General Aviation

Bell 206b

Manufacturer: BELL

The Bell 206 is a family of two‑bladed, single‑ and twin‑engined helicopters produced by Bell Helicopter. Originally developed as the YOH‑4 for the U.S. Army Light Observation Helicopter program, the design was later marketed commercially as the five‑place Bell 206A JetRanger. The aircraft has been widely used in civilian, corporate, and military roles worldwide.

Aircraft Facts

Type Key
bell-206b
Class
General Aviation
Registry Count
790
Example Registration
N100NJ

Specifications

Wingspan
10.16 m / 33.33 ft
Length
9.5 m / 31 ft
Height
2.91 m / 9 ft
Max Speed
226 km/h / 140 mph
Cruise Speed
220 km/h / 140 mph
Range
624 km / 337 nmi
Ceiling
6100 m / 20000 ft
First Flight
1962-12-08
Production Start
1962
Production End
2017
Total Built
7300

Aircraft Overview

History

The YOH‑4 entered the Army’s LOH competition in 1960 and flew its first prototype on 8 December 1962. After the Army selected the Hughes OH‑6, Bell redesigned the airframe, adding cargo space and a sleeker fuselage, and introduced the Bell 206A JetRanger in 1966. The JetRanger was FAA‑certified on 20 October 1966 and entered service with the U.S. Navy as the TH‑57 Sea Ranger and with the Army as the OH‑58 Kiowa. Subsequent variants, including the 206B JetRanger II (1971) and the 206B‑3 JetRanger III (1977), added engine power and tail‑rotor modifications. The stretched 206L LongRanger, first flown in 1975, offered seven seats and became popular as an air ambulance and corporate transport. Twin‑engine conversions such as the Gemini ST and the 206LT TwinRanger were later developed.

Design

The 206 series features a two‑bladed main rotor and a tail rotor, powered by an Allison 250 turboshaft. The JetRanger’s fuselage was extended to increase cargo volume, while later models incorporated more powerful 250‑C28 or 250‑C30P engines. The LongRanger’s 30‑inch stretch adds rear‑facing seats and a strengthened tailboom. Twin‑engine variants use the same Allison 250 engines in a dual‑power configuration, providing redundancy for long‑range missions.

Variants

Civilian variants include the 206A, 206B, 206B‑2, 206B‑3, 206L LongRanger, 206L‑1, 206L‑1+, 206L‑3, 206L‑3+, 206L‑4, and the 206LT TwinRanger. Military designations cover the TH‑57 Sea Ranger, TH‑67 Creek, OH‑58 Kiowa, and various export models such as the CH‑139 and Hkp 6A/B.

Operations

The Bell 206 has been employed by air ambulance services, corporate transport, news media, and military training units. It has operated in remote Canadian resource regions, U.S. Navy training squadrons, and as a primary trainer for the U.S. Army. The aircraft’s light weight and short‑takeoff capability make it suitable for rugged terrain and short‑field operations.

Notable Facts

  • The first Bell 206A flew on 10 January 1966 and was FAA‑certified the same month.
  • The 206L LongRanger first flew in 1975 and more than 1,700 units have been produced.
  • The Bell 206B‑3 was selected in 1993 as the U.S. Army’s TH‑67 Creek training helicopter.
  • A 206L‑1 completed the first around‑the‑world helicopter flight in 1982, lasting 29 days.
  • The Bell 206 has been used by over 50 countries’ armed forces and civilian operators worldwide.

Variants

  • 206B- 790 registrations - Example N100NJ

Machine-Readable Resources

Sources