Italian Air Force Museum - My Article Vigna di Valle Reports (2004+)

The Italian Air Force Museum (Museo Storico dell' Aeronautica Militare Italiana) Vigna di Valle, Rome 1980, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2001 and 2002 Looking Back (Film and slide scans)

April 2002

Left to right: Hall 3 'Badoni' was cleared with the exception of the two old ladies below. Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 'Canguro' painted as 'MM61850' coded 14 (but it is really MM61187), current. Fiat G.212 'Flying Classroom' (MM61804 '142-5'), current. The CRDA Cant Z.506S 'Airone' (MM45425 '84-4'). Note the HU-16 behind has also been moved to the military side of the base.

Left to right: Caproni Campini CC.1 (MM488), current. Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 'Sparviero' (Sparrow Hawk), (marked '278-2'), current. Macchi Castoldi MC.200 Saetta (MM5311 coded '369-1'), current.

Left to right: Fiat G5bis (MM290 ex I-BFFI) it was owned by Cesare Biffi of Milan in 1939. This was the only G5 to survive the war. It was first seen at the museum in 1991 (and again in 1999) but had gone by 2004, (stored where?). Macchi Castoldi MC.202T-AS Folgore (MM9667 coded '73-7'), current. Nardi FN.305 (MM52757 coded '3' and was previously I-DASM), current. Ansaldo AC.2 (MM1208 coded '94-6') based on the Dewoitine D1, current.

April 2001

Left to right: Caproni Ca100 float plane (MM65156 coded 'COM-11' ex I-ABOU) in Hall 2 and was formerly of Como Aero Club. It's stay was brief in the Museum, it had gone back to Como Aero Club where it was still active in 2022. North American P-51D Mustang (MM4323 coded 'RR-11') before its restoration, currently on display. Nardi FN.305 (MM52757 coded '3' and was previously I-DASM), current.

April 2000

Left to right: Grumman HU-16A Albatross (MM50-179 coded '15-5'), current. Macchi Castoldi MC.202T-AS Folgore (MM9667 coded '73-7'), current. Grumman S-2F Tracker (MM136556 coded '41-6'), current. Piaggio P.166ML-1 (MM61933 coded '53-34'), current.

Left to right: Republic RF-84F Thunderflash (MM27458 coded '3-05') on display for a number of years but had gone by March 2008 for restoration by 156º Gruppo, 36º Stormo at Gioia del Colle and returned by July 2014. Canadair CL.13 Mk.4 (F-86E) Sabre (MM19792 coded '13-1'), current. Republic F-84G Thunderjet (MM111049 coded '51-18' now restored as MM116746 '51-29'), current.

Left to right: Aermacchi MB-326E (MM54389). Fiat Aviazione (later Aeritalia) G-91T (MM6344 '32-44' later exhibited as 'SA-47'). Fiat Aviazione (later Aeritalia) G-91R (MM6405 '2-05') first seen August 1996 but it had moved on by March 2008. Lockheed F-104G Starfighter (MM6599 '53-21'), moved on by March 2008.

August 1996 Many of the former inmates of Hangar 3 or 'Badoni' Hall were stored outside as it had been partly cleared ready for refurbishment. The larger aircraft were able to 'stretch out' in the increased space, making photography much easier.

Left to right: Fiat G-59-4B (MM53276), current. Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (MM4653 coded 51-19 ex 44-89746). Delivered to Italian Air Force in March 1951. It was used for ground instruction at Pisa University Engineering School from 1953-1973. I saw this aircraft when at the Museum from 1986 to 2002 (previously at Lecce since 1978), it is no longer on display. In April 2010 it was seen dismantled at Guidonia, by December 2010 it had moved on to Museo Volandia, Milan-Malpensa for long-term restoration. Grumman S-2F Tracker (MM136556 coded '41-6'), current. Beech C-45F Expeditor (MM61734 coded 'RR-25'). This aircraft has moved to the museum store at Guidonia just outside Rome last noted in December 2010 with another C-45 (MM61762 'RR-11') with a glass nose.

Left to right: Macchi Castoldi MC.205V Veltro (MM9546 coded '97-2' previously painted as MM9345 '155-6'), current. Macchi Castoldi MC.202T-AS Folgore (MM7844 coded '91-3' 'Baracca', now painted MM9667 and coded '73-7'), current. Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 'Sparviero' (Sparrow Hawk), (marked '278-2'), current. Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 'Canguro' painted as 'MM61850' coded 14 (but is really MM61187), current.

