Last week, during the Club Panerai Viareggio GTG, we had the opportunity to visit the Lupo/Soldati class frigate, the Bersagliere. It is one of four similar frigates in this class.





These frigates were built between 1985 and 1987 by CNR/Ficantieri for the Iraqi Navy, only the arms embargo prevented the deal and they finally found their way to the Marina Millitare in 1996. Essentially, this class is a kind of patrol ship with a landing deck and a hanger to house one helicopter. Landing helicopters means lighting gear - the specialty of Panerai. This lighting equipment mainly consists of 'roll indicators" at both sides of the superstructure (enables the helicopter pilot to see that the ship deck is balanced before landing), signaling equipment, landing light, flood color lighting (for the deck) and small 'button' type markers. Here are some:


Roll indicator (from Volker's post on the PF, highly recommended BTW, http://www.network54.com/Forum/353391/message/1336518512/XII+Meeting+Club+Panerai+in+Viareggio-Italy+-+terzo+parte )





Large signaling projector (GPF Q/300)





Panerai made,,,





Color discs (or better described as squares) for the above,,,,,,never seen them before





Small button marker. This one is 'Traser' type, meaning glass filled with tritium gas.





Hand-held electric signaling 'gun', GPF 1/58 (still in use!)





Original strap for carrying above,,,,,I'm sure somebody can make a good use of that old one,,,,





Not a light, but how about an original MM ashtray?





The deck landing lights, although no indication, they were made and supplied by Officine Panerai at the time the ship was built in the late 1980's.





The deck flood lights were an addition requested by the Italian MM and added on in the late 1990's. This was right after Panerai was bought by Vendome and the company name was now Panerai Sistemi, which was sold to Calzoni in 1999. So in fact, this model (SAE 401) is bearing a very rare company seal, one that existed for a short time.
















I want to thank Piero for the invite and for the perfect organization as usual (this time with the assistance of his lovely wife, Rita).


Allora!








Cheers and best from the holyland,

~Asi~

GUSH

.nt

Thanks for sharing showing the equipments in real use...

Cheers,

Ken

~Live Life To The Fullest~

JB in Shaker

thanks for sharing, Asi

cheers,
tomi

Great finds and thanks for sharing!

You can "bother" me as much as you like with this stuff I really enjoy it.

And please Keep up this good work and excellent posts/info!!!



Greetings,

Mark

What a floating Panerai museum that is!

Again....somebody get me a screwdriver!


Thanks for sharing!


Cheers!

Eddie "Sharkman" Sanchez

"It's all about the patina, Baby!"

P U R A V I D A !



The pleasure of what we enjoy is lost by wanting more ~ fortune cookie

TFS!!

...allora!

Cheers,
Volker

representin' the DNA of Panerai

Imagine having a GTG on that frigate, Risti would probably all be jemmying the logo's off the equipment, and cutting the straps off equipment, I'd have a crack at the ash-tray for sure !!



Serva Tempa

Not bad for chasing them Somalian Pitares,,,,,,

Cheers and best from the holyland,

~Asi~

.

So much MORE than just a Watch

What Watch ,, it's the M8TES behind my brand that I LOVE ,, the Watch is just the GPS

A decade on ,, I COPY it now ,, More than EVER b4 >> it's a PANERAI behind every Panerai is a PANERISTI

And dat , SIMPLY blows me away ,, U Bet....................... BBQ Drew RIP

Feel the Passion ,, Respect the DNA ,, Cheers Beers ,,, Hoo Roo Hammer

I also have a Q300





I only lack the ship.



Ralf

floodlights? what would be its special features being a signal light? Thanks Asi

,,,,,,at least that's what the missus says


The lever I'm holding in the pic operates vertical shutters so you can get a morse type of quick 'lit/unlit' effect. You can slide a color disc/square in front to add color to your code or message. Perhaps Ralf can show us a short picture demonstration as I know he has a Q300 in his collection,,,,

Cheers and best from the holyland,

~Asi~

I really enjoyed the visit.

Thanks for the background infos.

I just love the Italian "No Photos" policy LOL

The quote of the day was from Big Ralf - I have a Q300 at home!!

See you in London Captain Haddock

Ron



-----------------------------------

Isle of Man - Road Racing Capital of the World

Cheers Asi,

Is this frigate still in action?

Robbie-Doooooooooooooooo!


Watch by Panerai
Bike by Look
Hair by Gillette

Victor
HK