Bell 222B
Bell Helicopter · United States · first flew 1982 · helicopter
The Bell 222B is an upgraded variant of the original Bell 222 featuring more powerful Lycoming LTS101-750C-1 engines and an enlarged main rotor, improving hot-and-high performance and range while retaining the distinctive retractable wheeled undercarriage.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.85 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Main rotor diameter increased to 12.80 m (vs. 12.12 m on base 222) — rotor disc noticeably wider
- Uprated LTS101-750C-1 engines; improved climb performance and range over base model
- Retractable tricycle undercarriage shared with base 222 and distinguishing both from skid-gear 222UT
Distinguished from base 222 by the marginally larger main rotor disc; without a direct comparison this is difficult to assess in the field. Retractable wheeled undercarriage (three legs retracting cleanly into the fuselage) distinguishes both 222 and 222B from the skid-gear 222UT.
Specifications
- The Bell 222B has a length of 12.85 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.8 m (42 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Bell introduced the 222B in 1982 as a performance-improved successor to the base 222, addressing criticisms of marginal single-engine performance under hot-and-high conditions. The rotor diameter was increased by approximately 0.7 m and the engine output raised from 650 to 680 shp. The 222B became the basis for the 222UT skid-gear variant and was eventually superseded by the Bell 230 with Allison 250-C30 engines.
Variants
222B is the direct variant; 222UT is the skid-gear derivative. Bell 230 is the later successor.
Where you'll see it
Corporate, EMS and utility operators worldwide. Canadian and US helicopter operators were primary customers.
Related aircraft
- Bell 222UT
- OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
- Bell 222
- Bell 206L LongRanger
- Ka-50 Chernaya Akula (Black Shark)
- Mil Mi-28
- Agusta A129 Mangusta
- HAI Z-9 Haitun
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