5° Reggimento Aviazione dell’Esercito “Rigel”

25° Gruppo Squadroni “CIGNO” in San Giacomo di Veglia (Treviso) with AB206, Cessna L-19 & L-21 and later SM1019.

55° Gruppo Squadroni “DRAGONI” in Carsarsa with AB205.

The key feature of the D version was a new combat system from Rafael of Israel with the Rafael Spike-ER missile, with over twice the range of TOW as well as “fire and forget” capability, Rafael “Toplite III” sensor / targeting turret on the nose, with day and infrared imagers, a laser spot tracker, plus a laser rangefinder / target illuminator & designator and a wide-angle colour cockpit display and twin hand controllers for the gunner. 2023 saw the 40th anniversary of the first A129 flight.

As the A129 approaches the end of its life, prototypes of a new larger more powerful version, the AW249, are currently being tested. Deliveries into service are scheduled for 3-6 years’ time.

5° Reggimento “RIGEL” moved to Udine-Campoformido AB in 1996 and then to Rimini-Miramare AB in 1997 before returning to Carsarsa. Since 1998 5° Reggimento “RIGEL” comprises:
– Regiment Command
– 27° Gruppo Squadroni “MERCURIO”
– 49° Gruppo Squadroni “CAPRICORNO”
– Service Support Group “LUPO”

In 1999 the unit became the 5° Air Cavalry Regiment “RIGEL” and in 2003 became 5° Reggimento AVES “RIGEL”. From 2000 the unit reports to the Airmobile Brigade “FIULI” in Bologna.