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Bell 222

A Bell 222 in flight.

The Bell Model 222 is a twin engine utility helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter.

History[]

Design work on the 222 began in the late 1960s, with the goal of producing a helicopter for commercial use, particularly with off-shore oil rigs. Notably one of the few Bell helicopters without military backing, development began in January 1974 when Bell displayed a mock up, known as the Model D306, at the annual Helicopter Association of America convention, leading to the construction of five prototypes,[1] the first of these flying on 13 August 1976. Deliveries of completed examples began in 1980, with a total of 198 built before production of the 222 ended in 1991. A more powerful version called the Model 230 was introduced the same year, of which 38 were built between 1992 and 1995.[N 1] Many of both variants are still used for executive transport and utility purposes. 

Specifications[]

  • Poweplant: Two Lycoming LTS 101-650C turboshaft engines
  • Top speed: 180 mph
  • Range: 425 miles
  • Hovering ceiling: 15,800 ft
  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 9 passengers
  • Empty weight: 4,577 lbs
  • Length: 42 ft 2 in
  • Height: 11 ft 8 in
  • Rotor diameter: 42 ft

References[]

Notes[]

  1. The first prototype of the Bell 230 was converted from a Bell 222.[2]

Sources[]

  1. World Aircraft Information Files Aviation Partwork. Midsummer Books Ltd. File 426 Sheet 1 (World Civil Aircraft:Bell 222 - US commercial twin)
  2. World Aircraft & Systems Directory - First Edition. Brassey's (UK) Ltd. 1996. ISBN 1 85753 198 1 Page 299
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