New Museo del Volo at Viterbo
The Aviazione Leggera dell’ Esercito Italianio (Italian Army Aviation) was established in May 1951. This year, they celebrated their 70 year birthday. This important anniversary saw, in the presence of military and civil authorities, the inauguration of the Museo del Volo (Museum of Flight) at Viterbo (VT) air base.
The new museum is most probably an extension of the already existing Sala Museale (Remembrance Room) at Viterbo (VT).
On 10 May 1951, the Reparto Aereo di Artigliera (Air Artillery Department) was established as an autonomous aviation element of the Esercito (Army) on the Monte dell'Oro landing strip near Bracciano (RM) with basic flying training at the Aero Club Rome-Urbe (RM) on civil registered light aircraft. Also, fifteen Esercito (Army) officers were detached to Fort Rucker (AL) for flight training.
The first aircraft for the Army Aviation were Piper L-18C and L-21 Super Cub aircraft which carried out reconnaissance, connection and observation of artillery fire flights. The turning point took place in 1956 with the arrival of the first AgustaBell AB47 helicopters. Taking off and landing almost anywhere represents an added value for the armed forces.
Over time, the Army Aviation increased in size and capacity and in the following years, new helicopters entered service, including the AgustaBell AB205 and the large twin-engined Boeing CH-47 Chinook. From 1971, members of the Army Aviation can be recognized by their blue berets. Nowadays, the key element for the department is to carry out air support activity to the ground forces in international operations and on the national territory. Furthermore, the department assets are used in the event of public disasters, for emergency interventions to safeguard human life, and for environmental protection.
Thanks to Daniele Mattiuzzo for the serials of the preserved aircraft. The museum expects to increase the collection to 15 aircraft. The current overview, dated 27 July 2021, consists of the following nine aircraft:
Photo by Esercito Italiano