Agusta AB 204AS
Agusta · Italy · first flew 1961 · helicopter
The Agusta AB 204AS is a licence-built Italian variant of the Bell 204 configured for anti-submarine warfare, equipped with dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and lightweight torpedoes.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Italian licence-built Bell 204 configured for ASW role
- Equipped with dipping sonar and torpedoes
- Operated by Italian Navy from frigates and shore bases
Externally similar to any Bell 204/UH-1B Huey, but distinguished by ASW equipment including sonar housings and torpedo pylons under the fuselage.
Specifications
- The Agusta AB 204AS has a length of 12.7 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.41 m (44 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 222 km/h (138 mph).
- Typical crew: 2-3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Agusta built the AB 204AS for the Italian Navy and several export customers during the 1960s and 1970s, providing ship-based ASW capability at a time when escort vessels needed small sonar-equipped helicopters. The type served from frigates and shore installations.
Variants
The AB 204AS (anti-submarine) differs from the utility AB 204B in its avionics and weapons fit; later the larger AB 212ASW succeeded it.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Italian Navy and exported to Spain, Turkey, and other Mediterranean naval operators.
Related aircraft
- Agusta AB 47J-3
- Agusta A.103
- Agusta-Bell AB 206B-1 JetRanger
- Agusta AB 206B-3 JetRanger
- Bell 205
- Bell 205A
- Bell UH-1D Iroquois
- Boeing CH-47 Chinook
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.