Hobby Master Archive

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.