Agusta-Bell AB 212ASW

Agusta · Italy · first flew 1971 · helicopter

The Agusta-Bell AB 212ASW is a naval anti-submarine warfare helicopter produced in Italy by Agusta under licence from Bell Helicopter. It is a specialized maritime variant of the AB 212 utility helicopter, equipped with dipping sonar, torpedoes, and search radar.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, rotary
E — Engines1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage17.4 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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Identifiable by its twin-blade teetering main rotor, rounded fuselage typical of Bell designs, chin radar fairing, and naval equipment including sonar housing when configured for ASW.

Specifications

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

History

Agusta developed the ASW variant in the early 1970s to meet Italian Navy and export requirements for a shipborne anti-submarine helicopter. First deliveries to the Marina Militare occurred in 1976, and the type proved attractive to several Mediterranean and Middle Eastern navies. It replaced older Sikorsky and Agusta types in the ASW role aboard Italian frigates.

Variants

The AB 212ASW is the primary dedicated naval version; the base AB 212 utility variant serves in transport and EW configurations. Some operators fitted the EW variant for electronic warfare missions.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Italian Navy, Turkish Navy, Venezuelan Navy, Iranian Navy, and several other forces. The type remains in limited service with some operators into the 2020s.

Related aircraft

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