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“Trained as you fight, Fight how you train " (“Train as you fight, fight as you train” in termini anglosassoni). According to this principle, the need to train in an absolutely realistic context is a priority. If we add to this, the pushing of the recent weapon systems descends that without realistic and continuous training, The effectiveness of the system itself is immediately affected.
For this reason, all the armed forces of the world are continuously looking for large isolated spaces, little anthropized e, possibly, with mainly good weather to maximize its use.
In Italy these conditions are found in Sardinia, Third Italian region for surface but third last for housing density (and if you consider that 1/3 of the inhabitants lives in the metropolitan city of Cagliari the value goes further), The large island in the center of the Mediterranean enjoys beyond 300 sunny days a year and large spaces uninhabited and not suitable for crops, Reason why the decision to place a polygon for missile experimentation in this land was almost automatic.
The quirk of Quirra jumping polygon (PISQ) It is one of the most relevant military structures in Italy and the whole of Europe, Located in south-eastern Sardinia, Between the common of forgiven and villeputzu. With an area of about 120 square kilometers, with an almost absolute lack of inhabited centers and a substantially flat central band (Apart from some slight undulating) and surrounded by harsh mountains to act as a safety band, work with staff from the Air Force, by the Italian army and the Navy, and ensures the execution of experimental tests of missiles and targets, of qualifying tests for new weapon systems, as well as testing and the verification of the series production quality of the armaments. Also, carries out training activities of national and foreign units and collaborates with as many scientific bodies. Having a sophisticated data detection network, consisting of a radar chase chain and optical and telemetry detection systems, represents a unique structure of its kind in Italy (and with few equal in the world). The polygon stands out for its strategic position and its geographical characteristics that make it a unique place for military training activities, Experimentation and technological research.
The story of the Pisq
Founded in 1956, Quirra's jump polygon was born to respond to the growing needs of research and development in the military and aerospace fields during the Cold War period. However, Already in the early 1950s, Nelt of PredasDefogu, The first experimental launches of missiles were conducted. These activities represented a test bench for the ballistic technologies of the time and laid the foundations for the subsequent creation of a permanent polygon. It was in fact from those desolate lands of the Ogliastra that the general Air Force Luigi Broglio, Father of Italian astronautics, he carried out the first studies on the measurement of atmospheric currents at high altitudes, launching rockets from the “Gigli Tower”, a structure entirely in iron and so baptized in memory of the engineer who had designed it. The tower is still present and visible inside the polygon.
Over the decades, The polygon was gradually expanded and modernized, becoming a center of excellence for armament tests, Missiles and aerospace technologies. Collaboration with international entities, Industries of the defense sector and scientific organizations has further consolidated its reputation.
Pisq today
The polygon currently divides into 2 main parts: the "polygon on the ground", Located to Perdasdefogu and large 12.000 hectares, Where is the command, and a "polygon at sea", much smaller in terms of occupied but much wider territory as regards the slice of sea available, Near Capo San Lorenzo, dedicated to the experimentation and training of missile systems.
The complex operates both in the sector of experimentation on the ground and in flight of complex weapon systems, that in that of the training for the use of any type of armament for air use, naval and terrestrial.
The large dedicated surfaces are necessary to activate the so -called "dispersion bells": defined geographical areas in which a missile, bullet or object in the test phase could land or fall, according to its ballistic characteristics, of the operating conditions and possible margins of error. The term derives from the shape often similar to a bell or to an inverted cone, resulting from the analysis of the trajectories and the variables that influence the flight of the missile. The size of these areas and the overlying airspace depend on the type of missile or weapon system in testing, from the technological precision of the driving system, from the altitude and speed of the flight and finally from the weather conditions during the test.
The areas included in the dispersion bell must be subject to limitations or bans of access to ensure the safety of people and infrastructures and can be temporary or permanent, Both terrestrial and maritime.
