Bell 47

The Bell 47, developed by Bell Aircraft Corporation in the late 1940s, became the world’s first certified helicopter to enter mass production. Its prototype, the Model 47, first flew on 28 December 1945, and the civil version received certification in 1946. Over 5,600 examples were built in the United States and under license worldwide, serving in civilian, military, and law‑enforcement roles. The aircraft’s iconic design is defined by a fully articulated three‑bladed main rotor, a tubular steel tail boom, and the distinctive “bubble” canopy that provides excellent visibility for pilots and passengers. Power is supplied by a Lycoming O‑435 (later O‑540) piston engine, delivering reliable performance at low altitudes and modest speeds of up to 105 mph. Its simplicity, ruggedness, and ease of maintenance made the Bell 47 a workhorse during the Korean War, where it performed reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and training missions. The type also pioneered helicopter aerobatics, most famously demonstrated by the TV series “Whirlybirds” and by stunt pilot Pete McLeod. As the first helicopter to receive a type certificate, the Bell 47 set standards for certification, maintenance, and pilot training that shaped modern rotorcraft development.

Bell Aircraft Corporation

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