Bell XH-15
| XR-15/XH-15 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Four-seat utility helicopter |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter |
| First flight | 1948 |
| Status | Cancelled |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 3 |
The Bell XH-15 (Bell Model 54) was an American four-seat utility helicopter designed and built by Bell Helicopter, to meet a requirement for a liaison and utility helicopter for the United States Army and United States Air Force.
Development
The Model 54 was a conventional pod-and-boom four-seat helicopter with wheeled, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a single 275 hp Continental XO-470-5 piston engine located in the rear cabin, driving a single two-bladed rotor. The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) ordered three in February 1946 as the XR-15. The first flight was made in March 1948 with the new designation XH-15, but no orders were forthcoming following evaluation by the United States Air Force (USAF) and the project ended in 1950.
Variants
- XR-15
- Military designation for three Model 54s ordered for evaluation.[1]
- XH-15
- XR-15 redesignated before delivery.[1]
Operators
Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: three
- Length: 27 ft 10 in (8.49 m)
- Height: 8 ft 10 in (2.68 m)
- Max takeoff weight: 2,795 lb (1,268 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental XO-470-5 piston engine, 475 hp (354 kW)
- Main rotor diameter: 37 ft 4 in (11.38 m)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 110 mph (170 km/h, 92 kn)
- Range: 200 mi (320 km, 170 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
See also
Related lists
References
Notes
Bibliography
- Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.