Left to right: Fiat G.46-4A (MM53286 'Z-17' later registered I-AELM) first seen in 1980. It was on display till 1996 when it was transferred to Pratica di Mare and when there it performed taxi runs during air displays in 2007 and 2008. It remained in storage until it was returned to the museum in 2012 fully restored as MM53286 'Z-17'. The G.46 is of aluminium construction was designed by Giuseppe Gabrielli as a two seat trainer, with pilots sitting in tandem. There was also a single seat version. The G.46 first flew in 1948, before going into production in the following year. The Italian Air Force received 141 aircraft. 70 of these aircraft were later passed on to Italian Flying Clubs by the end of the 1950s and remained in use till the 1970s. In 2006 only five G.46s are airworthy, apart from the two examples in Italy (MM53491 registered I-AEKT and MM53304 registered I-AEKA at Montegaldella November 2004), there is G-BBII (ex MM52801, I-AEHU) with the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford (arrived in 1992), US based N46FM (MM53091, I-AEHX) and OO-VOR (ex MM53293, I-AEKI) at the Vormezeele Collection in Belgium. Reggiane Re.2002 Ariete (MM8669 only '33' and '2447' was seen). The remains of MM8669 were held by the University of Bologna until the late 1960s. Moved to the Caproni Museum and later at the old Caproni factory at Vizzola Ticcino. It remained there until the 1980s when it finally entered restoration at various locations. It was briefly on display at Vigna di Valle in 1996 80% complete. It was it was relocated for further restoration which was completed in 2017, painted as MM8669 '5-239'. A fighter-bomber built in 1942. 225 were supplied to the Italian Air Force but only around 50 were operational when the Allies invaded Sicily on July 9, 1943. From 1943 the German Luftwaffe operated 60 Re.2002s in France in 1943 (40 were built new for the Luftwaffe). North American T-6G Texan (MM54097 'RR-67'), currently on display.

Left to right: SAI-Ambrosini (Super) S.7 Supersette (MM558), current. North American P-51D Mustang (MM4323 coded 'RR-11'), current. Macchi M.416 (As I-AELY, later restored as MM53762 coded 'AA-48'), current.

Left to right: Fiat G-82 (MM53886 'RS-19'), transferred to Pratica di Mare by August 2004. Fiat G.212 'Flying Classroom' (MM61804 '142-5'), current. Caproni Campini CC.1 (MM488), current.

December 1994

Left to right: Lockheed F-104G Starfighter (MM6501 coded '3-11'), I saw this aircraft on display at the Museum from 1986 to 2000, it went to Pratica di Mare, where it was reported in June 2004. Milita MB3 Leonardo (I-MIBO). I saw this little aircraft on display at the Museum from 1991 to 1994 it has now gone, (where to?), the Fiat G-212CA is behind it. CRDA Cant Z.506S Airone (MM45425 '84-4'), current.

Left to right: Fiat G-59-4B (MM53276), current. Macchi M.416 (I-AELY, later restored as MM53762 coded 'AA-48'), current. Grumman S-2F Tracker (MM136556 coded '41-6'), current.

Left to right: Fiat G-91R (MM6413 coded '2'), to Pisa. Fiat G-91Y (MM580 coded 'RS-11'), to Rome and later reported preserved outside in Bergamo by 2019. Aermacchi MB-326E (MM54389) it has the Scoula Volo BIA (Basico Iniziale Aviogetti) badge on tail. Current and now coded '68'. Panavia Tornado IDS (MM7001 coded 'RS-01'), gone by 2005. Preserved at Cameri coded '53-CMP-1'.

April 1993

Left to right: Grumman HU-16A Albatross (MM50-179 coded '15-5') returning from the military side of the base, with the use of a crane, current.

Left to right: At this time the new Hangar 4 Skema Hall was being filled with exhibits from Hangar 3, including;  de Havilland Vampire NF.54 (MM6152), which has since been moved to the 'top shelf' in this hall. Current. Fiat F-86K Sabre (MM55-4868 coded '51-62') on display for many years it had left by November 2005 and returned by August 2009 after a restoration, current. Caproni Campini CC.1 (MM488), current. Piaggio P.166ML1 (MM61933 coded '53-34'), current.

