Bell 230
Bell Helicopter · United States · first flew 1991 · helicopter
The Bell 230 is a twin-engine light executive and utility helicopter, an improved development of the Bell 222.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Sponsons on the fuselage sides housing retractable landing gear (skids optional) |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Sponsons on the fuselage sides housing retractable landing gear (skids optional)
- Engine exhaust stacks sitting high on the cowling
- Two-blade main rotor and a pusher-type two-blade tail rotor on the left of the tailboom
It looks like a Bell 222: a sleek twin with side sponsons and two-blade rotors. The 230 differs mainly by its high-mounted engine exhaust stacks.
Specifications
- The Bell 230 has a length of 12.88 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.8 m (42 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 260 km/h (162 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
A converted 222 first flew as the 230 prototype on 12 August 1991. Transport Canada certified it in March 1992 and the first production example was delivered that November.
Variants
It replaced the 222 LTS101 engines with two Allison 250 turboshafts. It was offered in Executive, Utility and EMS versions, with wheels or skids. The length shown is the fuselage length.
Where you'll see it
Production ended in 1995 after 38 were built, and the stretched Bell 430 replaced it. One flew for the Government of Uttar Pradesh in India from 1995 to 2015.
Related aircraft
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