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View Full Version : Italy gets RQ-1A Predator UAVs



fantassin
03-26-2004, 04:58 PM
From "Air Force Monthly"

The Italian Air Force "Gruppo Velivoli Teleguitati" attached to the 32nd Stormo based in Amendola has started operating its first RQ-1A Predator from Antelope Valley in California.

Six Predators are on order. The first one, "32-01", has already crashed a few days after its first flight while still in the USA. The reasons for the crash are still unknown.

Add on: apparently, the Italians are unlucky with their new equipment: on the 28th of January 2004, the Italian Air Force lost its first F16, an F16 A ADF, apparently because of a total electrical system failure during a night sortie.

The pilot from 37 Stormo was picked from the sea unhurt by an Italian AF HH3 helicopter.