Bell D-292
Bell Textron · United States · first flew 1985 · helicopter
The Bell D-292 was an experimental helicopter built for the US Army's Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP), demonstrating the use of composite materials for a lighter, more crash-worthy military helicopter airframe.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.32 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- ACAP programme advanced composite light helicopter prototype
- All-composite airframe demonstrating crash-worthy structure
- Competed against Sikorsky S-75 ACAP; both met US Army goals
Conventional single-engine light helicopter with an all-composite fuselage and familiar Bell semi-rigid two-blade teetering main rotor — externally similar to a Bell 206 derivative.
Specifications
- The Bell D-292 has a length of 12.32 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.28 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 278 km/h (173 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed under the Army ACAP initiative alongside a competing Sikorsky S-75 design, the D-292 first flew in 1985. Both aircraft successfully demonstrated composite construction, but neither entered production; the research directly informed later rotorcraft designs.
Variants
Single prototype; the competing Sikorsky S-75 was a separate but parallel programme.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; operated solely as a US Army research demonstrator.
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