Left to right: CRDA Cant Z.506S Airone (MM45425 '84-4'), current. Supermarine Spitfire LF.IXc (painted as RAF MK805, it was previously MM4084), current. Nardi FN.305 (MM52757 coded '3' it was previously I-DASM), current. Macchi Castoldi MC.205V Veltro (Painted as 'MM9345 155-6'), in the mid 1990s it was restored as 'MM9546 97-2'. Currently on display.

Left to right: Fiat G.212 'Flying Classroom' (MM61804 '142-5'), current. Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero (Sparrow Hawk), (marked '278-2'), current. Panavia Tornado IDS (MM7001 coded 'RS-01'), gone by 2005. Preserved at Cameri coded '53-CMP-1'.

May 1991 Before 1993 and as far back as 1980 when I first visited the museum, I was shooting with black and white film.

Fiat G-82 (MM53888 'RS-21') with wheels removed, it was transferred to Pratica di Mare by August 2004.

Left to right: Note the number of wheels that have been removed. Fiat G-49-2 (MM556 '39' c/n 2 registered I-FIAT). Designed by Gabrielli to replace the T-6 as an advanced trainer, it first flew in September 1952. Although offered to the Aeronautica Militare with two different engine variants they were not impressed after evaluating two examples and only a small number were built. This example had been moved into storage by April 1993. Piaggio P.166ML-1 (MM61874) had gone by 1993 to appear in a scrapyard at Montebello della Bettaglia by 2012. The P.166s design followed on from the P.136 amphibian of which several were to be seen at the museum until the mid 1990s when they were put into store at Guidonia. The first prototype P.166 took to the air in 1957. The P.166 was used for multi-engine aircraft pilot training at Latina with Scuola Volo Basico Avanzato Elica (SVBAE) and also for transport, liaison and Search and Rescue (SAR). 303º Gruppo at Guidonia utilised the P.166M/APH for aerial surveys until its retirement in 1997. Grumman HU-16A Albatross (MM50-179 coded '15-5') stored on the military side of the base.

November 1990

Ambrosini Aerfer Sagittario II 'Ram' (MM561).

Left to right: North American P-51D Mustang (MM4323 coded 'RR-11'). Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (MM4653 coded 51-19 ex 44-89746). SAI-Ambrosini (Super) S.7 Supersette (MM558), Currently on display.

Left to right: Stinson L-5 Sentinel (I-AEEU) civilian registered in 1954 it had previously operated by Ministero della Difesa - Aeronautica. Around 100 of these aircraft were used by the AMI for basic training from 1946. It was recovered from the Aero Club at Turin and later restored it as MM52848 coded 'S-1 2'. Currently on display. Nardi FN.305 (MM52757 coded '3' and was previously I-DASM) before it was restored by GAVS in Rome from after 1994. Currently on display. Macchi M.416 (I-AELY) was civilian registered in 1962 following its service from 1951 as a basic trainer with the Italian Air Force. Following restoration it was returned to the museum as MM53762 coded 'AA-48'. Currently on display. Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero (Sparrow Hawk). It is restored in an Italian scheme from 1942 as 'MM24327' coded '278-2', however it is reported as really being MM45508. With a crew of 6 and a range of 2,200 miles (3,500 Km) it flew till the early 1950s as a transport, until its retirement. Currently on display.

Left to right: IMAM Ro.43 Maggiolino 'Cricket' (MM27050 'ORB-23'). The aircraft on display was built in 1937 and is the world's only survivor. It ended its military operations with the Observatory School at Orbetello (ORB). In 1972 it was found at Centocelle, Rome and was refurbished for the Museum where it remained till at least 2000 when it was removed for a further two years of restoration which commenced in 2009 before returning in November 2011. Currently on display. CRDA Cant Z.506S Airone (MM45425 '84-4'). After WW1 it was converted to Z.506S standard, for its new role as a maritime search and rescue aircraft, with 84º Gruppo based at Vigna di Valle. The Airone was not withdrawn from service until 1960. Currently on display. Caproni Campini CC.1 (MM488). Currently on display. Lockheed RT-33A Shooting Star (MM53-5594 '9-35'). the example on display is an RT-33A and is painted in a high visibility orange scheme dating back to its days with 9º Stormo (9 Wing), 609º Gruppo (609 Squadron) when employed on target towing duties. It is on display in the Badoni hall 3 before its move to the new Skema hall 4.

