The Bell Helicopter Model 206 was originally produced as the OH-4A, a Light Observation Helicopter developed for the U.S. Army. It did not win the original military contract and was redesigned for the commercial market as the Model 206A JetRanger entering service in 1967.
The display aircraft is Serial No. 4, the first production JetRanger. It was preceded by three hand-built preproduction prototypes used for development and certification work.
The JetRanger has continued in production from the original model in 1967 to the present. The current production model is the Model 2068-3, JetRanger III. Licensed production of the 206 also is being carried out in Italy by Agusta. Well over 4,500 JetRangers have been built to date.
| Aircraft Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Rotor Diameter | 33 ft 4 in |
| Fuselage Length | 32 ft 3 in |
| Maximum Speed | 150 mph |
| Cruise Speed | 121 mph |
| Height | 9 ft 6 in |
| Empty Weight | 1,407 lbs |
| Gross Weight | 3,000 lbs |
| Engine | Allison 250 C18 HP 270 (installed) |
| Acquisition Source | Bell Training Academy |