Before each test, The technicians and engineers carry out detailed simulations and calculations to predict the dispersion area with the utmost accuracy. Ballistic modeling tools and updated weather data are used to refine the forecasts. All this allows you to choose the flight trajectories and the ideal launch points for minimizing associated risks and coordinating the temporary block of the areas concerned with traffic control bodies, In addition to mapping the areas in which relapses of debris or materials could occur, facilitating recovery and mitigation operations of the environmental impact. Finally, The analysis of the bells is integrated with the radar and tracking system to monitor the trajectory of the missile/weapon system in real time, With any emergency procedures ready to intervene in the event of anomalies. Among these is included, The Estrema Account, The self -destruction of the bomb, commanded from the ground on a dedicated and specially redone circuit.
All activities are coordinated by a very modern PCC (Command and control post) Located inside the perdasdefogu command. The PCC is equipped with 16 control console and connects with i 52 Polygon control systems (radar, Cineteodolites, cameras, etc.), sampling their data with a frequency of 100 Hertz. All data is used both in real time for the safe management of the activities and to be able to analyze events later and reconstruct the trajectory of what is launched.
A terminal of the European SST system is hosted in the same building in the PCC (Space Surveillance and Tracking), a network of terrestrial and space sensors capable of detecting and tracing space objects, together with processing capacity aimed at providing data, information and services on space objects that orbit around the earth (between satellites in service, Out of service and garbage varies, It is estimated that around our planet orbito from several tens of thousands to millions of pieces). The services of the AST evaluate the risk of collisions in orbit and uncontrolled return of spatial debris in the terrestrial atmosphere and detect and characterize the fragments in orbit.
The activities of the polygon
Pisq hosts a wide range of activities, ranging from the training of the Italian and foreign armed forces to the experimentation of advanced technologies. Here are the main functions:
- Weapon systems test: The polygon is used for the experimentation of missiles, drones, ammunition and other weapons. The characteristics of the territory and the presence of large terrestrial/marine areas and related air spaces allow to conduct tests in total safety.
- Military training: The Italian and allied armed forces use the jump of Quirra for shooting exercises, maneuvers with terrestrial vehicles, planes and naval, and simulations of complex operating scenarios.
- Aerospace search: Thanks to the collaboration with space agencies, National sector companies and research centers, Pisq is a point of reference for the launch and testing of space carriers and other aerospace technologies, as well as for the development of future projects and platforms in this area.
- Scientific collaborations: In addition to military activities, The polygon hosts scientific research projects, Especially in the field of ballistics, of meteorology and technological safety.
For the first 2 functions are used, among other equipment, Batrol radios, among the most advanced and performing in the world. It is essentially of 2 models: Mirlach 40 e mirach 100/5 made by Leonardo. The first smaller (2,5 mt length 70 About weight of weight) and the second decidedly bigger (4 about mt for 330 About kg at take -off), They are both able to simulate targets of various types and sizes, and are launched by the areas and appurtenances of the detachment of Capo San Lorenzo and recovered by the HH-139 of the 80th Sar Center of the 15th Wing of the Air Force, stationed at the Decimomannu military airport. At the end of the flight, they are made to get on the sea mirror in front of the detachment, verified their integrity are then secured by the aericherders and divers from the 80th Center, hooked by the same to the helicopter and then be placed inside the detachment of Capo San Lorenzo. They will then be reconditioned and reconfigured for another flight.
The structures and technologies
Quirra's jump interforce polygon has cutting -edge infrastructure to ensure the success of its operations. Among these:
- Radar and monitoring stations: Used for tracking and trajectory analysis during missiles and other technologies tests.
- Research workshops: Equipped with equipment for the analysis of materials, the development of electronic systems and the processing of data collected during experiments.
- Launching tracks and impact areas: Specifically designed for precision tests, These areas are located in controlled areas in order to minimize risks. Fixed and mobile targets are positioned inside the impact areas to make the exercises more realistic. There are also extremely realistic simulacra that replicates the technical characteristics and operational skills of anti -aircraft systems that could be used by probable opponents, to allow, especially to 5th generation planes, to exercise in more adherent conditions possible to reality. There are also an area set up with a battery of disused sword missiles and an area for simulation and training in the urban environment, both used to train troops in combat in these particular situations.
- Logistical infrastructures: The polygon includes personnel housing, Hangar for rotating wing air vehicles, deposits and workshops for the maintenance of the equipment.
