In spite of the fact that the very first Italian pilot was a navy officer, Mario Calderara, the Italian Navy was always very handicapped of not having its own naval aviation, the facts of WW2 were emblematic.
Until 1989 Italian Navy had only helicopters; in fact the anti submarine airplanes (S2C Helldiver, Grumman S2F Tracker and Breguet Atlantic) belong to the "Aeronautica Militare" ( the Italian Air Force) even if they depend operationally on the Navy and their crews are mixed.
But since 1989 the Navy finally has its own airplanes to be embarked on cruiser "Garibaldi"; on this ship were tried several kinds of Harriers, the Royal Navy, the US Marines and the Spanish Armada ones; I may say that it was really frustrating to not see Italian airplanes but only foreign ones or helicopters on that ship just because of a stupid law. The Harrier II Plus was chosen after long studies.
And the Wolf was chosen as symbol of this squadron.

Mc Donnell Douglas AV8B Harrier II Plus

 (M.Amatimaggio)

This STO/VL airplane is the latest version of the successful British plane. It is equipped with radar Hughes AN/APG-65 (which is mounted on FA-18). It is used as an interceptor for fleet defense and as attack plane. It is equipped with a 25 mm gun and Amraam and Sidewinder missiles, free fall bombs, Paveway bombs and Maverick and Harpoon missiles. Its top speed is 0.87 mach.

Agusta-Westland EH101

 (Agusta)

This new helicopter is the result of an industrial cooperation between Italy and UK. It has the latest avionic technology. It is equipped with 3 turbines that develop a power of 1733 shp, 1 MM/APS 784 radar, a sonar, Esm apparatus and a link 11 system; it may carry antisubmarine torpedoes and missiles. Due to a limited financial resources Italian Navy had to reduce their number.

Sikorsky SH3D

 (Picture of mine)

It is in service since 1967 and is manufactured by Agusta; it is equipped with 2 turbines and various systems and weapons for anti submarine warfare. It's also a versatile aircraft: it is widely used for transport purposes and for operative actions such as commandoes raids. It may carry 25 passengers.

Augusta-Bell AB212

 (Oto Melara)

This medium helicopter is embarked mainly on frigates and destroyers, and it is equipped for antisubmarine warfare with electronic system and weapons such as missiles and torpedoes; it is powered by a couple of Pratt & Withney turbines.

Breguet Atlantic

 (Sma/Udap)

Even though these antisubmarine airplanes belong to the Air Force their crews are from both navy and Air Force and their use is controlled by the Navy. The Atlantic missions may be very long: it has an endurance of 18 hours! The crew is formed by 13 men, the engines are 2 Rolls Royce turbo-props. It may carry torpedoes and depth bombs, and even missiles. It is equipped by 1 radar, 1 Esm system and an acoustic system for spotting submarines.

The newest helicopter of the Italian Navy is the Eurocopter NH90, a medium-size one, developed by France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. It flew for the first time in December 1995. It has an all-composite fuselage, and fly-by-wire controls. There will be naval (NFH) and tactical transport (TTH) versions. It will be powered by 2 turbines Turbomeca RTM 322-01/9, its max empty weight will be around 9100kg and his top speed will be 300km/h. It will be able to carry 20 persons or 2500 kilos for a max range of 1200 km.

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