AgustaWestland AW101 vs Bell 206: Specs Compared

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AgustaWestland AW101 — licensed reference photograph

AHelicopters

AgustaWestland AW101

Anti-submarine warfare , medium-lift transport , search and rescue and utility helicopter

Credit

Gian Marco Anzellotti · CC BY 2.0 · Resized · CC BY 2.0 · Source ↗ · Modified

Bell 206 — licensed reference photograph

BHelicopters

Bell 206

Multipurpose utility helicopter

Credit

Mfield - Matthew Field, http://www.photography.mattfield.com · CC BY 2.5 · Resized · CC BY 2.5 · Source ↗ · Modified

First system

Second system

At a glance

Side by side

Length comparisonOne shared metre scale

AgustaWestland AW101Official specification · aw101; 22.83 m

22.83 m

Length source ↗

Bell 206206B Jetranger II · including rotors

11.824 m

Length source ↗

Lengths retain their source configuration and measurement scope.

Measured figures

Head to head

19 of 37 rows sourced on both sides

22.83mOfficial specification · aw101; 22.83 m

11.82m206B Jetranger II · including rotors

LengthScopes differ

All recorded figures & sources

19.53 m

Merlin HM1 · fuselage

Single source

22.83 m

Official specification · aw101; 22.83 m

Manufacturer claim

Configuration

Details

AgustaWestland AW101 and Bell 206 configuration
Specification	AgustaWestland AW101	Bell 206
Type	Anti-submarine warfare , medium-lift transport , search and rescue and utility helicopter^[source]	Multipurpose utility helicopter^[source]
National origin	Italy United Kingdom^[source]	United States / Canada^[source]
Manufacturer	Agusta Westland Helicopters AgustaWestland Finmeccanica Leonardo S.p.A.^[source]	Bell Helicopter^[source]
Status	In service^[source]

Primary users	Royal Navy Royal Air Force (historical) Polish Navy Royal Norwegian Air Force Italian Navy^[source]	—

Manufactured	1990s–present^[source]	1962–2017^[source]

Introduction date	1999^[source]	1967^[source]

First flight	9 October 1987^[source]	December 8, 1962 (206) January 10, 1966 (206A)^[source]

Variants	AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant Lockheed Martin VH-71 Kestrel^[source]	Bell OH-58 Kiowa Bell 407^[source]

Main rotor area	271.51 m 2 (2,922.5 sq ft) root: RAE 9651; tip: RAE 9645/RAE 9634^[source]	873 sq ft (81.1 m 2 )^[source]

Never exceed speed	309 km/h (192 mph, 167 kn)^[source]	—

Bombs	4× Sting Ray homing torpedoes or Mk 11 depth charges^[source]	—

Capacity	26 troops (38 passengers) or 5 tonnes of payload or 4 stretchers (with sonar array removed) for Merlin HM1; 30 seated troops or 45 standing fully equipped combat troops, or 3,050 kg (6,724 lb) of internal payload, 5,520 kg (12,169 lb) of external payload, or 16 stretchers for AW101^[source] 2 pilots, 1 air crewman, 25+ troops on crashworthy seating^[source]	4 passengers^[source]

Capacity

26 troops (38 passengers) or 5 tonnes of payload or 4 stretchers (with sonar array removed) for Merlin HM1; 30 seated troops or 45 standing fully equipped combat troops, or 3,050 kg (6,724 lb) of internal payload, 5,520 kg (12,169 lb) of external payload, or 16 stretchers for AW101^[source]

2 pilots, 1 air crewman, 25+ troops on crashworthy seating^[source]

4 passengers^[source]

Powerplant	GE CT7-8E Turboshafts with FADEC^[source]	—

Overall length	22.83 m 74 ft 11 in^[source]	—

Number built	—	7,300^[source]

Developed from	—	Bell YOH-4^[source]

Developed into	—	Bell 400 TwinRanger^[source]

Fuselage length	—	31 ft 2 in (9.50 m)^[source]

Interior dimensions	—	7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) length, by 4 ft 2 in (1.27 m) width, by 4 ft 3 in (1.30 m) height, plus 16 ft 3 (453 L) baggage compartment^[source]

Blade section	—	– NACA 0012 mod (11.3%)^[source]

Maximum speed at 5,000 ft	—	116 kn (133 mph; 215 km/h) at MTOW^[source]

Disk loading	—	4 lb/sq ft (20 kg/m 2 )^[source]

Power/mass	—	0.09 hp/lb (0.15 kW/kg)^[source]

Role	—	family of two-bladed, single- and twin-engined helicopters ,^[source]