- SPTF of Avio: Inside the Pisq there is the Space Propulsion Test Facility (SPTF), A structure managed by Avio, Italian leading company in the aerospace sector. This system is dedicated to tests on solid and liquid fuel spatial engines, Used in the launchers like Il Vega. The SPTF has advanced test benches to evaluate the performance and reliability of the engines, contributing significantly to Italian competitiveness in the aerospace sector. In particular, a test bench is installed for liquid propellant engines (Learn, Liquid Rocket Engine), intended for the execution of tests for the development and qualification of new generation spatial engines, with low environmental impact, Based on Cryogenic Praise (oxygen and methane liquids) which can also be turned off and turned on in space, As part of the same mission. These engines are of fundamental importance for spatial missions and satellites that need modifications of orbit and trajectory. Its presence strengthens the role of the polygon as a center of excellence for research and spatial experimentation.
The geopolitical and strategic importance
Quirra's jump polygon occupies a crucial role in Italian and international military strategy. His position in the Mediterranean makes him a nerve point for defense and security operations, as well as for cooperation with allied countries. Also, The polygon represents a key resource for technological and industrial development, favoring the competitiveness of Italian companies in the defense and space sector.
Sustainability and relationship with the territory
With growing skills over the years, Pisq has always guaranteed any possible initiative aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of its activities and encourage harmonious coexistence with local communities. There are sophisticated environmental monitoring systems to control air quality, soil and water, and at the end of each exercise, meticulous restoration programs are held of the areas concerned. As for the seaside sections in front of the exercising areas such as the bay of Capo San Lorenzo, The inspection and possible reclamation of the seabed is donated to the aerichercorters of the 80th SAR Center. Any experiment or exercise that takes place within the borders of the Pisq is also analyzed from an environmental point of view, with a preventive evaluation aimed at avoiding the release of any potential polluting agent, carried out by a professional structure specially dedicated to the purpose. Any surpluses with respect to the provisions of the stringent regulations result irreparably in limitations on the exercise/experiment. Each operation must be carried out, in compliance with a specification for environmental protection, aimed at guaranteeing the minimum environmental impact of the activities. The adoption of procedures in line with the main national regulations, allowed the polygon to achieve, in the past, ISO environmental certification 14001. Nevertheless, in the areas of the polygon, Given the extension, morphology and dense vegetation, There are numerous firefighting tanks, To allow the timely intervention of the helicopters of the 80th SAR Center.
Collaborations with local authorities and universities have also made it possible to develop joint research projects, creating economic and employment opportunities for the Region. Among the latter, the scientific research center and health in Ogliastra cannot be mentioned, which operates within the premises made available by the Air Force and is the result of an initiative in favor of the Identità Ogliastra Association and the Barbagia of Seulo and the University of Sassari.
An ambitious project, scientific nature, Supported by the Senate of the Republic and sponsored by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia and the University of Sassari with the aim of studying the population of the Ogliastra which boasts one of the very rare "Blue Zone" in the world, with a high concentration of centenarians, through the establishment of a modern laboratory equipped with sophisticated instrumentation inside the polygon sedime. The initiative testifies to the attention and sensitivity of the Ministry of Defense towards study and research projects aimed at improving the living conditions of the human being.
Keeping the future, Quirra's jump interforce polygon prepares to respond to the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. Among the priorities there are the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, and the expansion of international collaborations. Also, The polygon aims to strengthen its role in the aerospace sector, consolidating its position as a hub of innovation and experimentation.
Quirra's jump polygon is not just a military structure, But an example of how technology, research and defense can coexist in a dynamic context and in continuous transformation, contributing to national security and scientific progress.
AviaSpotter.it would like to thank: The Air Force General Staff for having authorized the activity, General D.A. Davide Cipelletti (Commander of the Pisq and Camras) for opening the doors of this incredible reality which is the Am Training in Sardinia, he Ten. Col. Stefano HEAD (Chapter Media Section OPS), he Ten. Col. Alessio Puddu for the sharing of his boundless knowledge, Colonel Roberto Fabbri who managed to coordinate the boarding on the patrol boat to document the launch and recovery of radio and abbeal, the crew of the patrol boat itself for the great availability shown e, finally, The marshal of Io Class Nicola Simoni for the reception, infinite patience and constant support throughout the realization of the report.
Text and photos of/Text and Images by Fabio Tognolo-Aviaspotter.it
