AB 206

The Agusta‑Bell AB 206, commonly known as the JetRanger, entered production in the early 1960s as a joint venture between Bell Helicopter and Italy’s Agusta. Agusta obtained a license to build the Bell 206 under the designation AB 206, and the first Italian‑assembled examples rolled off the line in 1965. The light, single‑engine turbine helicopter quickly became a workhorse for both civil and military operators, offering a reliable, low‑cost platform for training, liaison, law‑enforcement and aerial work missions. Its key features include a slender, all‑metal fuselage, a two‑bladed fully articulated main rotor, and the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑27 engine delivering 420 shp, which provides a cruise speed of roughly 110 kt and a service ceiling above 13 000 ft. The cockpit can be equipped with optional glass‑panel avionics, while the spacious cabin accommodates up to five occupants. Over 7 000 units have been built worldwide, making the AB 206 one of the most produced helicopters in history. Its durability, ease of maintenance and versatile design have cemented its role as a benchmark for light‑utility rotary‑wing aircraft and a cornerstone of modern aviation training fleets.

Agusta

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Design & Classification