arget acquired, range 53
kilometres, course 135,”
comes the announcement
over the intercom. It’s a clear day
and the sea is calm. The Cabin
Crew Chief (CCC), Luigi Grilli, has
no difficulty acquiring the target.
Seated beside him, the Sensor
Operator (SENSO), Francesca Carrieri, slaves
the infrared sensor on to the reported
position. At around 11 miles (18km) from
the target, the first black and white dots
start to appear on the glimmering green
image generated by the IR sensor. Today,
the uniform surface temperature of the
Mediterranean means the target can be easily
differentiated against its background on the
operator’s multifunctional display (MFD).
The laser rangefinder now provides a readout
of 4.9 miles (8km), while the helicopter
hovers steady above the sea. The target isidentified as a trawler, most likely
home-ported at Taranto, not far
from the SH-90A’s home station
of Marina Stazione Elicotteri
(Maristaeli, Naval Helicopter
Station) Grottaglie in southern Italy.
With the training mission’s final
task accomplished, the SH-90A breaks
away to return to its base. During a real
mission the target would have required a
clear identification and a closer approach.
In the following weeks the SH-90A will be
deployed, operating from Marina Militare
(Italian Navy) ships and flying patrols in support
of Operation Mare Sicuro in the central
Mediterranean. The helicopter will be tasked
with maritime patrol and, whenever necessary,
search and rescue (SAR). Mare Sicuro was
launched in March 2015 as a response
to the Libyan crisis and initially patrolled
the Channel of Sicily to protect nationalinterests in the area. Recently, this work
has involved rescuing refugees attempting
to cross the water from North Africa.Prized asset
Capitano di Fregata (Commander)
Massimiliano ‘Max’ Buzzoni, a flight
instructor, outlined some of the advantages
of the SH-90A: “The excellent speed of
around 300km/h and a radius of action of
around 700km at maximum load enable
a much larger sector to be patrolled on
each flight. Also, the helicopter’s mission
system makes it possible to perform
autonomous and joint operations without
any role change. Decision-making in flight
is aided by comprehensive sensor, voice
and data communications and weapons
systems with data-fusion support. An
advanced, integrated avionics suite ensures
easy and reliable communications withChanging
of the guard
T
“
Above: The SH-90A is the most modern helicopter
in Italian Navy service. A fi rst example was
delivered to Luni in June 2011. Today, it is
operational with 4° and 5° Gruppo Elicotteri.
SH-90A MM81590 ‘3-14’ is armed with an M134D
door gun. All photos Dr Andreas Zeitlerhttp://www.airforcesmonthly.com #354 SEPTEMBER 2017 // 77