Up until about 15 years ago, I would see the occassional "Bell 47" flying around, now I don't see any, have they all been retired ? It was such a cool aircraft, one I remember all over the sky as a kid. I guess the reciprocating engine is too slow, as compared to the "Turbines" of today. I was wondering if it was still a useful aircraft, or still in service.
2007-10-06 22:51:07 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
They are still being used.
Like you don't see many model T fords on the expressway
2007-10-07 00:56:11 · answer #1 · answered by shufly 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are plenty of Bell-47 flying all over for good reason the cost of operating one is lower than the turbine powered aircraft. Engine overhaul is less and the aircraft is not that complicated to pilot or repair.
I live in California and they fly them year round here and yes they are harder to find because they are not manufactured any more and when one comes on the market it is sold very quickly. Most are taken out of the country to other countries just because they are easy to repair and keep operating.
There is nothing wrong with the reciprocating engine it works just fine for the aircraft.
2007-10-07 12:18:22 · answer #2 · answered by stacheair 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are still a few Bell 47s around, and there's a company building new copies. But they're generally not considered very useful aircraft any more. Their payload is quite light and the cockpit is cramped. Also, the newer Robinson helicopters basically have the same capabilities, but use newer technology and are cheaper.
2007-10-08 15:15:12 · answer #3 · answered by rohak1212 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah yes, I flew the ole' Bell 47D-1 (the one with the wood blades and single fuel tank (like in M.A.S.H). Great little machine. I was a Maintenance Test pilot for the ole" 47's years ago. I must have a 1000 auto-rotations in them.
Anyway, they are still around. The last bubble Bell I flew was a G3-B2 and that was in the early 70's
2007-10-07 15:48:37 · answer #4 · answered by walt554 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
causes
1 Crashes
2 Cost of maintenance on aging Airframes
3 Newer Better Aircraft came on line. Such as the MD-500
2007-10-07 08:04:16 · answer #5 · answered by Wolf of the Black Moon 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't know why you don't see them much. There are 1154 Bell 47s of all sub models still on the US registry.
2007-10-07 16:01:06 · answer #6 · answered by eferrell01 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Out of the US I've seen a lot. Still used by army's as scouts and police forces. Some are also in private hands.
2007-10-07 05:57:00 · answer #7 · answered by Charles 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did my first instrument traing in a TH13, the army version. Miss the old girl. There's a few around.
2007-10-07 08:45:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mostly crop dusting duty and now museum flights are popular.
2007-10-07 21:04:23 · answer #9 · answered by fire_inur_eyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good old bells... says that again...
2007-10-10 20:19:33 · answer #10 · answered by Ranger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