Bell H-12
| R-12 (Model 48) | |
|---|---|
| |
| YR-12B / 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 |
| Developed from | Bell 47 |
The Bell R-12 (Model 48) was an American 1940s military utility helicopter built by Bell Helicopter company.
Development
During 1946 Bell Helicopter began development of a new helicopter, much larger, than Model 47. It was partly basing upon its construction, first of all, a rotor system, and was basically a scaled-up version of Model 47. The basic variant was civilian Model 42, but the United States Air Force got interested in the design and ordered development of its military variant, Model 48. Two prototypes were ordered as the XR-12. It was powered by a 540 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 radial engine and seated five. A production batch of 34 helicopters was ordered, under a designation R-12A, but it was cancelled afterwards. Another enlarged prototype (the XR-12B, Model 48A) with seats for eight and a more powerful 600 hp R-1340-55 engine was also ordered. It was followed by ten pre-series helicopters YR-12B, with a redesigned cabin, with a glazed nose, instead of car-like nose[1]. With a change in designation system the helicopter was re-designated the H-12. Test were not satisfactory, there were initially problems with the main rotor, and none were ordered.
Variants
- 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, 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
Specifications (XR-12B)
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General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: 8
Performance
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
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.
- Bell Model 48 retrieved 2-6-2008
External links
- Bell Model 48 - description, photos and drawings
- Copter Ferry Hops To The Front, December 1950, Popular Science large and detailed article with rare photos