Bell 47

Bell 47
Bell 47G
General information
TypeMultipurpose light helicopter
National originUnited States
ManufacturerBell Aircraft
Bell Helicopter
Designer
Primary usersUnited States Army
Number built5,600
History
Manufactured1946–1974
Introduction date1946
First flightDecember 8, 1945
Developed fromBell 30
VariantsBell H-13 Sioux
Bell 47J Ranger
Kawasaki KH-4

The Bell 47 is a single-rotor single-engine light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was based on the third Bell 30 prototype, which was the company's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young. The 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946.[1][2] The first civilian delivery was made on 31 December 1946 to Helicopter Air Transport.[3] More than 5,600 Bell 47s were produced, including those under license by Agusta in Italy, Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan, and Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom. The Bell 47J Ranger is a modified version with a fully enclosed cabin and tail boom.

  1. ^ "Bell Helicopters". Helicopter History Site.
  2. ^ "Biography of ARTHUR MIDDLETON YOUNG".
  3. ^ "Bell 47B". Heli Archive. Retrieved March 29, 2020.