Italian military designation P-72A Argo

The first Atlantic for Italy was handed over in 1972, the new type allowing the withdrawal of their S-2 Trackers and bringing the advantage of a 20-hour endurance. This example had been active until its retirement last November with 41º Stormo Antisom (41st Antisubmarine Warfare Wing) at Sigonella, Sicily. Earmarked for preservation, in October 2018 it was airlifted from Pratica di Mare to its current position by an Erickson S.64 Skycrane helicopter of the Vigili del Fuoco (fire service), as there is no runway at Vigna di Valle.

This airframe last flew on 22nd November 2017 from Sigonella to Pratica di Mare, were it was disassembled in major items and the transferred to Vigna di Valle's Museum. The fuselage was transferred by an Erickson S-64F operated by Vigili del Fuoco on 18th October 2018. The left side of the fin shows the badges of the two Wings that operated the aircraft (41 and 30 Stormo) and the banner "The Last One" on the MAD probe. The rear fuselage displays the unveiling of the original two paint livery (white and sea blue-grey)

This airframe last flew on 22nd November 2017 from Sigonella to Pratica di Mare, were it was disassembled in major items and the transferred to Vigna di Valle's Museum. The fuselage was transferred by an Erickson S-64F operated by Vigili del Fuoco on 18th October 2018. The left side of the fin shows the badges of the two Wings that operated the aircraft (41 and 30 Stormo) and the banner "The Last One" on the MAD probe. The rear fuselage displays the unveiling of the original two paint livery (white and sea blue-grey)

The tail commemorates no less than 45 years of Atlantic service with the Italian air force: 1972-2017. Main body hoisted here by Forestale S-64 in October 2018 and aircraft rebuilt. Still parked off the museum grounds on the operational part of the base.