October 1988

Left to right: Macchi Castoldi MC.202T-AS Folgore (Painted as 'MM7844 91-3'), in the mid 1990s it was restored as MM9667 coded '73-7'. Currently on display. Macchi Castoldi MC.205V Veltro (Painted as 'MM9345 155-6'), in the mid 1990s it was restored as 'MM9546 97-2'. Currently on display. North American P-51D Mustang (MM4323 coded 'RR-11'), current. SAI-Ambrosini (Super) S.7 Supersette (MM558) is a second prototype used by the Reparto Sperimentale Volo (RSV) test unit at Pratica di Mare. Current.

Left to right: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (MM4653 '51-19' ex 44-89746). It was used for ground instruction at Pisa University Engineering School from 1953-1973. This aircraft was at the Museum from 1986 to 2002 (previously at Lecce since 1978) before it was removed. In April 2010 it was seen dismantled at Guidonia, but by December 2010 it had moved on, for restoration at Museo Volandia, Milan-Malpensa for long-term restoration. Aermacchi MB.323 (MM554 'RS-10') before it was restored from 2001, it returned in 2009.

Left to right: Caproni Trento F.5 (MM553) a prototype two-seat trainer designed by Stelio Frati and built by Aeroplani Caproni at Trento, it made its first flight in May 1952. It was the only example built following little interest from the Italian Air Force. By 1990 it had left Vigna di Valle for restoration going on to the Museo dell'Aeronautica Gianni Caproni in Trento in 1991 as I-FACT. Caproni Campini CC.1 (MM488), current. Ambrosini Aerfer Sagittario II 'Ram' (MM561). After 2002 it was removed for restoration, returning by August 2009. Fiat F-86K Sabre (MM55-4868 coded '51-62') before it had left by November 2005 to return by August 2009 after a restoration, currently on display.

Left to right: General views from inside the Badoni Hall 4. Note: Avia FL.3 (I-ADOD) hanging from the roof, it had gone by 1993, assumed for storage. Macchi M.416 (I-AELY) as when registered in 1962. It was supplied as a basic trainer for the Italian Air Force from 1951. Following restoration it was returned to the museum as MM53762 coded 'AA-48'.

Left to right: Grumman S-2F Tracker (MM136556 coded '41-6'), current. Piaggio P.166ML-1 (MM61890) had gone by April 2000. To Luigi Ridolfi Airport, Forli and later for instructional use at Villafranca.

August 1986

Fiat G-49-2 (MM556 '39' c/n 2 registered I-FIAT). Designed by Gabrielli to replace the T-6 as an advanced trainer, it first flew in September 1952. Although offered to the Aeronautica Militare with two different engine variants they were not impressed after evaluating two examples and only a small number were built. This example had been moved into storage by April 1993.

Left to right: The Ansaldo AC.2 (MM1208 coded '94-6') first flew in 1924 and went into service as a fighter in the following year. It was license-built Dewoitine D.1 which first flew in 1922. A total of 112 were built in Italy. An Ansaldo AC.3, which is a license-built Dewoitine D.9 of which 150 were built, was flown by test pilot Donati to set the world altitude record of 38,914 feet (11,861m) in 1926. Current. Macchi Castoldi MC.202T-AS Folgore (Painted as 'MM7844 91-3'), in the mid 1990s it was restored as MM9667 coded '73-7'. Currently on display. Macchi Castoldi MC.205V Veltro (Painted as 'MM9345 155-6'), in the mid 1990s it was restored as 'MM9546 97-2'. Currently on display.

Left to right: Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 Canguro (painted as 'MM61850' and coded '14'). By August 2006 it was restored with its correct Matricola Militare (MM) MM61187 with the code 'ZR-89'. Currently on display. The Fiat G.212 'Flying Classroom' (MM61804 '142-5'). The example on display was built in 1949 and was used to train pilots. It was equipped for photo-reconnaissance and could seat 26 to 30. It is the only Fiat produced three engine aircraft in existence. Currently on display. North American P-51D Mustang (MM4323 coded 'RR-11') The P-51D entered service with the AMI in 1948. The example on display carries the personal insignia of General Ranieri Cupini who piloted it till 1953. By July 2012 it had been removed from display for restoration on-site and returned in a polished natural metal state in 2015. de Havilland DH.113 Vampire NF.54 (MM6152). From 1950 the AMI took delivery of a number of Vampires, prior to a producing their own (150 in total) by Fiat and Macchi. Currently on display.

