AB-205 / UH-1D "SAR" Helicopter - 1/48

AB-205 / UH-1D "SAR"

1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit of the AB-205 / UH-1D "SAR".

About the model:
- 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit
- Highly detailed model
- Length: 27,0 cm
- New parts for SAR version
- Markings for six versions:
  Version A: Agusta-Bell AB-205, MM 80547, Esercito Italiano, 5° Rgt. „Rigel“, Casarsa della Delizia (PN), 1987.
  Version B: Agusta-Bell AB-205, MM 80777, 4° Nucleo Carabinieri, Pisa, 1973.
  Version C: Bell UH-1D Huey, s/n 64-13584, U.S. Navy Helicopter Training HT-8, NAS Whiting Field, Florida, 1967.
  Version D: Bell UH-1H „Tony the Tiger“, s/n 72-21549, USAF, 23rd TFS, Fort Rucker, Alabama, 2010.
  Version E: Agusta-Bell AB-205, 358th Flying Group, Elliniki Aeroporia, 112th Composite Wing, Elefsis, Greece, November 2009.
  Version F: UH-1D, 70+51, s/n 8111, Luftwaffe, LTG 61, Landsberg-Lech AB, Germany, 2005.

About the original:
The Agusta-Bell AB-205 was a multirole helicopter manufactured under licence in Italy by Agusta. It was based on the American Bell UH-1 Iroquois, better known throughout the world by its nickname “Huey”. Entering service during the 1960s, the AB-205 became well known for its robust construction, technical reliability and exceptional versatility.

The helicopter was originally developed primarily for the rapid transport of troops and equipment into areas that were difficult to reach. With a range of more than 500 kilometres and a maximum speed exceeding 200 km/h, it was also well suited to a wide variety of other missions. Depending on its configuration, the AB-205 could be used for cargo transport, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue operations, civil protection and disaster relief.

In addition to the Italian armed forces, the AB-205 was operated by several other government organisations. It played a particularly important role within the aviation units of the Arma dei Carabinieri, where it was employed for transport, surveillance and support duties. Its flexibility and long service life made the AB-205 one of the best-known helicopters produced by the Italian aviation industry.