FORCETALLY
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At a glance
Measured figures
206B Jetranger II · including rotors
Single source38 ft 9.5 in (11.824 m) including rotors[source]
Configuration
| Specification | Bell 206 | Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multipurpose utility helicopter[source] | Passenger transport helicopter[source] |
| National origin | United States / Canada[source] | Multinational[source] |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter[source] | Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters[source] |
| Status | In service[source] |
H225 · Length
19.5 m (64 ft 0 in)[source]
Cruise; 206B Jetranger II · at MTOW, 5,000 feet
Single sourceMaximum; 206B Jetranger II · at MTOW (sea level)
Single source122 kn (140 mph, 226 km/h) at MTOW (sea level)[source]
120 kn (140 mph, 220 km/h) at MTOW, 5,000 feet[source]
Cruise; H225 · Cruise speed
Single sourceMaximum; H225 · Maximum speed
Single source206B Jetranger II · at MTOW
Single source206B Jetranger II · cruise speed, no reserves
Single source337 nmi (388 mi, 624 km) at MTOW, 5,000 feet, cruise speed, no reserves[source]
Ferry; H225 · Ferry range
Single sourceH225 · Range
Single sourceBars compare reported quantities only. A larger figure does not make a system better; configurations and test conditions differ.
| — |
| Number built | 7,300[source] | 170+ (as of 2016 )[source] |
|---|
| Manufactured | 1962–2017[source] | 1999–present[source] |
|---|
| Introduction date | 1967[source] | December 2004[source] |
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| First flight | December 8, 1962 (206) January 10, 1966 (206A)[source] | 27 November 2000[source] |
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| Developed from | Bell YOH-4[source] | Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma[source] |
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| Variants | Bell OH-58 Kiowa Bell 407[source] | — |
|---|
| Developed into | Bell 400 TwinRanger[source] | — |
|---|
| Capacity | 4 passengers[source] | 24 passengers + 1 cabin attendant[source] |
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| 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] | — |
|---|
| Main rotor area | 873 sq ft (81.1 m 2 )[source] | 206.15 m 2 (2,219.0 sq ft)[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] | long-range passenger transport helicopter[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 | The Airbus Helicopters H225 (formerly Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma ) is a long-range passenger transport helicopter developed by Eurocopter as the next generation of the civilian Super Puma family. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 24 passengers along with two crew and a cabin attendant, dependent on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for offshore support and VIP passenger transport duties, as well as public service missions.[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In February 2014, Airbus Helicopters announced at Heli-Expo 2014 the development of an improved variant, the EC225e. The EC225e features numerous changes including new avionics systems, such as the TCAS II collision avoidance system, an automatic identification system, and a specialized rig-approach system; it was also intended to feature an improved Turbomeca Makila 2B engine to increase the EC225e's maximum takeoff weight by 550 kg, and an additional fuel tank in the rear baggage compartment to extend its range to 300 nautical miles with up to ten passengers on board. Some, but not all, modifications can be retrofitted onto existing EC225s. In the same announcement, in February 2014, Lease Corporation International said that they had placed a $645 million order for 15 EC225e (along with 6 Airbus Helicopters EC175 ) helicopters as the launch customer. In February 2016, the Makila 2B engine was dropped from the EC225e as a cost reduction measure, development of the other structural and avionics aspects is proceeding.[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage A key safety feature of the aircraft's main gear box (MGB) is an emergency oil spraying sub-system present in the lubrication system; this is designed to exceed the JAR 29 Standard's requirements of a 30-minute running time in the event of the loss of MGB oil pressure, and has demonstrated up to 50-minute running time. The engine also incorporates a "blade shedding" system to ensure engine integrity during an overspeed instance. Energy absorbent self-sealing fuel tanks are contained in the aircraft's sponsons , along with other equipment such as downward-facing illumination and navigation lighting fixtures. The transmission can accommodate more power than the maximum output of the engines; however two aircraft were lost in 2012 due to the cracking of the bevel gear shaft, a gearbox component. In response, the design of the transmission was modified in 2013, and the onboard health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) was upgraded to provide real-time monitoring of the bevel gear shaft against the threat of crack formation. |
|---|
| Primary user | — | CHC Helicopter[source] |
|---|
| Variant | — | Eurocopter EC725[source] |
|---|
| Never exceed speed | — | 324 km/h (201 mph, 175 kn)[source] |
|---|
Maximum take-off; H225 · Max takeoff weight
Single sourceIn terms of cockpit equipment and avionics, the H225 is equipped with a full glass cockpit with active-matrix liquid crystal displays ; these include four 6-inch by 8-inch multi-functional displays as the predominant instrumentation for key flight information, two 4-inch by 5-inch monitors for displaying aircraft parameters, and a 3-inch screen for backup. The advanced helicopter cockpit and avionics system is described as serving to reduce pilot and crew workload, being used to display flight management and sub-systems information and is complete with a four-axis digital autopilot. During a typical flight, the pilot programs the route into the aircraft and then monitors it, as opposed to direct continuous control of the flight; the need for paper charts has been eliminated by these systems. Under autopilot, the automatic flight control system acts to prevent pilot actions from exceeding the established flight envelope; the H225 remains flyable with all automatic systems disabled. From initiating the startup sequence to being ready to takeoff only takes three minutes.[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
