Taking a Flight in the Bell 47

Ride along on a Microsoft Flight Simulator journey through history in a Bell 47 helicopter.

Patrick Chovanec

Friday, August 04, 2023 at 04:22 PM ET

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[Image courtesy of Patrick Chovanec]

Key Takeaways:

The Bell 47, developed by Arthur Young for Bell Aircraft, was the first helicopter certified for civilian use after its successful Model 47 prototype.
It achieved widespread recognition and played a critical role in the Korean War as the H-13 Sioux, significantly improving soldier survival rates through rapid medical evacuation for MASH units.
Featuring innovative design elements like Young's stabilizer bar for stability, the Bell 47's bare-bones construction and operational efficiency made it highly effective.
Beyond its military service, the versatile Bell 47 found diverse civilian applications, including news reporting (the first "Telecopter"), law enforcement, and astronaut training, solidifying its iconic status.

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Today in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, I’m in Korea to fly the Bell 47, the iconic chopper from the TV show M*A*S*H and the first helicopter to be certified for civilian use.

The Bell 47 was produced by Bell Aircraft, founded by Larry Bell in 1935. Bell was known for producing highly innovative if not necessarily successful airplanes during World War II, most notably the tricycle-gear P-39 Airacobra fighter.