AB-204B, Austrian Air Force (1:72)

Not only used as a military helicopter by several countries the Augusta-Bell AB-204B has found a place with commercial operators as a medium-sized utility helicopter. Because of the configuration of the helicopter the new turbo-shaft engine was installed backwards behind the transmission making it necessary to put the exhaust out the side instead of the rear. This new exhaust configuration; along with a slightly longer tail boom are about the only visible exterior changes from the UH-1B. Some AB-204Bs have been built with 44-foot or 48-foot main rotors.

In Italy, Augusta built a similar version of the Bell UH-1F helicopter under license for the Italian Military. These new helicopters were named AB-204B and were purchased by 6 other countries including Austria. Although capable of carrying a large assortment of armament the Austrian versions were mainly used as medium-sized utility helicopter and medivacs. The Austrian AB-204B registration number 4D-BT was construction number 3192 and was in service from December 1, 1967 until June 26, 2003. Since 1963 Austria has owned 26 AB-204Bs.

Specifications for the AB-204B

Weight
Maximum take off weight - 8510 lb (3860 kg)
Empty weight - 4850 lb (2200 kg)
Weight with crew (3 men) - 5379 lb (2440 kg)
and full tank (625 l) 6504 lb (2950 kg)
Maximum additional load with 3 men Crew and full tank - 2061 lb (935 kg)

Range with full tanks + maximum take-off weight - 179 miles (288 km)

Maximum speed - 134.2 mph (216 km/h)
Cruising speed - 89.48 mph (144 km/h)

Tail rotor
Diameter - 8.5 ft (2.59 m)
Flapping axis - +/- 8�
Tail rotor number of revolutions - 1650 RPM
Blade tip speed - 501.7 mph (807.4 km/h)

Dimensions
Main rotor diameter - 48 ft (14.63 m)
Length - 57.05 ft (17.39 m)
Height - 12.37 ft (3.77 m)
Clearance - 1.11 ft (0.34 m)
Skid track width - 8.37 ft (2.55 m)
Skid length -10.93 ft (3.33 m)

Carrying capacities
Troop seats - 8
Stretchers and seats - 3+4

Rescue hoist traction power - 595.2 lb (270 kg)
Loading hook max. - 3968 lb (1800 kg)

GNOMES H-1200 MK-610 engine (2 wheel turbine)
Reduction Gearboxshaft output: - max. (1 hour limit) 1215 HP