Home  /  Newsroom  /  News 2024  /  First RQ-4D engine change in Sigonella top maintain mission readiness

SIGONELLA, Italy - The multinational team of technicians at NATO’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) successfully replaced an engine on one of its aircraft for the first time at the Main Operating Base in Sigonella, Italy.

This complex operation showcases the expertise and dedication of our technicians, ensuring the operational readiness of our aircraft

The engine of an aircraft, like any other engine, has a limited service life and with appropriate maintenance, an aircraft engine can run for several years. The first RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft of NISRF arrived in Sigonella at the end of 2019, and after five years, an engine swap was needed.

“The successful engine change by our NISRF team in Sigonella marks a significant milestone for our Force.” said Brigadier General Andrew Clark, NISRF Commander. “This complex operation showcases the expertise and dedication of our technicians, ensuring the continued operational readiness of our aircraft. Their hard work and professionalism are a testament to the capabilities of NISRF”, he added.

The multinational technician team of NISRF changing the engine of a NATO RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft. 
Photo by NATO ISR Force.

A reliable and operational fleet is essential for NISRF to fulfil its mission of providing high-quality intelligence products to Alliance decision-makers and member nations at the speed of need. This successful engine change supports readiness of the NISRF RQ-4D aircraft to execute missions for the Alliance.

NISRF has five NATO RQ-4D “Phoenix” remotely piloted aircraft at its disposal the Force’s Main Operating Base at Sigonella Air Base, Sicily. These aircraft are powered by the Rolls Royce AE 3007H turbofan engine with around 3,500 hp.

NISRF has five NATO RQ-4D “Phoenix” remotely piloted aircraft at its disposal in Sigonella, Sicily. 
Photo by NATO ISR Force.

These aircraft are powered by the Rolls Royce AE 3007H turbofan engine.
Photo by NATO ISR Force

Back to Newsroom

Back to NISRF Home