Bell - 47

The model

The real helicopter

General description

A light helicopter of US manufacture, purchased by the IAF for observation, patrol and liaison. It was the first helicopter purchased for purposes other than combat, with the first batch arriving in Israel in September of 1965. It was a success, and additional helicopters were ordered. The choppers formed a new Pilot Training squadron, consisting solely of Bell-47s. In the Six Day War, the Bell-47s served on all fronts. After the war, some were sold to civilian bodies, and the rest were transferred to the IAF Flight School.

Information from website IAF.

Even if the OH-13 has not been the first operational helicopter, it has certainly become the best known choppen of the fifties and sixties world-wide. Oryginally used by the U.S. Army to evacuate during the Korean War, the Sioux was later used in various version for reconnaissance missions. At the begin of the Vietnam War a few dozen Sioux were used and during the midsixties the OH-13 was deployed for training use. In Europe it was built under license in Italy and Great Britain. It was distributed to practically all NATO Force. To-day the Sioux is also widely used for civilian use and police service in many countries. Technical details: Length: 9,59 m; Length with rotor: 12,62 m; Rotor diameter: 10,69 m; Height: 2,83 m; Max. speed: 150 km/h; Range: 200 km; Armament: 2/3 x 7,62 mm machine guns.