Credit
U.S. Army · Public domain · Resized · Public domain · Source ↗ · Modified
FORCETALLY
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At a glance
Measured figures
204B · Length
Single source41 ft 8 in (12.70 m)[source]
206B Jetranger II · including rotors
Single sourceConfiguration
| Specification | Bell 204/205 | Bell 206 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multipurpose utility helicopter[source] | Multipurpose utility helicopter[source] |
| National origin | United States[source] | United States / Canada[source] |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter[source] | Bell Helicopter[source] |
| Manufactured | 1956–1980s[source] |
38 ft 9.5 in (11.824 m) including rotors[source]
Empty; 204B · Empty weight
Single sourceMaximum take-off; 204B · Max takeoff weight
Single source4,600 lb (2,087 kg)[source]
9,500 lb (4,309 kg)[source]
Empty; 206B Jetranger II · Empty weight
Single sourceMaximum take-off; 206B Jetranger II · Max takeoff weight
Single sourceCruise; 204B · Cruise speed
Single sourceMaximum; 204B · Maximum speed
Single source120 kn (140 mph, 220 km/h)[source]
111 kn (128 mph, 206 km/h)[source]
Cruise; 206B Jetranger II · at MTOW, 5,000 feet
Single sourceMaximum; 206B Jetranger II · at MTOW (sea level)
Single sourceBars compare reported quantities only. A larger figure does not make a system better; configurations and test conditions differ.
1962–2017[source] |
| Introduction date | 1959[source] | 1967[source] |
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| First flight | 22 October 1956[source] | December 8, 1962 (206) January 10, 1966 (206A)[source] |
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| Developed from | Bell UH-1 Iroquois[source] | Bell YOH-4[source] |
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| Variants | Bell 212 Bell 214[source] | Bell OH-58 Kiowa Bell 407[source] |
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| Capacity | 8-9 passengers / 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) equivalent cargo[source] | 4 passengers[source] |
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| Main rotor area | 1,808 sq ft (168.0 m 2 )[source] | 873 sq ft (81.1 m 2 )[source] |
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| Role | civilian versions of the UH-1 Iroquois single-engine military helicopter of the Huey family of helicopters[source] | family of two-bladed, single- and twin-engined helicopters ,[source] |
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| Source measurement | Bell designed its Model 204 in response to a 1955 United States Army requirement for a utility helicopter. The 204 was a giant step forward in helicopter design, being one of the first to be powered by a turboshaft . The turboshaft engine radically improved the practicality of the helicopter due to its light weight and high power-to-weight ratio , lower fuel consumption, and lower maintenance and operating costs. The use of a turboshaft in the 204 allowed it to carry a useful payload over respectable ranges and at reasonable speeds, which resulted in the 204 and subsequent 205 becoming the most successful western helicopter series in terms of numbers built.[source]Bell 204/205 · Development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The civil 204B was first delivered in 1961. The subsequent Model 205A-1 is equivalent to the UH-1H, which, compared to the 204, is longer, larger, and has better performance and a more powerful engine.[source]Bell 204/205 · Development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Fuji-Bell 204B/204B-2 – Civil utility transport helicopter. Built under licence in Japan by Fuji Heavy Industries alongside military HU-1B and HU-1H for the Japan Ground Self Defense Force .[source]Bell 204/205 · Variants / Bell 204; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Bell Helicopter's company designation of the UH-1H.[source]Bell 204/205 · Variants / Bell 205; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Bell 205A – Civil or military utility transport helicopter. Powered by one T53-L-11A, max weight 8,500 pounds, max passenger, 14. Agusta-Bell 205 – Civil or military utility transport helicopter. Built under licence in Italy by Agusta.[source]Bell 204/205 · Variants / Bell 205; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Bell 205A-1 – Civil or military utility transport helicopter version, initial version based on the UH-1H. Powered by one T53-L-13A, max weight 9,500 pounds (10,500 for external loads), max passengers, 14. Agusta-Bell 205A-1 – Modified version of the AB 205.[source]Bell 204/205 · Variants / Bell 205; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Fuji-Bell 205B – a joint Bell-Fuji commercial variant based on UH-1J , a Japanese improved model of UH-1H.[source]Bell 204/205 · Variants / Bell 205; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Bell 210 – Bell Helicopter's designation for a UH-1H, remanufactured and sold as a new aircraft. Powered by one T53-L-17B, same weight capacities as the 205B.[source]Bell 204/205 · Variants / Bell 205; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Global Eagle – Pratt & Whitney Canada name for a modified UH-1H with a new PT6C-67D engine, modified tail rotor, and other minor changes reported to increase range and fuel efficiency over the Bell 212.[source]Bell 204/205 · Variants / Upgrades; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Bell 211 – The HueyTug , was a commercial version of the UH-1C with an upgraded transmission, longer main rotor, larger tailboom, strengthened fuselage, stability augmentation system, and a 2,650 shp (1,976 kW) T55 -L-7 turboshaft engine.[source]Bell 204/205 · Variants / Derivatives; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Capacity: 8-9 passengers / 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) equivalent cargo[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Length: 41 ft 8 in (12.70 m)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Height: 14 ft 7 in (4.45 m)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Empty weight: 4,600 lb (2,087 kg)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Max takeoff weight: 9,500 lb (4,309 kg)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming T53-L-11A turboshaft engine, 1,100 shp (820 kW)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Main rotor diameter: 48 ft (15 m)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Main rotor area: 1,808 sq ft (168.0 m 2 )[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Maximum speed: 120 kn (140 mph, 220 km/h)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Cruise speed: 111 kn (128 mph, 206 km/h)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Range: 300 nmi (350 mi, 560 km)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Service ceiling: 19,390 ft (5,910 m)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Rate of climb: 1,755 ft/min (8.92 m/s)[source]Bell 204/205 · Specifications (204B); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage | 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. |
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| Status | — | In service[source] |
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| Number built | — | 7,300[source] |
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| Developed into | — | Bell 400 TwinRanger[source] |
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| Fuselage length | — | 31 ft 2 in (9.50 m)[source] |
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| 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] |
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| Blade section | — | – NACA 0012 mod (11.3%)[source] |
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| Maximum speed at 5,000 ft | — | 116 kn (133 mph; 215 km/h) at MTOW[source] |
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| Disk loading | — | 4 lb/sq ft (20 kg/m 2 )[source] |
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| Power/mass | — | 0.09 hp/lb (0.15 kW/kg)[source] |
|---|
122 kn (140 mph, 226 km/h) at MTOW (sea level)[source]
120 kn (140 mph, 220 km/h) at MTOW, 5,000 feet[source]
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