Agusta / Westland AB 47G-3B-1
Agusta / Westland Helicopters · Italy · first flew 1963 · helicopter
The AB 47G-3B-1 is a licence-built variant of the Bell 47G-3B-1 produced jointly by Agusta (Italy) and Westland (UK), used for military liaison, training, and utility roles across Europe.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.32 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Bell 47G-3B-1 licence-built jointly by Agusta and Westland with Lycoming VO-540
- Open bubble canopy, lattice tail boom, skid undercarriage
- Two-blade semi-rigid main rotor, stabiliser bar above rotor hub
Visually identical to the Bell 47G family — bubble cockpit, lattice tail boom, stabiliser bar — only Agusta/Westland data plates and European operator markings confirm the licence-build identity.
Specifications
- The Agusta / Westland AB 47G-3B-1 has a length of 9.32 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.28 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 169 km/h (105 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 + 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Agusta and Westland collaborated to manufacture the Bell 47G-3B-1 under licence during the 1960s, supplying the Italian Army, British Army, and several other NATO operators. The Lycoming VO-540 engine gave better high-altitude and hot-day performance than earlier Franklin-engined 47s. The type was a staple of European military aviation schools.
Variants
The -3B-1 suffix denotes the Lycoming-engined 180 hp variant; the closely related -3B used the same engine at lower rating. The Sioux AH.1 for the British Army is a direct equivalent.
Where you'll see it
Used by the Italian Army aviation (AVES), British Army Air Corps, and several other European armed forces in training, liaison, and light observation roles.
Related aircraft
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