Aircraft -
Bell 206 Jet Ranger
Manufacturer's Website
www.bellhelicopter.com
Click on picture for larger version.
Performance
- Maximum speed: 139 mph (224 km/h)
- Range: 437 miles (704 km)
- Service ceiling: 13,500 ft (4,115 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,280 ft/min (390 m/min)
- Main rotor loading: 4 lb/ft² (18 kg/m²)
- Power/Mass: 0.26 hp/lb (0.42 kW/kg)
History
The Bell Model 206 JetRanger is one of the most successful helicopter designs in the world. The design originated in the mid-1960s as an entry in a US Army competition for a light observation (scout) helicopter.
Although Bell lost the contract, the Model 206 "JetRanger" entered the civilian market in 1967. Although the Model 206 has been overhauled three times, the basic shape and design are unchanged since 1967.
The Bell 206 is a two-rotor, turbine powered ship with a conventional, two-bladed tail rotor. The aircraft uses hydraulic flight controls. The Model 206-B3 is the "original" five-seat model, while the 206-L4 is the "stretch" seven-seat version (a.k.a., "LongRanger").
Both versions have two individual seats up front and a three seat bench in the back; the LongRanger adds two rear-facing seats in between the front and rear seats. The model 206s is typically flown by a single pilot, who sits in the front right seat.
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