Agusta
Bell 204B
The Bell 204B is the Italian‑built version of the iconic Bell UH‑1H Huey, produced under license by Agusta from the early 1960s through the 1970s. Agusta received its first manufacturing contract in 1962, adapting the original Bell 204 design to meet the specific requirements of European armed forces and civil operators. Over 500 airframes were assembled at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant, many of which were exported to NATO allies, police units, and humanitarian agencies.
Key features of the 204B include a single Lycoming T53‑13 turboshaft engine delivering 1,400 shaft horsepower, a three‑bladed main rotor and a spacious cabin capable of carrying up to eight troops or a 2,500‑pound payload. The aircraft retained the Huey’s signature boxy fuselage, robust landing gear, and excellent short‑takeoff and landing performance, while Agusta incorporated locally sourced avionics and a reinforced airframe to cope with hotter Mediterranean climates.
The Bell 204B played a pivotal role in the development of utility helicopters in Europe, providing a reliable platform for troop transport, medical evacuation, firefighting and search‑and‑rescue missions. Its versatility and proven track record helped cement Agusta’s reputation as a leading helicopter manufacturer and paved the way for later models such as the Agusta‑Bell AB‑212.
Key features of the 204B include a single Lycoming T53‑13 turboshaft engine delivering 1,400 shaft horsepower, a three‑bladed main rotor and a spacious cabin capable of carrying up to eight troops or a 2,500‑pound payload. The aircraft retained the Huey’s signature boxy fuselage, robust landing gear, and excellent short‑takeoff and landing performance, while Agusta incorporated locally sourced avionics and a reinforced airframe to cope with hotter Mediterranean climates.
The Bell 204B played a pivotal role in the development of utility helicopters in Europe, providing a reliable platform for troop transport, medical evacuation, firefighting and search‑and‑rescue missions. Its versatility and proven track record helped cement Agusta’s reputation as a leading helicopter manufacturer and paved the way for later models such as the Agusta‑Bell AB‑212.