Italy - Aviazione dell'Esercito

The Aviazione dell'Esercito procured five A109A Hirundo helicopters for evaluation in the late seventies. As a result 23 A109CMs were ordered.

Daniele Dotto

The A129 Mangusta was developed to provide an anti-tank attack helicopter for the Aviazione dell'Esercito. Design of the A129 began in 1978. The first of five A129 prototypes was first flown on 15 September 1983, and the fifth prototype first flew in March 1986. The Mangusta has successfully deployed with UN and NAVO missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Stefano Trevisan

The Aviazione dell'Esercito has ordered 60 NH90-TTH helicopters which will replace older models currently operated by the service in various utility roles. The NH90-TTH version is designed for tactical transport of personnel (16 to 20 troops) and material. Additional applications include medical evacuation (12 stretchers), special operations and airborne command post. The NH90-TTH design is optimised for low signatures (acoustic, radar, infrared) and is equipped with night vision systems (Forward Looking Infra-Red, Night Vision Goggles, Helmet Mounted Sight & Display).

Johan Mulder

The largest helicopter on strenght by the Aviazione dell'Esercito is the CH-47 Chinook. The entire fleet is based at the main Italian army airbase Viterbo. In 2009, Italy’s ARMAEREO procurement agency signed a EUR 900 million contract to buy 16 CH-47Fs, with an option for 4 more. They are expected to replace the existing CH-47C Chinooks that have been in service since 1973.

Melchior Timmers