The GMV Flyer 72 is the new tactical vehicle of the Folgore

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 air transportable tactical vehicles designed to allow the rapid deployment and concentration of special forces and paratrooper units in a short time and at short notice, even in areas of operations not accessible to other types of forces. This will guarantee the country a projection capacity 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 tons empty and has a load capacity of 2.5 tons, 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 turbodiesel engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, allowing the Flyer 72 U to reach a top road speed of 150 km/h. Range varies depending on the type of mission, with a range of 300 to 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 pragmatic approach of the Italian Army in updating and enhancing the capabilities of its departments, while recognizing that the true strength of a unit is measured in the synergy between man and vehicle.