Of course it became the Korean War that granted the Model 47/H-13 its classic appearance including the bubble canopy and skeletal tail section. The type was used in the MEDEVAC role and as an airborne observation platform.
Preproduction versions carried the simple Model 47 designation and these were powered by the Franklin engine of 178 horsepower. The Model 47A introduced the Franklin O-355-1 piston engine. The Model 47B was outfitted with the same engine while the similar Model 47B-3 was an agricultural platform with open-air cockpit. Then came the Model 47C and it was the Model 47D that introduced the classic bubble canopy design. The Model 47D-1 appeared in 1949 and revealed the classic skeletal tail structure common to many Model 47 pictures. It supported seating for three. The Model 47E introduced the Franklin 6V4-200-C32 powerplant with 200 horsepower output. Then came the Model 47F and the Model 47G which utilized a three-seating arrangement and "saddle bag" fuel stores. The Model 47G-2 introduced a Lycoming VO-435 series engine while the 47G-2A utilized a slightly different VO-435 installation. The Model 47G-2A-1 increased cabin space, featured additional fuel storage volume and brought about use of an all-new rotor blade design. The Model 47G-3 was outfitted with a supercharged Franklin 6VS-335-A series engine while the Model 47G-3B made use of a turbocharged Lycoming TVO-435 engine. The Modle 47G-4 was powered by a Lycoming VO-540 engine and the follow-up Model 47G-5 was a three-seat model. The Model 47H-1 introduced a completely enclosed cabin structure which encompassed the fuselage as well. The Model 47J Ranger was a four-seat model with a Lycoming VO-435 series engine. The Model 47K served as a military trainer for the Model 47J and featured seating for two.
Bell was granted foreign license production with the governments of Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Agusta produced the aircraft in Italy while Japanese manufacture was through Kawasaki Heavy Industries (as the KH-4). British mounts were produced by Westland Aircraft.
Many Model 47s are no longer in direct military service but survive through various civilian endeavors - primarily in the tourism industry. Nevertheless, they remain a classic, highly recognizable design.
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