The programme GMV Flyer 72 undergoes a decisive acceleration. Over the next five years, until 2029, the Special Forces and the Parachute Brigade Folgore will be equipped with ultra-light, high-mobility military vehicles thanks to a contract with Flyer Defense.
The primary objective is the availability of tactical airborne vehicles designed to enable the rapid deployment and concentration of Special Forces and paratroop units at short notice, even in areas of operations not accessible to other types of forces. This will provide the country with a projection capability in the third dimension.
The GMV Flyer 72 has an empty weight of approximately 2.5 tonnes, with a length of between 4.62 and 4.90 metres, and a width of between 2.01 and 2.16 metres, depending on the configuration selected. It can accommodate up to seven to nine passengers, although the rear seats are often removed to accommodate armaments such as 12.7 mm heavy machine guns, Mk 19 40 mm grenade launchers and 7.62 mm machine guns.
Currently, Flyer Defense offers three variants of the Flyer 72: the Flyer 72 HD (Heavy Duty), the LD Flyer (Light Duty) and the Flyer 72 U (Utility). The latter weighs 3.3 tonnes empty and has a load capacity of 2.5 tonnes, like the Flyer 72 HD version.
Between 2015 and 2017, 27 specimens were purchased by the 9th Regiment 'Col Moschin' which tested its mobility and flexibility in different scenarios.
The vehicle is powered by a 220-horsepower turbo-diesel engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which allows the Flyer 72 U to reach a maximum road speed of 150 km/h. The range varies according to the type of mission, with a range between 300 and 500 miles.
The total planned cost of the programme is 229.6 million euro, with 199 vehicles delivered to the Folgore Parachute Brigade.
In conclusion, the acquisition of the GMV Flyer 72 reflects the Italian Army's pragmatic approach to upgrading and enhancing the capabilities of its units, while recognising that the true strength of a unit is measured in the synergy between man and machine.