Reading level:
A kid-friendly version of this page isn’t written yet — you’re seeing the regular version below. Back to the gallery to find an aircraft with a Kids version.

Bell H-13 Sioux

Bell · Light Utility · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)

Bell H-13 Sioux — Light Utility
Open in interactive gallery →

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. The first civilian delivery was made on 31 December 1946 to Helicopter Air Transport. 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.

Specifications

Category
Rotorcraft
Sub-Category
Light Utility
Domain
Civil
Era
Early Jet (1946–1969)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Bell
Operator
US Army / many nations (70+)
Status
Retired
Service Entry
1946
Produced
5600
Engine
Lycoming VO-435-23 or Franklin 6V-200-C32
Thrust / Power
260 hp
Launch
Ground
Length (ft)
41.1
Wingspan (ft)
37.2
Empty Weight (lb)
1893
MTOW (lb)
2950
Payload (lb)
600
Endurance (hr)
3
Service Ceiling (ft)
18900
Range (mi)
247
Max Speed (mph)
105