There are currently a total of four principal configurations designed by Airbus Helicopters for the H225. The passenger transport version has a crash-worthy seating arrangement for up to 19 passengers with a high-density seating arrangement accommodating up to 28 passengers available to be fitted. The VIP transport version has a large lounge with seating for up to 12 passengers and a cabin attendant. The emergency medical services (EMS) configuration has medical units for six stretchers and four seats for medical workers. The search and rescue (SAR) configuration allows space for search and rescue equipment with an operator seat, hoistman seat and up to eight rescue seats and three stretchers. While a single pilot is capable of controlling the aircraft under visual meteorical conditions, two pilots are used in a typical crew complement and, dependent on role, a cabin attendant or flight engineer may also be present.[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Icelandic Coast Guard — received 2 H225s in 2019 and 1 in 2021.[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Operators / Military operators; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
18 February 2009: G-REDU, an EC225 LP operated by Bond Offshore Helicopters . During a night visual approach to the ETAP platform, the helicopter descended and impacted the surface of the sea. The crew's perception of the helicopter's position and orientation relative to the platform during the final approach was erroneous. All 18 people on board survived the controlled flight into terrain (water) .[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Accidents and incidents; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
10 May 2012: G-REDW, an EC225 LP, carried out a controlled ditching following indications of a failure of the main gearbox (MGB) lubrication system and a subsequent failure indication warning on the emergency lubrication system. An investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) identified a 360° circumferential crack in the bevel gear vertical shaft in the main gearbox, in the vicinity of a manufacturing weld, causing disengagement of the drive to both mechanical oil pumps.[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Accidents and incidents; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
22 October 2012: G-CHCN, an EC225 LP of CHC Scotia, ditched in the North Sea 32 miles south west of Shetland whilst en route from Aberdeen to the West Phoenix drilling rig. All 19 on board were rescued. A special bulletin issued by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said the main and standby oil pumps were not working; a 360-degree crack found on the bevel gear vertical shaft of the gearbox had prevented the oil pump gears from being driven. A worldwide grounding of the type was initiated in response. In both of the 2012 incidents, although the main gearbox lubrication system had failed, the backup system was working correctly but displaying an erroneous warning light, due to an incorrect specification of a pressure switch, which led to the helicopters being ditched.[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Accidents and incidents; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
29 April 2016: LN-OJF , an EC225 LP of CHC Helikopter Service , crashed at an islet near Turøy in the Bergen archipelago, en route to Bergen Airport, Flesland , from the Gullfaks B platform in the North Sea. The helicopter was carrying 11 passengers and 2 crew members; everyone on board died. Eyewitnesses reported that the main rotor separated from the hull immediately before the crash. Due to the crash, all commercial flights by EC225 helicopters, excluding search and rescue flights, were grounded by both Norwegian and British civil aviation authorities. The subsequent investigation concluded that a gear in the main rotor gearbox had failed due to a fatigue crack that had propagated under-surface, escaping detection. As a result of the incident the German Defence Ministry had also decided to ground 3 AS532 Helicopter in government use which were manufactured by the same company.[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Accidents and incidents; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
18 January 2023: an EC225 carrying the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine , Denys Monastyrsky , his deputy Yevhen Yenin and state secretary Yurii Lubkovych , crashed at a kindergarten in Brovary , a suburb of Kyiv , Ukraine . The crash killed 14 people, including Monastyrsky, Yenin and Lubkovych; a child was also among the fatalities, while 25 others were injured.[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Accidents and incidents; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Capacity: 24 passengers + 1 cabin attendant[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Length: 19.5 m (64 ft 0 in)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Height: 4.97 m (16 ft 4 in)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Empty weight: 5,256 kg (11,587 lb)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Gross weight: 11,000 kg (24,251 lb)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Max takeoff weight: 11,200 kg (24,692 lb)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, 1,776 kW (2,382 hp) each[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Main rotor diameter: 16.2 m (53 ft 2 in)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Main rotor area: 206.15 m 2 (2,219.0 sq ft)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Maximum speed: 275.5 km/h (171.2 mph, 148.8 kn)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Cruise speed: 260.5 km/h (161.9 mph, 140.7 kn)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Never exceed speed : 324 km/h (201 mph, 175 kn)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Range: 857 km (533 mi, 463 nmi)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Ferry range: 985 km (612 mi, 532 nmi)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Service ceiling: 5,900 m (19,400 ft)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Rate of climb: 8.7 m/s (1,710 ft/min)[source]Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma · Specifications (H225); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage