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Bell 48

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R-12 (Model 48)
Type five/eight seat utility helicopter
Manufacturer Bell Helicopter
Maiden flight 1946
Primary user United States Air Force
Number built 13
Developed from Bell 47

The Bell R-12 (company Model 48) was an American 1940s utility built by Bell Helicopter company.

Development

During 1946, Bell began developed of an enlarged version of the Model 47. Two prototypes were ordered by the United States Air Force as the XR-12. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engine and seated five. Another prototype (the XR-12B) with a more powerful R-1340 and seating for eight was also ordered. With a change in designation system the helicopter was re-designated the H-12. Test were not satisfactory and ten pre-production and 34 production aircraft were cancelled.

Variants

XR-12
prototype, redesignated XH-12, two built.
R-12A
production version, 34 on order cancelled.
XR-12B
prototype with more powerful engine and increased seating, re-designated XH-12B, one built.
YR-12B
as XR-12B but with R-1340-55 engines, re-designated YH-12B, ten built.
XH-12
XR-12 re-designated in 1947.
XH-12B
XR-12B re-designated in 1947.
YH-12B
YR-12B re-designated in 1947.

Operators

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Specifications (XR-12B)

General characteristics

  • Crew: 4
  • Length: ()
  • Rotor diameter: 47 ft 6 in (14.48 m)
  • Height: ()
  • Disc area: 1,772 ft² (164.62 m²)
  • Max takeoff weight: 6,286 lb (2851 kg)
  • Powerplant:Pratt & Whitney R-1340-55 Wasp radial piston, 600 hp (447 kW)
  • Propellers: 1 rotor, 1 per engine

Performance


References

  • Andrade, John M. U.S.Military Aircraft Designation and Serials since 1909. Leicester, UK: Midland Counties Publications, 1979. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). London, Orbis Publishing.

External links

See also

Designation sequence

Template:USAF helicopters