Strict physical and mental training, fanatical attention to detail, and complete assurance of both your equipment and your crew - there are more than a few analogies between a "Frecce Tricolori" Acrobatic Jet Team pilot and a Grand Prix Motorcycle racer. Ample demonstration was provided once again at the official presentation of the MS Aprilia Italia Corse held last Friday, March 11 at the Military Airport in Rivolto (Province of Udine) where the Italian National Acrobatic Jet Team has been based since 1961.
It's no coincidence that both Simone Corsi and "Frecce Tricolori" Commander Major Paolo Tarantino always wear Dainese whenever they ride their bikes (the former in races, the latter just for fun). Both have chosen the Bora V Pro suit with Airstream Course helmet, Axial Race boots, Speed Metal gloves and Wave Safety Jacket.
Entirely different, but equally at the technological vanguard is the apparel worn by a combat jet pilot: anti-gravity suit that keeps the shifting of the blood around the body under control (at the air shows, Frecce Tricolori pilots undergo acceleration forces of up to 8G, meaning that someone who weighs 80 kg feels a weight of 640!), legs and arms supported by Secumar life-vest and helmet equipped with microphone and respirator.
In both cases however, the best technology is required to ensure the maximum entertainment and performance in complete safety
Last Friday, our two high-adrenaline professionals switched roles for a while: Commander Tarantino took Simone Corsi for a spin in his MB 339 acrobatic jet with Rolls Royce engine capable of providing 1814 kg thrust (giving him the controls and joystick for a few minutes). The promising 250 cc Class pilot returned the favour by lending him his Aprilia RSW 250 for a quick run around the track. Commander Tarantino came back exclaiming: “You feel acceleration and deceleration in a jet, but the real thrill of speed is something you feel only on a motorcycle!"