Aeronautica Militare ended AB212 operations
On 22 February 2024, the Aeronautica Militare (ItAF, Italian Air Force) ended the operations with their -AM and -ICO versions of the Agusta-Bell AB212.
The Bell 212 is a twin turbine two blade medium helicopter, designed by Bell Helicopters at the end of the 1960s. In Italy, a version was manufactured by the Agusta company, designated the Agusta-Bell AB212. The Italian Air Force received their first three AB212s in 1979 at Decimomannu in Sardegna, assigning it to range patrol and rescue duties over the Capo Frasca range. In 1982, a further 32 AB212s were ordered and assigned for Search And Rescue (SAR) duties to the Squadriglie Collegamento at various airbases.
A special variant was the AB212ICO (Implementazione Capacità Operative) modified to operate in hostile territory. This model had improvements with kevlar and ceramic protection along the fuselage and cabin to protect the four crewmembers from small arms. They also had provisions for two lateral MG42/59 7.62mm machineguns operated by two crewmembers and two flare launchers on the boom. It had a minor autonomy due to disembarkment of the cabin fuel tank of 1.000 lbs, to make space for the gun posts, from three hours to around two hours flying time.
The AB212ICOs were assigned to the 21º Gruppo, which was reactivated on 1 March 2006 at Grazzanise (CA) Air Base as part of the 9º Stormo. From 2006, the AB212ICO was actively engaged with excellent results in Afghanistan, operating with ISAF (International Security Assistance Force).
Besides the operational duties, the AB212ICOs of the 21º 'Tigre' Gruppo were always welcoming participants to the NATO Tiger Meets, mostly in spectacular Tiger colors.
During the phase out ceremony at Grazzanise (CE), AB212ICIO MM81160/9-60 (construction number 5817) had a special livery and markings, including the emblems of all the Italian Air Force units that operated the AB212 before the 21° Gruppo and reference to more than 180,000 flight hours of the iconic helicopter.
On 28 February 2024, AB212ICO MM81160/9-60 and MM81147 (uncoded) flew to Piacenza (PC) for preservation.
Credit photo: Aeronautica Militare