Special coloured 102° Gruppo Tornado

May 2022 saw the 80th anniversary of the 102° Gruppo (Squadron) Paperi of the Aeronautica Militare (ItAF, Italian Air Force) with a special coloured Panavia Tornado.

The Tornado IDS(T), serial MM55009/6-44, was the star of the event, which took place on 13 May 2022 at Ghedi (BS) airport.

The 102° Gruppo was founded in Lonate Pozzolo (VA) on 1 May 1942. During the Second World War it first operated on the central Mediterranean. After the Armistice (when Italy joined the Allied forces), it continued operating on the Greek, Albanian and Yugoslavian front.

The 102° Gruppo flew with various types of aircraft among Junkers Ju87 Stuka, Reggiane Re2002, Macchi MC205, the Supermarine Mk.IX Spitfire and the Republic F-84 Thunderjet in the F and G versions. And more recent, the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and Panavia Tornado. In 1956, the current sign of the Papero (duck) was adopted.

Photo by Aeronautica Militare