From November 3 to 7, 2025, at the military airport “Arturo Ferrarin” in Guidonia (home of the 60th Wing), the testing aimed at the certification and qualification of the UH-139D helicopter for parachutist launch in Free Fall Technique (TCL) was successfully completed. An operational milestone that stems from a joint interforce venture between the Italian Air Force, Italian Army, and Carabinieri Corps, with strong technical contribution from the Folgore Paratroopers Brigade.
A joint venture between Air Force, Army, and Carabinieri
The strength of the activity is not only the technical result but the collaboration model: a structured synergy between three Defense components that worked as a single system.
The Italian Air Force provided the experimental and certification framework through the divisions of the Air and Space Experimentation Division, with the Experimental Flight Department at the forefront in conducting the tests. The Carabinieri Corps provided the aircraft and employed units, while the Italian Army contributed with specialized expertise in the field of parachuting, thanks to the recognized role of the Folgore, nationally and internationally, as a technical reference.
The Experimental Flight Department at the center of the tests
The testing activities were conducted by the Experimental Flight Department (RSV), particularly through the Technical Group and 311th Flight Group, within the framework of support activities to the Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness for certification and qualification processes.
The RSV plays a strategic role: it experiments, integrates, and validates systems and capabilities (new or modified) to enable the rapid implementation of operational solutions, especially when scenarios and threats change. In this case, the certification of the UH-139D demonstrates how experimentation can transform into immediately deployable capabilities.
The UH-139D of the Carabinieri Corps becomes the first helicopter of the AW-139 line to obtain certification for parachuting in TCL. A step that consolidates and expands air insertion options, strengthening the effectiveness of the Carabinieri's paratrooper and special units in complex scenarios.
Entities and units involved: interoperability in the field
The joint nature of the testing was made possible by the contribution of multiple commands and entities, with operational coordination that enhanced complementary skills. Among the participants:
- 60th Wing of Guidonia, for logistical and infrastructural support
- Folgore Paratroopers Brigade with the technical staff of the Experiences and Studies Office
- Carabinieri Aircraft Group of Pratica di Mare
- 1st Paratroopers Regiment “Tuscania”
- Special Intervention Group (GIS)
The activity produced a dual effect: technical-procedural consolidation and professional growth, thanks to direct comparison between interforce doctrines, standards, and procedures.
DASAS: the aerospace experimentation chain
The Air and Space Experimentation Division (DASAS) brings together under a single command the study and experimentation entities of the Italian Air Force. It is a key asset for flight tests, technical-scientific evaluations, aerospace medicine, and operational verification of systems, providing the Defense sector with broad-spectrum technical-logistical and operational support.
The Folgore as a technical reference for parachuting
The contribution of the Folgore fits into a well-defined role: the Experiences and Studies Office of the “Folgore” Paratroopers Brigade, as Defense Technical Entity, is the national and international reference for parachuting personnel, materials, and armaments.
From the development of new systems to the evaluation of procedures, up to the implementation of safety measures, the constant collaboration with RSV and 46th Air Brigade ensures the overall effectiveness of systems and the achievement of the objectives of the entire Defense sector.
An interforce model that is worth more than the single result
The certification of the UH-139D for TCL parachuting is an important milestone, but the strongest message is another: when Air Force, Army, and Carabinieri work in an integrated manner, the Italian Defense accelerates innovation, speeds up operational qualifications, and consolidates real, measurable, and immediately employable capabilities.
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