In 1955 the US Army wanted a multi-purpose utility helicopter so the Bell 204 was
reduced maintenance; lowered operating cost and fuel consumption. The AB 204B was
produced under license in Italy by Augusta from 1961 to 1974. Augusta replaced the
standard 204 engine with a Rolls-Royce Gnome engine. The only real exterior difference
is the exhaust on the AB-204B points sideways instead of to the rear.

The Royal Netherlands Navy (Koninklijke Marine) received 8 Augusta-Bell 204B
helicopters between June 1962 – July 1963. They were assigned to MLD
(Marineluchtvaartdienst, Naval Air Service) 7 squadron and used in SAR/comm roles. In
March 1978 the AB204Bs were withdrawn from service and sold. Serial number 225
eventually went to Sweden where it was used for spare parts. In 2001-2002 #225 and
#220 were returned to the Netherland Military Aviation Museum where #225 was fully
restored using parts from #220.

Data 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 - 8510 lb   (3860 kg) 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
- max. continuous   1020 HP

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