In Manta 01 and 02 there is a side-looking airborne radar installed on both sides of the aircraft's tail to detect marine pollution.

In 2016, more than 2,900 total flight hours and 144 SAR missions were undertaken from Catania, mainly with the ATR 42MP and AW139.

The ATR 42MP Manta crew consists of a pilot, a co-pilot, a coordinating officer, two system operators and two specialists in the technical role also employed as observers.

The two system operators on the ATR 42MP Manta have very high resolution colour monitors on which both navigation data and those provided by the search sensors can be viewed.

Coast Guard pilots say the ATR 42MP Manta is a little sluggish in the turn, but praise its reliability and good controls.

Management of the ATR 42MP Manta's sensors and operational radio communication takes place through the MPMS under the supervision of the onboard TACCO.

The primary task of the Nemo is safeguarding of the human life at sea, which often sees the crews involved in SAR mission.

The AW139 is 17m long and has a 14m rotor diameter that, thanks to a shorter transmission shaft, allows it to carry up to 12 people in the cabin plus two pilots.

The aero rescuer is lowered into the sea or on board ships to recover injured persons or those in distress, rescue them and give first aid when required.

The AW139 has two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C turbine engines, which guarantee Category A landings and take-offs up to a 6,400kg (14,109lb) weight.

Pre-flight checks underway on the AW139 Nemo.

The fifth screen in the centre of the AW139’s cockpit shows, depending on selection, the map of the search area, the radar representation of targets, the images of the two fixed cameras or these coming from FLIR system.

The OV on the AW139 carries out numerous tasks, including managing the use of the tactical console, assisting the pilot in navigation and using the winch.

The real strength of the P180GC is its aerodynamics, designed to minimise drag as much as possible.