Bell H-12

Template:Infobox Aircraft The Bell R-12 (Model 48) was a American 1940s utility built by Bell Helicopter company.

Development

During 1946 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 R-1340 Wasp radial engine and seated five. Another prototype (the XR-12B) with a more powerfull R-1340 engine and increased 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 powefull 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

United States

• United States Air Force

Specifications (XR-12B)

General characteristics

• Crew: 4

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

• helis.com: Helicopter history site