Huge Forward Fin Antenna on Bell 212??

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What is the purpose of this huge fin sometimes found on 212's?

I've seen these in my work, but never on any other ships except the 212
(maybe 214 too?).

Anyone?

http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/gallery/ap/bell212.jpg

[Chuck Kemp @ send no stinking spam]

The "Dorsal Fin" you speak of was installed to augment stability for the
Bell AFCS system on early model 212's prior to the installation of the
Sperry/Honeywell system. I believe that Bell introduce an TB a few years
ago that allows the removal of the fin so not many aircraft have it
installed anymore. It was also useful as a grab hold when climbing up on
top of the deck...


"The OTHER Kevin in San Diego" <skiddz "AT" adelphia "DOT" net> wrote in
message ...
> On 21 Jul 2005 07:03:40 -0700, wrote:
>
> >What is the purpose of this huge fin sometimes found on 212's?
> >
> >I've seen these in my work, but never on any other ships except the 212
> >(maybe 214 too?).
> >
> >Anyone?
> >
> >http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/gallery/ap/bell212.jpg
>
> Oh that giudes any wires you might strike right up to the main mast to
> cleanly separate the mains from the mast. You don't want any extra
> "suff" up there causing vibrations as you plummet to your death. :)
>
> Never seen that fin before.. I'd be interested to find out what it
> does myself..
>
>