Bell 205A-1
Bell Helicopter · United States · first flew 1966 · helicopter
The Bell 205A-1 is an improved version of the 205A, fitted with a more powerful Lycoming T5313B turboshaft to improve performance in hot and high conditions.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Same long fuselage as 205A with greater hot-and-high performance |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Uprated-engine civil Huey with Lycoming T5313B turboshaft
- Same long fuselage as 205A with greater hot-and-high performance
- Large sliding cabin doors and skid undercarriage
Externally identical to the 205A; only engine specification distinguishes the -1 variant from the standard 205A.
Specifications
- The Bell 205A-1 has a length of 12.77 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.63 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 230 km/h (143 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 + up to 14 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Bell introduced the 205A-1 to address operator demands for better performance in challenging environments; the uprated engine increased payload and altitude capability with minimal external change. Agusta and Subaru both licence-built variants.
Variants
The 205A-1 is the primary uprated civil variant; Agusta's AB 205A-1 served with military customers including Italy and Turkey.
Where you'll see it
Widely used in utility and firefighting globally; still in commercial service decades after introduction.
Related aircraft
- Bell OH-58 Kiowa
- Bell UH-1H Iroquois
- Bell AH-1 Cobra
- Bell 207 Sioux Scout
- Bell 206 JetRanger
- Aérospatiale SA 330A Puma
- Aérospatiale SA 341/342 Gazelle
- Agusta-Bell AB 206B-1 JetRanger
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