Bell 47G

The Bell 47 was the world's first helicopter to be granted U.S. civil certification and was one of the world's most popular helicopters. Many Bell 47s continue to fly today though it has been many years since the last one rolled off the Bell production lines.

In September1965, Israel acquired 13 Bell 47s to act as liaison, observation and targetting helicopters. It was the first helicopter purchased for purposes other than combat. The type entered service with the 123rd squadron at Tel-Nof, alongside Sikorsky S-58s. All 13 aircraft were in service during the Six Day War, in which the type was operated on all fronts and with great success. Following the war, all IAF Bell 47s were transfered to the newly formed 125th "light helicopters" squadron. The Bells served with the 125th for only a short time before being transferred to the IAF flight school, which had already been using the type for helicopter pilot training since 1966. The Bells was withdrawn from service in 1971, most examples sold off to private operators. Bell 47s were also among the first helicopters operated by the Israeli police force.

Specification: Bell 47G
Type: general purpose helicopter.
Powerplant: one Lycoming TVO-435.
Performance: max speed - 170km/h, service ceiling - 6,000m, range - 350km.
Weights: empty - 780kg, max takeoff - 1,300kg.
Dimensions: length - 9.63m, height - 2.83m.
Armament: none.