Frecce Tricolori

Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale (PAN) — the Frecce Tricolori — are Italy’s national aerobatic team, officially formed on 1 March 1961 and based at Rivolto Air Base (Udine). They are the world’s largest military aerobatic team, flying ten aircraft (nine in formation plus a soloist) and painting the sky with the Italian tricolour.

The team currently flies the Aermacchi MB-339A/PAN, producing green-white-red smoke and a dynamic routine lasting roughly 25–30 minutes. Pilots and positions use the callsign series “Pony 1–10” (the soloist is Pony 10). In 2024 the Italian Air Force unveiled the M-346 (T-346A) as the Frecce’s future aircraft; the 2025 season remains on MB-339 while transition work proceeds.

Role & origin. Italian two-seat jet trainer/light attack aircraft developed from the MB-326; first flight 1976, Italian service from 1979. The PAN variant is optimised for display flying with dedicated coloured-smoke plumbing.

Powerplant & performance. 1 × Rolls-Royce Viper 632-43 turbojet (≈ 17.8 kN / 4,000 lbf). Typical max speed ≈ 898 km/h at sea level; service ceiling ≈ 46,000 ft—ample performance for tight formation aerobatics.

Display fit. Smoke dye (green/white/red) is metered into the oil stream and emitted via the rear exhaust. For display handling the PAN jets operate without wingtip tanks; sub-wing tanks carry smoke oil (and fuel when needed) and can be swapped for ferry tanks on longer deployments.

1961–1981. Early Frecce eras used the Canadair F-86E (1961–63) and Fiat G.91PAN (1964–81), establishing the large-formation style that became a hallmark.

Since 1982. The team has flown the MB-339A/PAN, refined continuously for reliability, smoke effects and formation precision. The routine typically includes figures such as Cardioide, Arizona, Bomba and the finale pass with an extended tricolour.

What’s next. The Italian Air Force presented the M-346 (T-346A) as the Frecce’s successor platform in 2024; as of the 2025 season displays continue with MB-339 while transition plans mature.

• Largest team: ten jets (nine + solo) performing ~20 figures over ~half an hour.
• Signature shapes: the heart-shaped Cardioide, the dramatic Bomba, and the finale “flag” pass.
• Pilots use the call-sign series Pony 1–10 — with Pony 1 leading and Pony 10 as the soloist.
• Coloured smoke comes from dye injected into smoke oil and expelled through the rear exhaust.
• Formal unit title: 313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico (PAN) at Rivolto.