.
In the future the Italian fleet of G550 will consist of 10 aircraft becoming one of the aeronautics with the highest number of Gulfstream aircraft, as industrial compensation agreements are planned with the American company for a new base in Italy for the maintenance of both military and civil VIP aircraft operating in southern Europe.
Of the 10 aircraft 2 are G550 CAEW advanced radar alarm purchased in 2014 by Israel and equipped with Israeli electronics and 2 will be G550 AISREW – Aircraft with Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare from electronic reconnaissance with equipment provided by L3Harris. The main interest for our industry in particular, Leonardo and Electronics, concerns the purchase of the remaining 6 aircraft that will be delivered green and equipped with Italian systems 4 CAEW and 2 AISREW.
