Bell Model 47

History of the Bell Model 47

Although the helicopter attracted some attention during World War II (1939-1945), its practical value on the battlefield was not tested until the Korean War. One of the most famous designs to emerge from the battle was the utilitarian Bell Model 47, which ushered in the M.A.S.H. TV series' opening in pop culture (albeit in a militarized H-13 Sioux form). In reality, the Type 47 proved to be the perfect workhorse for a variety of roles, including medical transport and observation. About 5,600 prototypes were produced from 1946 to 1974, and the Type 47 can still be found in the airspace today.

The Bell 47 has been used by countries such as the US, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa and the UK, many of which are on public display as exhibits. The official military model is the Bell H-13 Sioux, detailed elsewhere on this page.

Arthur M. Young was an engineer at Bell Helicopters with experience designing and developing prototype helicopters. With Bell's support, his prototype was transformed into physical form, culminating in the 1943 Model 30.

Three vehicles of this type were eventually built and served in experimental roles. A single Franklin 6V4 piston engine produces 160 horsepower, powering the twin-blade main rotor and twin-blade tail rotor. Its fuselage resembles a teardrop shape, with an open-air single-seat cockpit in the front, an engine in the middle, and a tapered tail with a drive shaft that connects to the tail rotor. The tail rotor acts as a counter-torque mechanism that pulls the main rotor blades.

The three-legged chassis rolled, even though it was securely mounted.

From this design was born the famous Model 47, which improved the original in several ways. Seats are increased to two, power comes from a Franklin or Lycoming-branded engine, and power output now increases to 300 horsepower. Bell sold the design to the U.S. Army, and the model entered service in 1946too late to serve in World War II, which officially ended last September.

The Bell design was also the first civilian helicopter released on March 8, 1946. The U.S. Army designated this militarized form as the H-13 "Su", which was heavily used during the Korean War (1950-1953). result.

The Type 47 was also a staple in the civilian market, with its simple construction and limited flight characteristics ensuring its long range as a multipurpose mount. The Model 47 even holds several flight records, including a helicopter flight record claimed to reach 18,550 feet in 1949, the feat of a Model 47 over the Alps in 1950, and the 1,217-mile world from Hearst, Texas to Buffalo in 1952 Distance, New York - The first designed for a piston-powered helicopter.

Of course, it was the Korean War that gave the Type 47/H-13 its classic look, including the canopy and cutout tail. This type is used for medical evacuation missions and as an aerial observation platform.

The pre-production version, known simply as the Type 47, was powered by a 178-horsepower Franklin engine. The Type 47A introduced the Franklin O-355-1 piston engine. The Type 47B had the same engine, while the similar Type 47B-3 was an agricultural platform with an open-air cockpit.

Then came the Model 47C, while the Model 47D introduced the classic bubble-top design. The Type 47D-1 appeared in 1949 with a classic skeletal tail structure common to many Type 47 images. It supports three seats. The 47E model introduced a Franklin 6V4-200-C32 powerplant producing 200 horsepower.

Then there are the 47F and 47G, which feature a three-seat layout and "saddle pack" fuel storage. The 47G-2 model introduced the Lycoming VO-435 series engine, while the 47G-2A used a slightly different VO-435 installation.

The 47G-2A-1 model has increased cabin space, increased fuel storage, and features an all-new rotor blade design. The 47G-3 model is powered by a supercharged Franklin 6VS-335-A stock engine, while the 47G-3B is powered by a turbocharged Lycoming TVO-435 engine. The Model 47G-4 was powered by a Lycoming VO-540 engine, and the successor, the 47G-5, was a three-seat model. The Type 47H-1 introduced a fully enclosed cabin structure, which also included the fuselage. The 47J Ranger is a four-seater model powered by a Lycoming VO-435 series engine.

The 47K is a military trainer for the 47J, which can seat two people.

Bell is licensed by the Italian, Japanese and British governments to manufacture overseas. Agusta produced the aircraft in Italy, while the Japanese manufacturing was through Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KH-4). British mounts are built by Westland Aircraft.

Many Type 47s are no longer in direct service, but have survived through various civilian efforts - mostly in tourism. Nonetheless, they are still recognizable classic designs.

Bell Model 47 Spec

Basic

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Performance

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Changes