Agusta-Bell AB-212ASW
Overview
AB-212ASW
Italian navy AB-212ASW parked on the deck of a navy frigate. Roof mounted radar and nose mounted FLIR are clearly visible.
Source: Causa83 -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Agusta-Bell 212ASW
Greece
Turkey
Description
Introduction
The AB-212ASW is a late Cold War era anti-submarine warfare helicopter of Italian origin. Is a dedicated ASW helicopter based on the Bell 212 airframe. The Bell 212 was license produced as AB-212 in Italy by Agusta. The ability to carry more weight is what made the Bell 212 a more practical candidate for ASW conversion than the Bell 205, its predecessor.
The AB-212ASW is fitted with a dipping sonar system, a radar above the cabin and a hoist for SAR duties. It can be armed with lightweight torpedoes, rocket pods or various anti-ship missiles. Most AB-212ASW only carried Mk 44 and Mk 46 torpedoes and AS-12 guided missiles. A limited number was fitted for anti-ship missiles such as the Sea Killer and Sea Skua.
Armament options
Details
Media
AB-212ASW
An Italian navy AB-212ASW landing on the deck of a frigate.
Source: Jk4u59
Copyright: public domain
AB-212ASW
A Spanish navy AB-212ASW without radar armed with rocket pods for use in the amphibious assault role.
Source: Pablo Lanza
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Related articles
Bell 212
The AB-212ASW is based on the airframe of the AB-212, which in turn is a license produced version of the Bell 212 utility helicopter.