The conduct of a rapid refuelling activity through the use of the so-called ALARP (Air Landed Aircraft Refuelling Point) system in favor of a 5th generation aircraft, simulating the redeployment in a base without logistics infrastructures and airport refueling systems, was the main objective of the training event organized on the morning of November 29th at the 3rd Wing of Villafranca di Verona.
For the occasion, Maj. Gen. Jacek Pszczola, Head of the Polish Air Force, was present, accompanied by Air Squad General Roberto Comelli, Logistic Commander of the Italian Air Force and Brigadier General Pietro Spagnoli, Head of the Support Service of the Logistic Command.
To welcome the delegation from Rome, where Maj. Gen. Pszczola had a working interview with the Chief of Staff Italian Air Force, Air Squad General Luca Goretti, was the Commander of the 3rd Wing, Colonel Paolo Tamburro, who briefly illustrated and presented some of the capabilities expressed by the department in the field of projection logistics, characterized by high-tech vehicles and equipment, also supporting 5th generation aircraft, enabling aerospace power.
In addition to the qualified “ALARP operator” Team of the 3rd Wing, the rapid refuelling activity saw the participation of an F-35A fighter of the 32nd Wing of Amendola (FG), in the role of receiver aircraft with engines running, a KC-130J aircraft of the 46th Air Brigade of Pisa, in the role of tanker, and a team of riflemen of the 16th Wing of Martina Franca (TA), which ensured the security framework of the area during the operation.
The ALARP system, which thanks to the direct withdrawal of fuel from the tanks of a KC-130J is able to supply up to four aircraft simultaneously, represents one of the expeditionary capabilities expressed by the 3rd Wing that allow to make up for the lack or partial availability of airport supply systems in favor of the Italian Air Force flight units used in isolated areas and far from the mother base or in rather complex operational contexts.
This morning’s event is part of the periodic training cycle necessary for the maintenance of skills by personnel and follows similar activities recently carried out in Alghero and on the Island of Pantelleria, as part of the verification of the air expeditionary capabilities of the Defense and Italian Air Force.
The intense program of the visit then ended with the traditional exchange of crests and the signing of the Roll of Honor by Maj. Gen. Pszczola who expressed gratitude for the welcome received and appreciation for the preparation and skills expressed by the Wing. Placed under the Support Service of the Logistic Command, the 3rd Wing is inserted, as Air Expeditionary Support Wing, in the context of projection logistics expressed by the Italian Air Force. Its activity is crucial for the redeployment and preparation of field structures and operational supports in favor of flight units called to operate outside national borders or in emergency situations in favor of the community. The 3rd Wing is, in fact, present in most of the exercises and missions, both in Italy and abroad.
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