35 AS-61R (basically HH-3F) airframes delivered from 1977. First 20, batch Alpha, for national territory search and rescue (SAR) duties. Last 15, batch Bravo received from 1995 configured for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) with additonal avionics and protection. 24 units have been upgraded from 2006 as batch Charlie with new avionics in order to remain in service until replacement with AW139 / AW149 around 2015. Two additional AS-61 in VIP configuration for 93 Gruppo.
A farewell ceremony was held on Sept.26 2014 at Pratica di Mare. 185,000 flying hours and 7,000 lives were saved both in Italy and abroad during 37 years of service.
Last flight performed by MM81337 15-25.
On October 2015, 20 airframes were offered for sale by auction
A farewell ceremony was held on Sept.26 2014 at Pratica di Mare. 185,000 flying hours and 7,000 lives were saved both in Italy and abroad during 37 years of service.
Last flight performed by MM81337 15-25.
On October 2015, 20 airframes were offered for sale by auction
Units |
Years | Units | Base |
---|---|---|
1982/14 | 82 centro c/sar | Trapani Birgi |
1980/14 | 83 centro c/sar | Cervia Rimini Miramare Federico Fellini |
1977/14 | 81 CAE | Cervia Pratica di Mare |
1977/14 | 85 centro c/sar | Pratica di Mare Rome Ciampino |
1977/14 | 15° Stormo | Cervia Pratica di Mare Rome Ciampino |
1977/14 | 31 Stormo | Rome Ciampino |
??/14 | 84 centro c/sar | Gioia del Colle Brindisi Casale |
Deployments |