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The Bell HSL (Model 61) was an American 1950s anti-submarine warfare helicopter built by Bell Helicopter company, the only tandem rotor design by Bell.

[edit] Design and development

On 4 March 1953 the prototype Bell Model 61 first flew, it had been designed to meet a United States Navy requirement for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. In June 1950, the Model 61 was announced as the winner of the competition, three XHS-1 evaluation aircraft were ordered. The Model 61 was had a rectangular-section fuselage structure and a four-wheel landing gear. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine mounted in the aft fuselage. Crew included two pilots and two sonar operators.

Service test resulted in an order for 78 aircraft designated HSL-1, with 18 intended for the Royal Navy. Subsequently, only 50 were built and none were delivered.

[edit] Operational history

The first aircraft entered service with the Helicopter Squadron HU-1 in January 1957. Limited performance meant the aircraft did not remain in service for long.

[edit] Variants

XHSL-1

three Model 61s for evaluation.

HSL-1

production version, 50 built.

[edit] Operators

Template:USA

• United States Navy

[edit] Specifications (HSL-1)

This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them.

[edit] General characteristics

• Crew: 4
• Length: 29 ft 2¾in (11.96 m)
• Rotor diameter: 51 ft 6 in (15.70 m)
• Height: 14ft 6in (4.42 m)
• Disc area: 4,166 ft² (387.02 m²)
• Max takeoff weight: 26,500 lb (12020 kg)
• Powerplant: 1× Pratt & Whitney R-2800-5 Double Wasp radial piston, 1,900 hp (1417 kW)
• Propellers: 2 rotor, 2 per engine
  • Propeller diameter: 51 ft 6in (15.70 m)

[edit] Performance

• Maximum speed: 115 mph (185 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 95 mph (153 km/h)
• Range: 350 miles (563 km)

[edit] 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.

[edit] External links

• helis.com: Helicopter history site

[edit] See also

[edit] Designation sequence

• Bell
  • 52 - 54 - 60 - 61 - 65 - 68

Template:USN helicopters