Italian Mangusta attack helicopters to train aboard Cavour aircraft carrier.

Two Mangusta attack helicopters assigned to the 5th Regiment "Rigel" of the Italian Army are currently based at the MARISTAELI Luni (NAS Luni), north of Italy, to begin, during the next few days, tests to operate from the flight deck of Cavour aircraft carrier to obtain the qualification to be deployed aboard ships. Both helicopters are in the most advanced version "D" and have received a protective surface treatment against salt. The activity will be performed during the navigation to Taranto of the Cavour which is currently moored at Genoa sea port. After this route, she will stop for about two years due to maintenance works.

The Mangustas operated for the first time on ships about two years ago when the Reparto Sperimentale Volo (RSV) of the Italian Air Force conducted the experimental test campaign with the Army helicopters.

In 2016, the RSV pilots together with Army and Navy personnel successfully completed the tests with AH-129 C and D to achieve the ability to operate in a standardized way aboard naval units.

The first phase of the experimental activity was carried out at Viterbo AB in 2015 and, after collecting the data necessary to continue the activity safely at sea, the RSV continued the test flights taking off from Garibaldi light carrier between 2015 and 2016. Flights were made both day and night with and without the aid of Night Vision Devices (NVDs).