Service History
- Delivered: 1946
- AAF service records destroyed in fire.
Since 1912, Lawrence D Bell worked in the aviation industry, he founded Bell Aircraft in 1935. The 47B model was the world’s first certified commercial helicopter. This model was produced until 1973, longer than any helicopter in history. The 47D was also the second largest production helicopter model (6,283) behind the Bell UH-1 Huey.
The Scout is easily recognized by its bubble canopy and open lattice tail-boom and equipped with twin-skid landing gear with two retractable wheels for ground handling. This MASH-type helicopter has two stretcher pods for evacuating the wounded and was also available with pontoons.
Equipped for utility, wire-laying, evacuation and training the 47D, or OH-13E Sioux in US military service, was used by over 30 nations and countless civilian organizations and may still be seen in service today.
Acquired by Yanks in 1986.
