At Bergamo, we were welcomed and shown around by Major Ricci Massimiliano and Captain Antonio Nazzaro.

It was a fascinating visit to see the depth of work carried out by 3 Reggimento “Aquila,” where in-depth maintenance is performed on the A.129 Mangusta and the AB.205.

First-level maintenance on the A.129 is carried out by engineers and technicians at regiments flying the Mangusta, such as those at Rimini and Casarsa della Delizia. Once an aircraft reaches 300 flight hours, it comes to Bergamo for second-level, deep maintenance. At this level, the work typically takes between three and four months, with two mechanical and two avionics experts assigned to each helicopter. As shown in the accompanying photos, at this stage, the helicopter is completely stripped for a thorough inspection of all parts and systems.

If an A.129 has been particularly hard-used or operated in a challenging environment, the inspection and overhaul process can take longer—sometimes six to eight months or even a year. Both Army and Leonardo personnel collaborate on the helicopters at Bergamo, testing components, structures, and systems, and repairing or replacing parts as necessary. The emphasis is on thoroughness, with the A.129s being returned to their regiments as good as new!

While transport helicopters may fly directly to an overseas deployment, the A.129, although capable of carrying auxiliary external tanks, can also be transported in C-130 aircraft. A mobile crane is required to remove and reattach the rotor head, but this is relatively straightforward work.

At Bergamo, we also observed deep maintenance being undertaken on the AB.205. This helicopter, which still serves in significant numbers, has proven to be a highly versatile platform over many years. It can perform a wide range of missions for the Army, local communities, and emergency services. The AB.205 can carry 11 people: a pilot and co-pilot, three passengers across the middle, five across the back, and one at the side—a very practical load.

Whereas the UH.90 is very modern and, in some respects, almost “push-button” easy to fly, the AB.205 is basic. Or, as someone put it, “It doesn’t know how to fly, but it does!”

Having the opportunity to see the extent and depth of the work carried out on the A.129s and AB.205s was absolutely fascinating. The fact that both types continue to perform so well after many years—thanks to upgrades to the A.129’s airframe and avionics—is a testament to the skill of the engineers and technicians here and in the flying regiments.

Many thanks to Ricci and Antonio for their time in showing us around and explaining the work carried out by “Aquila” at Bergamo.

Author: Peter Nelson

Photography: Peter Nelson & Mark Zuidmulder