The UH-1N originated from an activity connected with united states of america based Bell Helicopter company at the end regarding the 60s. In Italy, exactly the same variation is produced on license by Agusta Westland under the designation AB-212. The AB-212 is a medium, two-blade rotor running on two Pratt & Whitney PT6T turbo shaft power turbines providing 1.342 Kw. It truly is a development of model 205, the main difference being an elongated fuselage. In the 1st 1 / 2 of 2000s, the AB 212 had been massively updated to enhance its functional capability. It absolutely was fitted with two 7,62mm swivelling machine weapons into the tailgates, which means protective gear ended up being upgraded with antimissile flare launchers and additional ceramic and kevlar armour to guard the team. Italian AB 212s using this type of upgraded configuration are utilized since 2006 in Afghanistan, in international safety Assistance Force goal.
