Bell XH-15

Last updated
XR-15/XH-15
Bell XH-15.jpg
RoleFour-seat utility helicopter
National originUnited States
Manufacturer Bell Helicopter
First flight1948
StatusCanceled
Primary user United States Air Force
Number built3

The Bell XH-15 (Bell Model 54) was an American two-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.

Contents

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

Flag of the United States.svg  United States

Specifications

General characteristics

Performance

See also

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References

Notes

  1. 1 2 Andrade 1979, p. 162

Bibliography

  • Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. ISBN   0-904597-22-9.