Bell HTL-2
Bell HTL-2 Siox
In May 1946, the Bell Model 47 became the first helicopter in the world to receive a commercial type certificate. The helicopter’s high price of over $20,000 resulted in few early commercial sales, but the military showed an early interest in the design and the Army acquired its first example in December 1946. HTL-2 is the Navy designation for the improved Model 47D with a more powerful engine and a Plexiglas bubble cockpit. A total of twelve HTL-2s were built and all were delivered to the Navy in 1948. The HTL-2 on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum is the first one built.
| Diameter | 35 ft 1.5 in. |
Diameter of Main Rotor |
| Length | 41 ft 2.5 in. |
Length |
| Height | 9 ft 2 in. |
Height |
| Weight | 2,078 lbs (loaded) |
Weight |
| Max. Speed | 92 MPH |
Maximum Speed |
| Service Ceiling | 13,000 ft |
Service Ceiling |
| Range | 214 miles |
Range |
| Engines | One Franklin O-335-3 engine with 178 horsepower |
Engine |
| Crew | 2 |
Crew |
Manufacturer
Bell
Markings
Test Squadron 3 (VX-3), San Diego Naval Air Station, California, 1948
Serial Number
122952
Designation
HTL-2