Fiat G-80 (MM53882 coded 'RS-22') Fiat built, the G-80 which was designed by Gabrielli as an advanced two seat jet trainer. The first flight of one of the two initial prototypes, took place in December 1951. Later in May 1953 one of the two prototype G-82s, made its first flight.

Left to right: Fiat G-91Y (MM580 'RS-11') previously with the Reparto Sperimentale Volo at Pratica di Mare. Named 'Yankee' due to the shape of it's air intake, the G-91Y was the first G-91 to have an afterburner. Carrying a heavier payload and increased armament by means of two 30mm guns, it was less manoeuvrable than the G-91R. 65 'Yankee's were built under license by Aeritalia and delivered to 8º Stormo and 32º Stormo. The G-91Ys were eventually withdrawn from 1994 with the arrival of the AMX. By April 2000 the example on display had been moved to Rome and later reported preserved outside in Bergamo. Lockheed RT-33A Shooting Star (MM51-9249 '51-88'). The T-33A was based on the single seat P-80, first flying in 1948. The AMI received 60 T-33As from 1952 and 14 single-seat RT-33As. By April 2000 this example was transferred to Pratica di Mare and preserved at Corropoli, Italy by 2017. Note: North American F-100D Super Sabre (G-290 54-2290) ex Royal Danish AF is in the background. It was transferred to Aviano - Roveredo in Piano, Friuli-Venezia Giulia in August 1997 marked as '56-927'. Fiat G-222 (MM583 'RS-07') previously with 311° Gruppo, Reparto Sperimentale Volo it is a medium-sized STOL military transport aircraft developed to meet a NATO specification. By April 2000 it was transferred to Rome and by 2009 to Twisteden in Germany.

Piaggio P.166ML-1 (MM61874) had gone by 1993, scrapyard at Montebello della Bettaglia by 2012. The P.166s design followed on from the P.136 amphibian of which several were to be seen at the museum until the mid 1990s when they were put into store at Guidonia. The first prototype P.166 took to the air in 1957. The P.166 was used for multi-engine aircraft pilot training at Latina with Scuola Volo Basico Avanzato Elica (SVBAE) and also for transport, liaison and Search and Rescue (SAR). 303º Gruppo at Guidonia utilised the P.166M/APH for aerial surveys until its retirement in 1997.

Piaggio P.166ML1 (MM61890) had gone by April 2000. To Luigi Ridolfi Airport, Forli and later for instructional use at Villafranca.

January 1983

Piaggio P.136L-1 (MM80078 '140-15').

Left to right: After entering the Esercito main gate these aircraft were stored outside in an area that became inaccessible when they opened the new gate and sectioned off the museum from the Esercito base. Piaggio P.136F (MM80005 '140-6') and Piaggio P.136L-1 (MM80078 '140-15'). It is a pusher-type twin-engine amphibian flying boat designed and built by Piaggio Aero making its first flight in 1948. From 1951 until 1961, the Italian Air Force received 14 Piaggio P-136F and eight Piaggio P-136L-1s for coastal patrol and air-sea rescue missions. These two examples were transferred to Guidonia by 1986 and on to Italian Army barracks at Fiumicino (Area 3) near Rome by 2006 along with another example; Piaggio P.136L-1 (MM80083 '84-16'). Note: MM80082 (ex I-SASO) is with GAVS Torino. Fiat G-46-4A (MM53283) the second example here which had been transferred by 1996, the other was MM53286/I-AELM which was later restored and put on display.

Left to right: Beside Hall 1 Troster Grumman HU-16A Albatross (MM50-179 coded '15-5'), currently on display outside Badoni Hall 3. Aermacchi MB.323 (MM554 'RS-10') before it was restored from 2001, it returned in 2009. SAAB J29F Tunnan (29543 '19') Swedish Air Force delivered on June 17, 1954. This aircraft had been attending an exercise in Italy in May 1968 when it succumbed to engine failure. As the Swedish Air Force had already retired most of these first-generation jet fighter, they decided to donate it to the Italian Air Force museum in December 1968. After a number of years on display it was put into storage and maintain their policy of keeping aircraft with a direct Italian Air Force on show.

