Bell H-12: Difference between revisions
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The '''Bell R-12 (Model 48)''', re-designated as the '''Bell H-12''', was an [[United States|American]] 1940s military utility helicopter built by [[Bell Helicopter]] company.<ref name="Pelletier"/> |
The '''Bell R-12 (Model 48)''', re-designated as the '''Bell H-12''', was an [[United States|American]] 1940s military utility helicopter built by [[Bell Helicopter]] company.<ref name="Pelletier"/> |
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==Design and development== |
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==Development== |
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During [[1946 in aviation|1946]] Bell Helicopter began development of a new utility helicopter, the [[Bell 42|Model 42]], much larger than the [[Bell 47|Model 47]], utilized a scaled-up version of the Model 47's rotor system. Three prototypes were built but serious rotor problems and complexity of mechanical systems precluded production. The initial Model 42 variant was civilian, but the [[United States Air Force]] ordered the development of its military variant, the '''Model 48''', of which, two prototypes were ordered as the '''XR-12''', powered by a single {{convert|540|hp|kW|Abbr=on|0}} [[Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1]] [[radial engine]]s and seating five. Of very similar construction to the Model 42 the Model 48 had a shorter rotor mast. A production batch of 34 helicopters was ordered, under the designation '''R-12A''', but cancelled in 1947.<ref name="Pelletier"/> |
During [[1946 in aviation|1946]] Bell Helicopter began development of a new utility helicopter, the [[Bell 42|Model 42]], much larger than the [[Bell 47|Model 47]], utilized a scaled-up version of the Model 47's rotor system. Three prototypes were built but serious rotor problems and complexity of mechanical systems precluded production. The initial Model 42 variant was civilian, but the [[United States Air Force]] ordered the development of its military variant, the '''Model 48''', of which, two prototypes were ordered as the '''XR-12''', powered by a single {{convert|540|hp|kW|Abbr=on|0}} [[Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1]] [[radial engine]]s and seating five. Of very similar construction to the Model 42 the Model 48 had a shorter rotor mast. A production batch of 34 helicopters was ordered, under the designation '''R-12A''', but cancelled in 1947.<ref name="Pelletier"/> |
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''Dats from:''Bell Aircraft since 1935<ref name="Pelletier"/> |
''Dats from:''Bell Aircraft since 1935<ref name="Pelletier"/> |
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;Model 42 |
;Model 42 |
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: |
:Bell's initial foray into the civilian luxury helicopter market, seating five. Three prototypes were built but serious problems precluded production. |
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;Model 48 |
;Model 48 |
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:Company designation for the military version of the Model 42, given the designation R-12. Two built as XR-12s and a production contract for 34 was cancelled in 1947. |
:Company designation for the military version of the Model 42, given the designation R-12. Two built as XR-12s and a production contract for 34 was cancelled in 1947. |
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;Model 48A |
;Model 48A |
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:The more powerful derivative of the |
:The more powerful derivative of the Model 48 with a 600 hp engine and 10 seats. One XR-12B/XH-12B prototype was produced and a pre-production batch of 10 were also built as YR-12B/YH-12Bs |
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;'''XR-12''' |
;'''XR-12''' |
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:prototype, redesignated XH-12, two built. |
:prototype, redesignated XH-12, two built. |
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==Specifications (XR-12B) == |
==Specifications (XR-12B) == |
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{{Aircraft specs |
{{Aircraft specs |
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|ref=Bell Aircraft since 1935<ref name="Pelletier"/><!-- reference --> |
|ref=''Bell Aircraft since 1935''<ref name="Pelletier"/><!-- reference, you do need page numbers here --> |
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met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show --> |
met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show --> |
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Revision as of 00:19, 4 March 2012
| R-12 (Model 48) | |
|---|---|
| |
| YH-12B | |
| Role | five/eight seat utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter |
| First flight | 1946 |
| Status | pre-series |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 13[1] |
| Developed from | Bell 42 |
The Bell R-12 (Model 48), re-designated as the Bell H-12, was an American 1940s military utility helicopter built by Bell Helicopter company.[1]
Design and development
During 1946 Bell Helicopter began development of a new utility helicopter, the Model 42, much larger than the Model 47, utilized a scaled-up version of the Model 47's rotor system. Three prototypes were built but serious rotor problems and complexity of mechanical systems precluded production. The initial Model 42 variant was civilian, but the United States Air Force ordered the development of its military variant, the Model 48, of which, two prototypes were ordered as the XR-12, powered by a single 540 horsepower (403 kW)* Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 radial engines and seating five. Of very similar construction to the Model 42 the Model 48 had a shorter rotor mast. A production batch of 34 helicopters was ordered, under the designation R-12A, but cancelled in 1947.[1]
Another enlarged prototype (the XR-12B, Model 48A) with seats for eight plus two pilots and a more powerful 600 horsepower (447 kW)* Pratt & Whitney R-1340-55 engine was also ordered, followed by 10 pre-series YR-12B helicopters, with a glazed nose, instead of the car-like nose of the Model 42 and XR-12. Whilst under flight test the helicopter was re-designated the H-12, but the results were not satisfactory, there were major problems with the main rotor due to blade weaving and poor rotor governor performance.[1]
Operational history
No production H-12 aircraft were built but the prototypes and pre-production aircraft were used for various test and development programs.[1]
Variants
Dats from:Bell Aircraft since 1935[1]
- Model 42
- Bell's initial foray into the civilian luxury helicopter market, seating five. Three prototypes were built but serious problems precluded production.
- Model 48
- Company designation for the military version of the Model 42, given the designation R-12. Two built as XR-12s and a production contract for 34 was cancelled in 1947.
- Model 48A
- The more powerful derivative of the Model 48 with a 600 hp engine and 10 seats. One XR-12B/XH-12B prototype was produced and a pre-production batch of 10 were also built as YR-12B/YH-12Bs
- XR-12
- prototype, redesignated XH-12, two built.
- R-12A
- production version, 34 on order cancelled.
- XR-12B
- prototype with more powerful 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, 10 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
Specifications (XR-12B)
Data from Bell Aircraft since 1935[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 9
- Length: 56 ft 9 in (17.30 m)
- Height: 11 ft 3.25 in (3.4354 m)
- Gross weight: 6,286 lb (2,851 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340-55 Wasp 9-cyl. air-cooled radial piston engine, 600 hp (450 kW)
- Main rotor diameter: 47 ft 6 in (14.48 m)
- Main rotor area: 1,772 sq ft (164.6 m2)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 105 mph (169 km/h, 91 kn)
- Cruise speed: 90 mph (140 km/h, 78 kn)
- Range: 300 mi (480 km, 260 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 12,800 ft (3,900 m) service ceiling
- Absolute ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,572 m)
- Hover ceiling: 4,350 ft (1,326 m)
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- 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, 1985.
- Pelletier, A.J. Bell Aircraft since 1935. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1992. ISBN 1-55750-056-8.
External links
