The Bell 47 is an American light helicopter that received the first commercial helicopter certification in the world in 1946, recognizable by its bubble shaped plexiglass canopy and exposed tubular tail boom. Produced for decades and used widely for agricultural, police, medical evacuation and military observation work, it became familiar to television audiences through its use in the series M*A*S*H.
Facts
SignificanceThe Bell 47 saw extensive military use for reconnaissance and scouting during the Korean War, in addition to being the first helicopter certified for civilian use. 1 Manufacturer or Builder FAQs
Who designed the Bell 47 and how many were built?
It grew from Arthur M. Young's Bell 30 prototype and more than 5600 were built.
The Bell 47 was based on the third Bell 30 prototype, which was Bell's first helicopter and was designed by Arthur M. Young. More than 5,600 Bell 47s were produced, including those built under license by Agusta in Italy, Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan and Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom.
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Sources
1. Bell 47, Wikipedia
Lead section, sentence 2
The 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946.
Lead section, sentence 1
The Bell 47 is a single-rotor single-engine light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter.
Operational history section, Korean War
reconnaissance and scouting
In Group: Light and Commercial Helicopters, Lead sentence
The Bell 47 is a single-rotor single-engine light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter.
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