General history/Info
Spoiler
The AB-204 is a utility helicopter, derived from the American made UH-1B, with only minor differences that would be built under license in Italy. The history of the AB-204 starts in the mid 1950’s, the Bell model 204, won a contract that would further develop and produce a helicopter for the United states military specifications for a general utility helicopter, that could be easily modified to make it fit specific roles, such as for search and rescue and training. After a few prototypes and further testing of this helicopter would lead it to get the special name known as ‘‘Iroquois’’. Shortly after it was in full scale production and would promptly be put in service inside of the USA, where it also saw service during the Vietnam war. The way Italy comes in to play is the 1960’s, Domenico Agusta flew to America alongside other representatives for Italy and managed to be invited to Fort Worth to examine the new 204 Model. He managed to make a deal, on the way back to Italy, he came with the license for the helicopter to be produced in Italy, and the rights to be able to market the vehicle to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Although similar to the UH-1B, the Italian version, more specifically the AB-204B would not be a carbon copy of the American helicopter. Differences included a new propulsion system, which instead of the standard one that was used, it would be instead replaced with a De.Havilland Gnome H.1200. Although other options would be available, each one would always offer a better performance from the first variants of this helicopter America utilized. On may 1961, it would take its first flight in Italy, and on February of the year after it would be presented in front of various military figures for its official military approval, and promptly got put into service for each repart of the Military, which included the Army, the Navy, and finally the Air force. The Italian army would use the AB-204B while the Italian navy would use the AB-204AS (AS standing for Anti sommergibile). In terms of Armaments the AB-204B focused more on the close air support factor, itself being equipped with multiple different types of rocket pods, machine guns and even tested with a 20mm Giat autocannon, which would be used by the door gunners. The navy however opted for a more relaxed armament, the AS version got equipped with a ARI5955 radar and would be able to use AS.12 guided missiles, MK.44 torpedos and other naval specific armaments. In terms of usage, it partook in multiple UN lead missions, was stationed in Italian frigates for the Italian Navy, Which would be used to scout, search and rescue and deter any hostile threats from the sea, such as submarines. As far as the Army goes i dont think it took part in any active combat however it was heavily used in exericises and if there was a need to deploy it, it would be able to go at a moments notice. The Italian Airforce used it for troop and heavy equipment transport. These helicopters would be widely used in Italy but due to new versions, these would end up not remaining in service for much longer, however a lot got given to other parts of the Italian first responders, such as the Vigili del fuoco and the Carabinieri.
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