Corpo Forestale Dello Stato
In November 2006 Jetwash Aviation Photo's made a two day trip to Rome. Included in our itinerary was a base visit to the Corpo Forestale at Roma-Urbe.
The Corpo Forestale is the Italian Government's State Forestry Department and is responsible mainly for fire fighting, although it also police's environmental violations, poaching and enforcing endangered species protection. They operate a small but varied fleet of aircraft utilising the Hughes 500, Bell 412 Arapaho, Canadair CL-215 and have recently added the Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane. Their main base is at Roma-Urbe, but operate through 40 plus regional commands. Bearing in mind that they are rarely if ever seen outside of their native country we were more than happy to take up the offer to photograph some of their aircraft. The following were all taken at Roma-Urbe on 24th November 2006.
The two Hughes 500's parked side by side at Roma-Urbe. These aircraft are generally used for patrolling the
forest areas of Italy, although they can also be used for fire-fighting duties.
Hughes 369HS in the main hanger at Urbe.
The Hughes 369/500 has been operated for a number of years in differing versions
Breda Nardi Hughes NH.500D (note the differing tail configuration to that of the older model above)
The Corpo Forestale Agusta-Bell AB.412's can carry underslung water-carriers for firefighting duties
Another immaculate AB.412EP sits in the main hanger. The 412EP (Enhanced Performance) is a twin-engined
helicopter used for transport, fire-fighting and patrol duties.
AB.412EP on the ramp having just returned from a short mission
AB.412EP cockpit
Many thanks to our hosts at Roma-Urbe, particularly Marco & Valentina who escorted us during our tour.