Source measurement	—	When the YOH-4A was eliminated by the Army, Bell went about marketing the aircraft. In addition to the image problem, the helicopter lacked cargo space and only provided cramped seating for three passengers. The solution was a redesigned fuselage, sleeker and aesthetically appealing, adding 16 ft 3 (0.45 m 3 ) of cargo space in the process. A Bell executive contributed to the redesign by drawing two lines on a sketch extending the fuselage to where it meets the tail. The redesign was designated Bell 206A, and Bell President Edwin J. Ducayet named it the JetRanger , denoting an evolution from the popular Model 47J Ranger .^[source]Bell 206 · Development / JetRanger; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The 206L LongRanger is a stretched variant with seating for seven. The fuselage, stretched a total of 30 inches (760 mm), adds two rear-facing seats between the front and rear seats. Since 1975, Bell has produced more than 1,700 LongRangers across all variants. In 1981, a military version, the 206L TexasRanger was released. The original 206L used an Allison 250 -C20R engine, and a series of model upgrades replaced this engine with more powerful versions; the 206L-1 used a 250-C28, and the 206L-3 and 206L-4 used the 250-C30P.^[source]Bell 206 · Development / LongRanger; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In both applications, the 250-C30P is derated from 650 hp for takeoff and 501 hp continuous. The 206L-3 is transmission-limited to 435 hp for take-off, and the 206L-4 is transmission-limited to 495 hp. The derating of the C30P produces an advantage in hot-day and high-altitude operations, as it can produce the rated horsepower at higher altitudes and temperatures where applications that use the maximum rating of the engine at sea level suffer accelerated performance deterioration with increases in temperature and altitude. The 206L-3 and L-4 have not been offered in a twin configuration under those model designations.^[source]Bell 206 · Development / LongRanger; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In 2007, Bell announced an upgrade program for the 206L-1 and 206L-3 designed to modify the aircraft to the 206L-4 configuration; modified aircraft are designated 206L-1+ and 206L-3+. Modifications include strengthened structural components (including a new tailboom), improved transmission, upgraded engine for the L-1, all of which result in a maximum gross weight increase of 300 pounds and increased performance.^[source]Bell 206 · Development / LongRanger; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The basic shape and design of the JetRanger remained unchanged since 1967, but Bell introduced the 206B JetRanger II in 1971. In 1977, the 206B-3 JetRanger III was introduced with its modified tail rotor and more powerful engine. The JetRanger is popular with news media for traffic and news reporting. The LongRanger is commonly used as an air ambulance and as a corporate transport. On September 1, 1982, pilots H. Ross Perot, Jr. and Jay Coburn departed Dallas, Texas in the " Spirit of Texas ", a Bell 206L-1 (N3911Z). They returned on 30 September, 29 days and 3 hours later, completing the first around-the-world helicopter flight.^[source]Bell 206 · Operational history; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage On July 22, 1994, Ron Bower landed his 206B-3 (N206AJ) at Hurst, Texas , setting a new record for around-the-world flight by a helicopter. Bower had departed on June 24 and returned 24 days, 4 hours, 36 minutes and 24 seconds later, averaging 35.62 knots (40.99 mph; 65.97 km/h). Bower had added a 91-US-gallon (340 L) auxiliary fuel tank, which doubled the JetRanger III's range.^[source]Bell 206 · Operational history; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Upgraded Allison 250-C20J engine and added 2 inches (51 mm) to tail rotor diameter for yaw control.^[source]Bell 206 · Variants / Civilian; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 137 commercial Bell 206B-3s purchased in 1993 as the primary and instrument helicopter trainer for the US Army at Fort Rucker , Alabama. 35 in VFR configuration and 102 in IFR configuration. The US Army has 181 units as of 2026, of which 121 are in VFR configuration and 60 are in IFR configuration. All TH-67s display US registrations ("N" numbers) and are operated as public use aircraft.^[source]Bell 206 · Variants / Military; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Capacity: 4 passengers^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Length: 38 ft 9.5 in (11.824 m) including rotors^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Fuselage length: 31 ft 2 in (9.50 m)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Height: 9 ft 6.5 in (2.908 m)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Interior dimensions: 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) length, by 4 ft 2 in (1.27 m) width, by 4 ft 3 in (1.30 m) height, plus 16 ft 3 (453 L) baggage compartment^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Empty weight: 1,455 lb (660 kg)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Max takeoff weight: 3,200 lb (1,451 kg)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Powerplant: 1 × Allison 250-C20 turboshaft engine, 400 hp (298 kW)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Main rotor diameter: 33 ft 4 in (10.16 m)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Main rotor area: 873 sq ft (81.1 m 2 )^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Maximum speed: 122 kn (140 mph, 226 km/h) at MTOW (sea level)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Maximum speed at 5,000 ft: 116 kn (133 mph; 215 km/h) at MTOW^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Cruise speed: 120 kn (140 mph, 220 km/h) at MTOW, 5,000 feet^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Range: 337 nmi (388 mi, 624 km) at MTOW, 5,000 feet, cruise speed, no reserves^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m) at MTOW^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Rate of climb: 1,350 ft/min (6.9 m/s)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Source measurement

