Italian Army Aviation -2nd Regiment "ORIONE" Bologna

History

The 2nd Reparto Riparazioni Aerei Leggeri was established in 1957. The Bologna airfield, once an air force base, has since been utilized by the Army for the maintenance and operation of various aircraft types flown by Army Aviation. Over the years, the unit has supported a range of aircraft including the L-18, L-21, AB-47G, AB-204, AB-205, AB-212, and A-129. Currently, the focus is on the UH-90.

Logistics and Support

This is a logistics unit supporting the flying units. Whilst first level maintenance is carried out by the Regiments flying the UH-90, the second level maintenance is carried out here. This starts with inspections after 100 flight hours, 600 hours and 900 hours. (After 1,200 hours it becomes Level 3 maintenance and that work is undertaken by Leonardo).

The personnel at Bologna carry out a range of essential functions such

as :-

- Looking after/maintaining the refuelling systems, the ground equipment, helmets, carrying out ultrasonic testing – looking inside materials, using ultra violet lamps to inspect parts

- Training engineers

- Checking rotor blades, rotating parts, looking for corrosion, they check airframe structures and composites (the latter have to go back to the manufacturer if faulty, ie – third level work)

- Updating service documentation

- Issuing bulletins daily for whole UH-90 fleet – critical for keeping the transport fleet in the air.

The personnel inspect small to major components, batteries and equipment to test systems and reinstall them. The 2nd is the only Unit with this range of capabilities to identify the faults, some of which can be fixed or upgraded and others which have to be sent back to the manufacturer.

The skills of the personnel are in the use of specialised equipment to detect faults, eg the use of U/V, to using hands to tap along the length of a rotor blade with the feedback of sound indicating whether detailed inspection or repair is needed. It takes time to train and learn this range of skills and the system must be working very well. Thanks to them and colleagues for explaining the thorough work carried out on this key equipment of Italian Army aviation.

This was a fascinating insight into the range of skills of the personnel in the 2nd Reparto Riparazioni and their work to keep the UH-90’s in top condition. Our grateful thanks to our hosts and their colleagues for explaining what they do to support Italian Army Aviation.

At Bologna, we were met and shown around by WO Cavallo Rocco, Lt Ginaro Fusco and Chief Sergeant Major Stefano Leone. Thanks must also go to the HQ in Rome for approving the visit.

Author Peter Nelson

Photography Peter Nelson & Steven Fenton