Italian navy AB-212ASW parked on the deck of a navy frigate. Roof mounted radar and nose mounted FLIR are clearly visible.
Source: Causa83 -
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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.
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.
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