Bell 204/205

The Bell 204 and its larger counterpart, the Bell 205, are iconic utility helicopters produced by Bell Textron that trace their lineage to the legendary UH‑1 “Huey.” Developed in the late 1950s, the 204 made its first flight in June 1959 as a commercial adaptation of the military Huey, while the stretched 205, introduced in 1965, offered a longer cabin, more powerful engine and increased payload capacity. Both models feature a single turboshaft powerplant, a robust four‑blade main rotor, and a versatile, box‑style fuselage that can be configured for troop transport, medevac, cargo, or firefighting missions. Their simple, reliable design and relatively low operating costs made them attractive to civilian operators worldwide, leading to widespread use in oil‑field support, law‑enforcement, and humanitarian relief. In Vietnam, the 205’s superior lift and range proved decisive for air‑mobile operations, and the platform set the benchmark for modern utility helicopters. Over 20,000 units were built, cementing Bell’s reputation for rugged, adaptable rotorcraft and influencing subsequent designs such as the Bell 212 and 407. The 204/205 series remains a touchstone of aviation history, exemplifying how military technology can be successfully translated into commercial service.

Bell Textron

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