In 1935, Lawrence Dale Bell founded the Bell Aircraft Corporation in Buffalo, New York. Initially, the company’s focus was on designing and building fighter aircraft. Arthur M. Young joined the company in 1941 to conduct helicopter research and development. The Bell 30, the company’s first helicopter, flew in 1942. The Bell 47 became the first helicopter to be rated by a civil aviation authority and was used successfully in both military and civilian roles.
In 1960, the company was purchased by Textron and the helicopter division became the Bell Helicopter Company. In 1976 it became Bell Helicopter Textron.
Shown below are some Bell helicopters.
Bell Model 47D-1 (OH-13E)
This scout/medical evacuation helicopter was first produced in 1946. It has a top speed of 100 mph, a cruising speed of 80 mph, and a range of 212 miles. This MASH-type helicopter has two stretcher pods for evacuating the wounded. This helicopter was on display in the Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.
Bell 47 G3B-1 Helicopter:
This helicopter could cruise at 85 miles per hour with a maximum speed of 104. It has a cruising range of 250 miles. This helicopter was on display in the Museum of Mountain Flying in Missoula, Montana.
Bell HTL-3
The HTL-3 is a U.S. Navy training helicopter. It has a cruising speed of 70 mph, a top speed of 86 mph, and a range 212 miles. This helicopter was on display in the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
Bell Model 13E/47E Sioux
In 1946, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use. More than 5,600 were produced. It has a cruising speed of 84 mph, a top speed of 105 mph, and a range of 273 miles. This helicopter was on display in the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
1965 Bell AH-1F Cobra
The Cobra was first flown in 1965 and was designed to provide fast, mobile, close air support for troops on the ground. The Cobra first entered into combat in Vietnam in 1968. This helicopter has a top speed of 171 mph and a range of 315 miles. This helicopter was on display in the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
Bell AH-1F Cobra
This helicopter was on display in the Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.
Bell UH-1H Iroquois/Huey
This is a utility helicopter famous for its use during the Vietnam War. During its 1955 U.S. Army trials, it was designated as HU-1, hence the nickname Huey. Between 1962 and 1976, more than 16,000 were built. It has a cruising speed of 125 mph, a top speed of 135 mph, and a range of 315 miles. This helicopter was on display in the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
Bell UH-1H Iroquois (Huey)
During the Vietnam War, the Huey was a military workhorse. This helicopter was on display in the Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.
Bell HH-1H Huey Helicopter
This helicopter was on display in the Museum of Mountain Flying in Missoula, Montana.
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Yanks Air Museum: Helicopters (Photo Diary)
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