Back Bell Model 47J
1956

Bell 47J-2A

Proposed in 1956, the Model 47J was a four-seat utility version of the Model 47G. The 47J was powered by a 220hp derated Lycoming VO-435. The enclosed cabin had accommodation for the pilot seated centrally in front and three passengers on a cross bench aft. This bench could be removed to allow the installation of two stretchers. The port door could also be removed to permit the use of an internal electrically-powered hoist for rescue missions. Alternative skid or pontoon landing gear could be fitted and metal rotor blades were optional permitting a loaded weight of 1290kg. Larger capacity fuel tanks (182 litres) could also be installed providing an extended range of 400km. This model was also built under licence by Agusta with 152 aircraft built.

  • Model 47J-1 - this sub-variant was basically similar to the Model 47J but was powererd by a Lycoming VO-435A.

  • Model 47J-2 and J-2A "Ranger" - introduced in 1960, this sub-variant was similar to Model 47J but had a 305hp (derated to 240hp) Lycoming VO-540-B1B, metal rotor blades, hydraulic power controls and a gross weight of 1290kg. The Model 47J-2A of 1964 was produced in Italy by Agusta.

  • Model 47J-3 "Super Ranger" - this variant, produced by Agusta, was powered by a Lycoming VO-540 derated to 260hp. It differed from the standard J-2A in having a modified main transmission able to absorb greater power input. A special ASW version was designed for the Italian Navy with new instrumentation, high efficiency rotor brake and armed with a single Mk.44 torpedo.

  • Model 47J-3B-1 - this sub-variant produced by Agusta was a high-altitude version powered by a 270hp Lycoming TVO-435-B1A and equipped with an exhaust-driven supercharger which maintained sea level conditions up to 4260m. This model also had a high-inertia rotor and servo-control on the pitch control systems. In all, Agusta produced 123 Model 47J-2/J-3's.

A.J.Pelletier "Bell Aircraft since 1935", 1992

This is a modified Model 47G with a cabin for four persons: the pilot in front, and three passengers behind on a bench. The latter could be removed to make room for two stretchers and a detachable tip-up seat for a nurse. Among the fittings is an electric winch for use in rescue work. All the mechanical parts are the same as in the 47G-2.

One noteworthy feature is that the soldered-tube tail is replaced in the 47J by a monocoque beam. The central section is still made of tubes, but it is now streamlined, which makes this the second streamlined commercial model launched by Bell.

The 47J "Ranger" is the first helicopter to have crossed the Andes by way of the Christo Paso. This flight was made at a height of 5180m, with a total weight of approximately 68kg below the helicopter's own maximum gross weight. HUL-1 is the U.S. Navy designation.

P.Lambermont "Helicopters and Autogyros of the World", 1958

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Technical data for Model 47J-3B1

Number of seats: 4, rotor diameter: 11.32m, fuselage length: 9.87m, height: 2.83m, take-off weight: 1340kg, empty weight: 845kg, maximum speed at sea level: 169km/h, cruising speed at 1525m: 138km/h, initial rate of climb: 276m/min, service ceiling: 5340m, hover ceiling in ground effect: 5030m, hover ceiling out of ground effect: 3720m, range: 338km

Comments
Alfonso Martinez Puente, e-mail, 28.10.2007reply

Tengo fotos de unos helicopteros que fueron adquiridos para la Armada de Mexico en 1958, y que formaron el ESCUADRON DE BUSQUEDA Y SALVAMENTO, COMANDADOS POR EL ENTONCES Capitan de corbeta piloto aviador Armando Martinez Florez

Alfonso Martinez Puente, e-mail, 28.10.2007reply

Tengo fotos de unos helicopteros que fueron adquiridos para la Armada de Mexico en 1958, y que formaron el ESCUADRON DE BUSQUEDA Y SALVAMENTO, COMANDADOS POR EL ENTONCES Capitan de corbeta piloto aviador Armando Martinez Florez

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