At this location, just outside Turin, the home of 34 Detachment “Toro”, we were welcomed by Captains Francesco Marra and Francesco Vantaggiato.

Founded in 1909, this is the oldest military airfield in Italy. In those days, balloons and, later, aircraft were used for aerial observation. Later still, the airfield was used for flight training.

After a quiet period, the airfield was reopened in the 1950s, and a detachment from the Battalion at Bolzano moved in.

The same activities are carried out here as at Bolzano:

• Supporting operations abroad, such as in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Lebanon.
• Supporting Army and Special Forces operations in the region.
• Supporting civil emergencies, rescue work, etc.

A notable achievement was when the Commander of the Detachment, Lt Col Arrighi Arrigo, led the other three AB.212s back from Lebanon on the completion of their mission – a 47-hour flight. This remarkable accomplishment is commemorated inside one of the buildings.



As is the case with units elsewhere, 34 Detachment flies the AB.205 and was preparing for a deployment to Sardinia at the time of our visit. The AB.205 may be nearing the end of its service career, but it remains a capable aircraft. Including the pilots, it can carry up to fourteen people or six stretchers. It can lift over 1,700 kg in the cabin or by hook. It has a maximum ceiling of 5,900 m (just over 19,000 feet), although for practical purposes—i.e., carrying a useful load—that would be 4,100 m (or just over 13,000 feet).

Its speed can reach up to 217 km/h (134 mph), but it would ordinarily fly at a more economical speed, generating a range, depending on the load carried, of approximately 300 miles. All in all, it is a very useful platform for a wide variety of tasks (and it also sounds so good!).

Our hosts provided an AB.205 for us to inspect, both from the outside and inside, showing us the controls and the layout options for the cabin. They also demonstrated the flight gear, laid out the range of kit that pilots and crew carry, and showed us how some of it works, particularly the night vision goggles.

Preserved on the airfield is AB.206 EI.528, a helicopter type that the Regiment used to fly. Also preserved is AB.205 EI-261, which is painted to celebrate 100 years of Army aviation, dating back to 1909.

The personnel at 34 Detachment went to great lengths to explain their role and show us how their work is carried out. It was all very instructive and interesting, and their time and efforts were greatly appreciated.

Author: Peter Nelson

Photography: Peter Nelson & Brian Rodgers