Left to right: In front of Badoni Hall 3 Fiat G-82 (MM53886 'RS-19') and Fiat G-82 (MM53888 'RS-21'), both jets were transferred to Pratica di Mare by August 2004.

Left to right: General views of Hall 3 Badoni North American P-51D Mustang (MM4323 coded 'RR-11') before its restoration, currently on display. Fiat G-59-4B (MM53276) arrived from the Museum of Flight in Turin in the 1970s when the museum moved south. In 2013 it was decided that this aircraft be restored in the restoration/maintenance hangar on-site. It was returned for display in November 2015. Currently on display. In the background is Beech C-45F Expeditor (MM61734 coded 'RR-25'). This aircraft was transferred to the museum store at Guidonia just outside Rome by Augst 1996, last noted in December 2010 with another C-45 (MM61762 'RR-11') with a glass nose.

Left to right: Caproni Campini CC.1 (MM488). Currently on display. A collection of 1950s to 1960s jets packed into the Badoni Hall 4. Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero (MM45508 but displayed as 'MM24327 278-2') it is behind Macchi Castoldi MC.200 Saetta (MM5311 coded '369-1'). North American T-6G Texan (MM54097 'RR-67') was transferred to the museum in 1974 following its retirement as a liaison aircraft with the 2º Reparto Volo Regionale at nearby Guidonia and in whose colours it is displayed. It was restored by GAVS Vicenza from 2001 to 2002.

Left to right: The CRDA Cant Z.506S 'Airone' (MM45425 '84-4'). IMAM Ro.43 Maggiolino 'Cricket' (MM27050 'ORB-23'). The aircraft on display was built in 1937 and is the world's only survivor. It ended its military operations with the Observatory School at Orbetello (ORB). In 1972 it was found at Centocelle, Rome and was refurbished for the Museum where it remained till at least 2000 when it was removed for a further two years of restoration which commenced in 2009 before returning in November 2011. Currently on display. Fiat G-222 (MM583 'RS-07') recently arrived. However, by April 2000 it had been moved to Rome and by 2009 it was to be found at Twisteden, Germany. Designed and built by Fiat Aviazione (later Alenia Aeronautica and then Aeritalia) as a medium-sized STOL military transport aircraft. Developed to meet a NATO specification only the Italian Air Force was to place any orders, apart from a small number ordered by the US Air Force.

August 1980

Fiat G-82 (MM53888 'RS-21')it had been transferred to Pratica di Mare by August 2004.

Fiat G-82 (MM53886 'RS-19') it had been transferred to Pratica di Mare by August 2004.

Left to right: Piaggio P.136F (MM80005 '140-6') and Piaggio P.136L-1 (MM80078 '140-15'). It is a pusher-type twin-engine amphibian flying boat designed and built by Piaggio Aero making its first flight in 1948. From 1951 until 1961, the Italian Air Force received 14 Piaggio P-136F and eight Piaggio P-136L-1s for coastal patrol and air-sea rescue missions. These two examples were transferred to Guidonia by 1986 and on to Italian Army barracks at Fiumicino near Rome by 2006 along with another example; Piaggio P.136L-1 (MM80083 '84-16').

Left to right: Beside Hall 1 Troster Grumman HU-16A Albatross (MM50-179 coded '15-5'), currently on display outside.

Left to right: SAAB J29F Tunnan (29543 '19') Swedish Air Force delivered on June 17, 1954. This aircraft had been attending an exercise in Italy in May 1968 when it succumbed to engine failure. As the Swedish Air Force had already retired most of these first-generation jet fighter, they decided to donate it to the Italian Air Force museum in December 1968. After a number of years on display it was put into storage and maintain their policy of keeping aircraft with a direct Italian Air Force on show. Fiat F-86K Sabre (MM55-4868 coded '51-62') on display for a number of years but had gone by November 2005 and returned by August 2009. Currently on display in Skema hall 4. IMAM Ro.43 Maggiolino 'Cricket' (MM27050 'ORB-23'). The aircraft on display was built in 1937 and is the world's only survivor. It ended its military operations with the Observatory School at Orbetello (ORB). In 1972 it was found at Centocelle, Rome and was refurbished for the Museum where it remained till at least 2000 when it was removed for a further two years of restoration which commenced in 2009 before returning in November 2011. Currently on display.

Fiat G-46-4A (MM53283) the second example here which had been transferred by 1996, the other was MM53286 registered I-AELM which was later restored and put on display.