Agusta-Bell AB 206B-1 JetRanger

Agusta · Italy · first flew 1967 · helicopter

The Agusta-Bell AB 206B-1 JetRanger is the Italian licence-built variant of the Bell 206B, produced by Agusta for military and civil customers primarily in Europe and the Middle East.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, rotary
E — Engines	1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	11.82 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Italian-built licence version of Bell 206B JetRanger
Single turboshaft light utility helicopter
Streamlined teardrop cabin with skid undercarriage

Virtually identical to the Bell 206B JetRanger; the teardrop-shaped cabin, single main rotor, and long tail boom with small anti-torque rotor are defining features. Italian-built examples may bear Agusta markings.

Specifications

The Agusta-Bell AB 206B-1 JetRanger has a length of 11.82 m (39 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.16 m (33 ft).
Its maximum speed is 224 km/h (139 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Agusta held a long-standing licence agreement with Bell to produce helicopter designs in Italy. The AB 206 series was produced extensively from the late 1960s onward, serving Italian armed forces and numerous export customers. The aircraft shares all major design features with the American Bell 206B.

Variants

Variants include the AB 206B-1, AB 206B-2, and AB 206B-3 JetRanger models corresponding to successive Bell 206 marks, with progressive engine and avionics improvements.

Where you'll see it

Operated widely by Italian Army Aviation, the Carabinieri, and numerous other armed forces and police agencies across Europe and the Middle East. Civilian examples remain in service globally.

Related aircraft

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