| Bell XR-15/XH-15 (Model 54) | |
|---|---|
| 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 a wheeled, fixed tricycle landing gear and was 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. 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 re-designated before delivery.[1]
Operators[]
Specifications[]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 3
- 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: 106 mph; 92 kn (170 km/h)
- Range: 199 mi; 173 nmi (320 km)
- Service ceiling: 20,013 ft (6,100 m)
See also[]
- List of helicopters
References[]
Notes[]
Bibliography[]
- Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.
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The original article can be found at Bell XH-15 and the edit history here.