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Bell Model 214

1972 COLD WAR MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of Bell Model 214

In 1959, the Bell Helicopter Huey medium lift line proved to be a major military and commercial success for the company, culminating in combat operations in the Vietnam War (1955-1975). A series of branches followed, thanks to the excellent original design, which have been used in many public and private sectors, including VIP transport, fire, search and rescue (SAR) and law enforcement.

In 1972, another version of the successful rotor product appeared, the Bell Type 214 ("Huey Plus"), also designed to fulfill the lucrative role of central lift. The first flight was recorded in 1972, with production spanning from 1970 to 1981.

Like other Bell helicopter variants, the Bell 214 originated from the Type 205, itself a larger and more powerful form of the Type 204. These are single-engine models with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor.

However, the 214 was first powered by the 1,900-horsepower Lycoming T53-L-702 engine, while the production-ready 214A switched to the 2,930-horsepower Lycoming LTC4B-8 engine.

Type 214A showed their military service to the Iranian state (as "Isfahan") and 287 was ordered and planned to be produced locally by the Iranians. A fleet of 214A/C helicopters was delivered (the C helicopters were equipped for search and rescue operations), but the Iranian Revolution of 1979 ended the Iranian locally licensed production side of the business.

The Type 214A has a crew of one or two seated side-by-side and is capable of carrying 14 passengers or 6 cots (or properly configured cargo). The overall length of the aircraft reaches 48 feet, the rotor diameter is 50 feet, and the height is 12.9 feet. The kerb weight is 7,600 pounds, and the MTOW is 15,000 pounds, and power comes from a Lycoming LTC4B-8D ??turboshaft engine (2,930 horsepower).

Performance includes a cruising speed of 162 mph, a range of up to 255 miles and a service ceiling of up to 16,400 feet.

Bell continued to aggressively market its Type 214, launching the 1976 Type 214B "BigLifter" based on the Type 214A for civilian use. The aircraft is powered by a 2,930-horsepower Lycoming T5508D for heavier transport services. Seventy were built to this standard.

The Model 214B-1 is based on the Model 214B, but has a gross weight limit of 12,500.

The Type 214 did not prove to be as popular as Bell Helicopter's other offerings, as it was only used by the Ecuadorian army and the air forces of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, aside from the Iranian army. Fewer than 30 are believed to be active today (2017).