—

When the YOH-4A was eliminated by the Army, Bell went about marketing the aircraft. In addition to the image problem, the helicopter lacked cargo space and only provided cramped seating for three passengers. The solution was a redesigned fuselage, sleeker and aesthetically appealing, adding 16 ft 3 (0.45 m 3 ) of cargo space in the process. A Bell executive contributed to the redesign by drawing two lines on a sketch extending the fuselage to where it meets the tail. The redesign was designated Bell 206A, and Bell President Edwin J. Ducayet named it the JetRanger , denoting an evolution from the popular Model 47J Ranger .^[source]Bell 206 · Development / JetRanger; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The 206L LongRanger is a stretched variant with seating for seven. The fuselage, stretched a total of 30 inches (760 mm), adds two rear-facing seats between the front and rear seats. Since 1975, Bell has produced more than 1,700 LongRangers across all variants. In 1981, a military version, the 206L TexasRanger was released. The original 206L used an Allison 250 -C20R engine, and a series of model upgrades replaced this engine with more powerful versions; the 206L-1 used a 250-C28, and the 206L-3 and 206L-4 used the 250-C30P.^[source]Bell 206 · Development / LongRanger; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In both applications, the 250-C30P is derated from 650 hp for takeoff and 501 hp continuous. The 206L-3 is transmission-limited to 435 hp for take-off, and the 206L-4 is transmission-limited to 495 hp. The derating of the C30P produces an advantage in hot-day and high-altitude operations, as it can produce the rated horsepower at higher altitudes and temperatures where applications that use the maximum rating of the engine at sea level suffer accelerated performance deterioration with increases in temperature and altitude. The 206L-3 and L-4 have not been offered in a twin configuration under those model designations.^[source]Bell 206 · Development / LongRanger; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In 2007, Bell announced an upgrade program for the 206L-1 and 206L-3 designed to modify the aircraft to the 206L-4 configuration; modified aircraft are designated 206L-1+ and 206L-3+. Modifications include strengthened structural components (including a new tailboom), improved transmission, upgraded engine for the L-1, all of which result in a maximum gross weight increase of 300 pounds and increased performance.^[source]Bell 206 · Development / LongRanger; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The basic shape and design of the JetRanger remained unchanged since 1967, but Bell introduced the 206B JetRanger II in 1971. In 1977, the 206B-3 JetRanger III was introduced with its modified tail rotor and more powerful engine. The JetRanger is popular with news media for traffic and news reporting. The LongRanger is commonly used as an air ambulance and as a corporate transport. On September 1, 1982, pilots H. Ross Perot, Jr. and Jay Coburn departed Dallas, Texas in the " Spirit of Texas ", a Bell 206L-1 (N3911Z). They returned on 30 September, 29 days and 3 hours later, completing the first around-the-world helicopter flight.^[source]Bell 206 · Operational history; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

On July 22, 1994, Ron Bower landed his 206B-3 (N206AJ) at Hurst, Texas , setting a new record for around-the-world flight by a helicopter. Bower had departed on June 24 and returned 24 days, 4 hours, 36 minutes and 24 seconds later, averaging 35.62 knots (40.99 mph; 65.97 km/h). Bower had added a 91-US-gallon (340 L) auxiliary fuel tank, which doubled the JetRanger III's range.^[source]Bell 206 · Operational history; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Upgraded Allison 250-C20J engine and added 2 inches (51 mm) to tail rotor diameter for yaw control.^[source]Bell 206 · Variants / Civilian; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

137 commercial Bell 206B-3s purchased in 1993 as the primary and instrument helicopter trainer for the US Army at Fort Rucker , Alabama. 35 in VFR configuration and 102 in IFR configuration. The US Army has 181 units as of 2026, of which 121 are in VFR configuration and 60 are in IFR configuration. All TH-67s display US registrations ("N" numbers) and are operated as public use aircraft.^[source]Bell 206 · Variants / Military; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Capacity: 4 passengers^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Length: 38 ft 9.5 in (11.824 m) including rotors^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Fuselage length: 31 ft 2 in (9.50 m)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Height: 9 ft 6.5 in (2.908 m)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Interior dimensions: 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) length, by 4 ft 2 in (1.27 m) width, by 4 ft 3 in (1.30 m) height, plus 16 ft 3 (453 L) baggage compartment^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Empty weight: 1,455 lb (660 kg)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Max takeoff weight: 3,200 lb (1,451 kg)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Powerplant: 1 × Allison 250-C20 turboshaft engine, 400 hp (298 kW)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Main rotor diameter: 33 ft 4 in (10.16 m)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Main rotor area: 873 sq ft (81.1 m 2 )^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum speed: 122 kn (140 mph, 226 km/h) at MTOW (sea level)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum speed at 5,000 ft: 116 kn (133 mph; 215 km/h) at MTOW^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Cruise speed: 120 kn (140 mph, 220 km/h) at MTOW, 5,000 feet^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Range: 337 nmi (388 mi, 624 km) at MTOW, 5,000 feet, cruise speed, no reserves^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m) at MTOW^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Rate of climb: 1,350 ft/min (6.9 m/s)^[source]Bell 206 · Specifications (206B Jetranger II); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage