picture 184874

Agusta – an Italian helicopter manufacturer from Samarate – was founded in 1923 and became involved in helicopters in 1952 when it began producing Bell’s designs under licence. As well as designing several machines of its own, in 1966 the company launched production of the licensed Agusta-Bell AB.205, hundreds of which were rolled out by the early 1970s. Dozens of AB.205s were acquired by the Carabinieri, who usually operated them in this simple livery, consisting of dark blue overall, and white on upper sides. Eight Carabinieri-flown AB.205s received a hoist over the right side of the cabin, but – even though this force was under the control of the armed forces until the early 2000s – they were never armed. (Artwork by Luca Canossa)