|
|
18 gruppo "Brandy" (AMI) |
Status: |
Active
|
| Version: | F-16A/B block 15 ADF |
| Role: | Air Defense |
| Tailband: |
N/A
|
| Motto: |
Ocio che te copo (Watch out, I'm gonna kill you)
|
| Badge: |
Three arrows on a green background.
|
Sideways profile for 18 Gruppo in 2007.
F-16 History
 AMI F-16A ADF #MM7248 from 18 gruppo is parked in the static display at Volkel AB during an open house. 18 Gruppo was the last of the three squadrons to be re-equipped with the F-16. This happened quite fast since all aircraft delivered under the ‘Peace Caesar’ program were handed over in less than 6 months. The F-16s replaced the venerable F-104S ASA-M in the interceptor role. These F-16s were leased from the United States for an initial period of 5 years, with an extension period for another 5 years. This extension makes it possible to make a smooth transition to the Eurofighter Typhoon, which is the intended replacement of the F-104 within the AMI.
The F-16s in the squadrons are all ADF versions. This was done intentionally because the aircraft only have interception duties. They could be made available by the USAF quickly without having to undergo extensive modification or upgrade programs before becoming operational.
What will happen with the squadron once the Typhoon enters active service within the AMI is quite uncertain since the squadron is not earmarked to receive this aircraft.
Aircraft Markings History
|
|
2003 - present
The serial number is displayed at the bottom of the tail and the wing marking on top.
|
Unit History
- 1916: Activation of the squadron in Milan
- 1916: 'Caproni' Ca.3
- 1918: 'Caproni' Ca.5
- 1918: Disbanded
- 1929: Activation of the squadron in Milan (part of 3 Stormo)
- 1929: 'Fiat' CR.20
- 1931: 'Fiat' CR.20bis
- 1937: 'Fiat' CR.32
- 1939: 'Fiat' CR.42
- 1941: 'Macchi' C.200
- 1942: 'Macchi' C.202
- 1943: 'Ambrosini' S.207
- 1943: 'Dewoitine' D.520
- 1944: 'Macchi' C.205V
- 1945: Disbanded
- 1956: Activation of the squadron in Villafranca (part of 3 Stormo)
- 1956: RF-84F 'Thunderflash'
- 1974: F-104G 'Starfighter'
- 1977: Disbanded
- 1983: Activation of the squadron in Gioia del Colle (part of 36 Stormo)
- 1983: F-104S 'Starfighter'
- 1984: F-104S 'Starfighter' (Trapani, part of 37 Stormo)
- 1989: F-104S ASA 'Starfighter'
- 1999: F-104S ASA-M 'Starfighter'
- 2003: F-16A ADF 'Fighting Falcon'
F-16 Airframe Inventory
Photos
|
|
Errors and Omissions
Errors and omissions in the above text can be added here. Please note: your comments will be displayed immediately on this page.
If you wish to send a private comment to the webmasters, please use the Contact Us link.
|
|
