Bell 206 facts for kids

American civilian Bell 206B.

The Bell 206 is a famous light helicopter. It was created and built in the United States by a company called Bell Helicopters. This helicopter was first made for everyday uses, like carrying people or supplies. Later, it was changed to be used by the military, including the US Army. The very first Bell 206 flew in December 1962. They stopped making new ones in 2010. An Italian company named Agusta also built some of these helicopters under a special agreement.

What is the Bell 206 Like?

The Bell 206 is about 39.8 feet (12.11 meters) long. Its main rotor, which is the big spinning part on top, is about 33.4 feet (10.16 meters) across. The helicopter stands about 9.4 feet (10.96 meters) tall.

When it's empty, the Bell 206 weighs around 1,713 pounds (777 kg). But it can carry a total weight of up to 3,200 pounds (1,451 kg) when fully loaded. It gets its power from an Allison 250 engine. This engine turns the main helicopter rotor, which has two blades.

Different Kinds of Bell 206 Helicopters

A Bell 206B-3 from Mauritius.

A Bell 206B from France.

The Bell 206 has many different versions. Some were made for regular people and businesses, while others were built for military use.

Civilian Versions of the Bell 206

Many Bell 206 helicopters were made for civilian jobs. These include:

• Bell 206 (the original model)
• Bell 206A
  • Agusta-Bell 206A (built in Italy)
• Bell 206B
  • Agusta-Bell 206B (built in Italy)
• Bell 206B-3
• Bell 206L LongRanger (a longer version)
  • Agusta-Bell 206L (built in Italy)
• Bell 206L-1 LongRanger II
• Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III
• Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV
• Bell 206LT TwinRanger (a version with two engines)

Military Versions of the Bell 206

A TH-57C Sea Ranger used by the US Marines.

The Bell 206 was also made into special versions for different military forces:

• Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger : This helicopter is used for training pilots in the US Navy and US Marines.
• Bell OH-58 Kiowa : These are used by the US Army for looking around and for light connections between units.
• Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior : This is an updated version for the US Army. It can observe and also perform light attack missions.
• Bell TH-67A : Another training helicopter for the US Army.
• Bell CH-139 : This is a multi-purpose helicopter used by Canada.

Who Uses the Bell 206?

The Bell 206 is a very popular helicopter. It has been sold and used in many countries around the world.

Civilian Users of the Bell 206

Many civilian companies and people in the USA, Canada, and Europe use the Bell 206. It's often used for things like news reporting, police work, air ambulance services, and private travel.

Military Users of the Bell 206

A Bell 206B used by the Ugandan military.

A Bell OH-58D from the US Army.

As of 2013, many countries have used or still use the Bell 206 in their military forces. These include:

•  Albania
•  Argentina
•  Bangladesh
•  Brazil
•  Bulgaria
•  Canada
•  Chile
•  Croatia
•  Finland
•  Iran
•  Italy
•  Latvia
• Mexico
•  Pakistan
•  Serbia
•  Slovenia
•  Sweden
•  Thailand
•  Taiwan
•  Turkey
•  Uganda
•  United States
•  Venezuela

Helicopters Like the Bell 206

Here are some other helicopters that are similar to the Bell 206:

• Eurocopter AS-350 Ecureuil
• PZL-Swidnic SW-4

Images for kids

• 

  A YOH-4A LOH in flight

• 

  A Bell 206-L4 of the Bangladesh Army

• 

  A Bell 206L-4 Long Ranger IV (operated by CTV British Columbia), departing Vancouver Harbour helipad

• 

  Bell 206B Jet Ranger III at Filton Airfield, Bristol, England. Used for electricity pylon patrols.

• 

  Bell 206B JetRanger tail end

• 

  A Bell 206L-3

• 

  Swedish Navy Bell 206B in camouflage

See also

In Spanish: Bell 206 para niños