Rimini is home to:

• 7° Reggimento ‘Iacicco Agostino’
• 48° Gruppo flying the A129 Mangusta
• 102° Gruppo flying the UH-90

Approximately 12 A129s are operated by 48° Gruppo. The Mangusta performs a similar role to the Bell AH-1 Cobra but was designed to be more effective and potent. Hence the name: Mangusta—or mongoose. (A mongoose can catch and defeat a cobra!)

2023 marked the 40th anniversary of the maiden flight of the A129. Over the years, while the A129 may superficially resemble earlier versions, the aircraft available today is a far more sophisticated and capable platform than when it first entered service. It is now armed with a cannon and a radar for targeting the gun and missile stores it carries. The 20 mm gun was added after operational experience in Somalia and proved invaluable in Afghanistan.

The latest version of the A129 also features a much more powerful engine, enabling it to reach higher altitudes and carry more stores i.e, additional weight. In short, the current model can carry more weapons over a greater range, at a higher altitude, and at greater speed. Its agility, as we witnessed at another airfield, is remarkable.

Another improvement highlighted to us concerns the rotor housing, a vital part of the aircraft. On close inspection, you will notice that no critical machinery is exposed. The control rods are uniquely housed inside the rotor masts, rather than outside, making operations much safer in conflict zones.

Engineers at Rimini carry out inspections of the aircraft after every 25 hours of flying—this is referred to as first-level maintenance. After 300 hours of operation, the aircraft is sent to Bergamo for third-level maintenance. (An article on Bergamo is available in the 2024 section of the website.)

As with other Reggimenti, deployments from Rimini take place overseas in support of the Army, NATO, and UN operations.

102° Gruppo operates the tactical transport helicopter, the UH-90. This nimble medium-lift helicopter is capable of carrying approximately 10,000 kg in various configurations, including troop transport, medevac, search and rescue (SAR), and even firefighting. The helicopter can also be equipped with a minigun, fired from the side door, to provide cover during the landing or recovery of troops.

Maintenance engineers for the UH-90 carry out detailed inspections after every 25 hours of flying. After 100 hours of operation, the helicopter is sent to Bologna for second-level maintenance. While some operators have reported difficulties with the helicopter, the UH-90 has been performing very well in the Italian Army. It is well-equipped, well-maintained, and capable of carrying out a wide range of tasks, supporting not only the regular Army but also Special Forces.

Our special thanks to LTC Agostino Lacicco for his hospitality for showing, explaining and understanding the work carried on base.

Author & photography: Peter Nelson