Bell 47

The Bell 47 is a single-rotor, single-engine light helicopter that holds a significant place in aviation history. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter, the Bell 47 was derived from the third prototype of the Bell 30, which was the company’s inaugural helicopter, designed by the innovative Arthur M. Young. The Bell 47 achieved a milestone on March 8, 1946, by becoming the first helicopter to receive certification for civilian use. The first civilian delivery occurred on December 31, 1946, when Helicopter Air Transport received the aircraft. Throughout its production run, more than 5,600 Bell 47s were manufactured, including those built under license by Agusta in Italy, Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan, and Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom. A notable variant of this helicopter is the Bell 47J Ranger, which features a fully enclosed cabin and tail boom, offering a distinct design compared to the original model.

The design and development of the Bell 47 saw various iterations, especially in its early models, which showcased a range of appearances. Some early versions had open cockpits or sheet metal cabins, while others featured fabric-covered or open structures, and even some with four-wheel landing gear. As the helicopter evolved, the model D and the Korean War H-13D and E types adopted a more utilitarian style. The most recognized model, the 47G, was introduced in 1953 and is easily identifiable by its full “soap bubble” canopy, exposed welded-tube tail boom, saddle fuel tanks, and skid landing gear. Later developments included the three-seat 47H, which boasted an enclosed cabin with full cowling and a monocoque tail boom, aiming to market a “luxury” version of the basic 47G, though relatively few of these luxury models were produced.

The Bell 47 was powered by Franklin or Lycoming vertically mounted piston engines, with horsepower ranging from 175 to 305. Seating configurations varied from two seats in early models and the later G-5A, to four seats in variants like the J and KH-4. By April 2011, there were 1,068 Bell 47 helicopters registered with the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States and 15 in the United Kingdom.

In Japan, Bell collaborated with Kawasaki to produce the Bell 47, resulting in the Kawasaki KH-4 variant. This four-seat version of the Model 47 had a cabin similar to the Bell 47J but maintained the standard uncovered tail boom and fuel tanks akin to the G series. The KH-4 was sold throughout Asia and found operational use in Australia.

In February 2010, the type certificates for the Bell 47 were transferred to Scott’s Helicopter Services. A sister company, Scott’s - Bell 47, was established to initiate production of a new turboshaft-powered version of the Bell 47, designated the 47GT-6. This version was planned to feature a Rolls-Royce RR300 engine and composite rotor blades, with deliveries anticipated to begin in 2016.

The operational history of the Bell 47 is extensive and varied. It entered service with the US military in late 1946 and served in numerous roles and versions for three decades. The US Army designated it as the H-13 Sioux, and during the Korean War, it was utilized for reconnaissance, scouting, search and rescue, and medical evacuation missions.

The Bell 47 also made a mark in media history as the “Telecopter,” a helicopter rented by television station KTLA in Los Angeles. Outfitted with a television camera, it embarked on the world’s first flight by a television news helicopter on July 3, 1958. However, technical issues initially prevented video transmission. The helicopter’s inventor, John D. Silva, courageously exited the cockpit while it hovered at 1,500 feet to diagnose and fix the problem, leading to the first successful television news flight on July 4, 1958.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) utilized several Bell 47 helicopters during the Apollo program, where they served as training vehicles for astronauts preparing for lunar landings. Notably, Apollo 17 commander Eugene Cernan experienced a near-disastrous crash into the Indian River in Florida in 1971, prior to his mission to the Moon. The Bell 47 has been a preferred choice for basic helicopter flight instruction in many countries.

The Bell 47 set several records, highlighting its capabilities. On May 13, 1949, a Bell 47 reached an altitude record of 18,550 feet. It became the first helicopter to fly over the Alps on September 21, 1950. On September 17, 1952, Bell pilot Elton J. Smith set a world distance record for piston helicopters by flying nonstop from Hurst, Texas, to Buffalo, New York, covering 1,217 miles. This record remains unbroken as of 2018.