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The Bell Model 206 "JetRanger" is one of the most successful helicopter designs in the world. It originated in the mid-1960s as an entry in a U.S. Army competition for a light observation (scout) helicopter. Although Bell lost the contract, the Model 206A JetRanger entered the civilian market in 1967. The Model 206 has been overhauled three times, with the 206B "JetRanger II" arriving in 1971 and the 206C "JetRanger III" with modified tail rotor and more powerful engine coming in 1977. The basic shape and fundamental design remain unchanged since 1967.
The JetRanger is popular with news media for traffic and news reporting. In a twist, the US Army eventually selected the 206 for use as the OH-58 Kiowa, fulfilling its originally intended role. It was ready for service in 1969 and deployed in the Vietnam War. The US Navy and Marines use 206 variants known as the TH-57 Sea Ranger, a variant is also used by the Coast Guard, and the TH-67 Creek variant is used by the Army as a trainer for helicopter students.
The Model 206 is a two-rotor, turbine powered helicopter with a conventional, two-bladed tail rotor. The aircraft uses hydraulic flight controls. The 206A, B, and C are "standard" five-seat designs, while the 206L "LongRanger" is a stretched seven-seat version. The LongRanger has also enjoyed model development, to the 202L-2, and eventually 206L-4 designations. In 1981 a military version was released, the 206L-3 "TexasRanger". Both five- and seven-seaters have two individual seats up front and a three seat bench in the back; the LongRanger adds two rear-facing seats in between the front and rear seats. The Model 206 is typically flown by a single pilot, who sits in the front right seat.
Also derived from the Model 206, the Bell 407 and OH-58D use a newer, 4-bladed articulated rotor system which offers improved performance whilst reducing vibration and noise.
The ICAO designator for both the JetRanger and the LongRanger as used in flight plans is B06.
Specifications (206-B3)
Military operators
- Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma/Myanmar, Brunei, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Slovenija, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United States (Army, Navy), Venezuela, Yemen.
In popular culture
One of the most recognisable of modern helicopters thanks to its widespread use, variants of the JetRanger have been seen in many cinema productions including James Bond films — notably in the opening sequence of For Your Eyes Only — and television series, especially law enforcement dramas such as 24, but also memorably in the Treasure Hunt game show. The JetRanger is also the inspiration behind the design of helicopters in controversial video game Vice City.
External links
- Bell Model 206B-3 (official page)
- Bell Model 206L-4 (official page)
- Bell Model 206 at globalsecurity.org
- Bell Model 206 at aircraft.co.za
See also
"Bell 206"