Bell 201
Bell Aircraft · United States · first flew 1954 · helicopter
The Bell Model 201, military designation XH-13F, was created from a modified Model 47G and was the first Bell helicopter to use a turbine engine.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.63 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Modified Bell 47G airframe
- Single main rotor
- Turboshaft engine mounted behind the fuel tanks and rotor mast
It is a Bell 47-type helicopter with a single main rotor, powered by a turboshaft engine.
Specifications
- The Bell 201 has a length of 9.63 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.33 m (37 ft).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It took to the air on 20 October 1954 with test pilot Bill Quinlan at the controls. It was powered by a Continental XT51-T-3, a licence-built development of the Turbomeca Artouste I.
Variants
Only one was built, as an experimental helicopter.
Where you'll see it
It was part of a joint Army and Air Force research programme and was used to test components for the XH-40, the prototype of the UH-1 Iroquois. The engine was light enough that it had to be mounted behind the fuel tanks and rotor mast for balance.
Related aircraft
- Bell H-12
- Bell 47
- P-39 Airacobra
- Aero HC-2 Heli Baby
- Aerotécnica AC-12 Pepo
- Cessna CH-1 Skyhook
- De Lackner HZ-1 Aerocycle
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