Bell XH-15

The Bell XH-15 (Bell Model 54) was an American two-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.

XR-15/XH-15
Role	Four-seat utility helicopter
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Bell Helicopter
First flight	1948
Status	Canceled
Primary user	United States Air Force
Number built	3

Development

The Model 54 was a conventional pod-and-boom four-seat helicopter with wheeled, fixed tricycle landing gear, 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. The 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 redesignated before delivery.^[1]

Operators

 United States

• United States Air Force

Specifications

Data from Bell Aircraft since 1935^[2]

General characteristics

• Crew: two
• Capacity: two passengers
• Length: 44 ft 9 in (13.64 m) (overall length)
• Height: 8 ft 1+1⁄2 in (2.48 m)
• Max takeoff weight: 2,800 lb (1,270 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Continental XO-470-5 piston engine, 275 hp (205 kW)
• Main rotor diameter: 37 ft 4 in (11.38 m)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 105 mph (169 km/h, 91 kn)
• Range: 200 mi (320 km, 170 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m) (absolute ceiling)

See also

Related lists

• List of helicopters