Iran acquired 214 Bell 206As and Bell 206A-1s in three large batches during the 1970s, at least 12 of which went to the air force, a few to the navy, while the rest served with the IIAA – and then the IRIAA. Painted in dark yellow sand and dark earth over, and pale grey under, they received serials in the range 2-4101 up to 2-4284. Bell 206A-1s could be armed with a General Electric GAU-2B/A 7.62mm Minigun, mounted on a pylon protruding through the side of the rear cabin, where ammunition was also stored. Inset is the official patch of the Imperial Iranian Army Aviation, applied on all of its helicopters in the 1970s: although largely removed by 1980, some IRIAA aircraft went into the war against Iraq still wearing this patch on their sides. The last two or three digits of the serial number were often repeated on the nose. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)