Bell Model 47

Bell Model 47 47G-2, 47G-3B

Four examples of the three-seat light utility Bell 47G-2 helicopter were obtained by the I.A F. in the early months of 1957 and used variously for communication, supply dropping of vital stores, search and rescue in mountains and flood relief, from Nepal to Ceylon. Six helicopters of the model 47G-3B variant were obtained in mid-1961 followed by another six in August 1962. The type was chosen as a 2-seat instrument and conversion trainer at the Helicopter Training School, initially at Allahabad and later moving to Jodhpur.
Notes
A widely used multipurpose helicopter with a characteristic bubble-type cabin of blown plexiglass, the fuselage a light open structure of welded steel tubing, the Bell Model 47 was in continuous production for nearly twenty years since 1945 and variants were operated by nearly 40 air arms. The Model G-2 introduced a Lycoming VO-435 engine and had a synchronised elevator tied directly to the control system to provide more stability and allow a greatly increased e.g. travel. Kits can be attached to convert the machine for Cas Vac, spraying and observation with a transmitter with VHF multi-channel radio. The Model G-3 has a Franklin 6VS-335-A engine of 225 h.p.