Bell 222
| Bell 222/230/430 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A Bell 222 | |
| Type | Executive/utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Textron |
| Maiden flight | August 13, 1976 |
| Introduced | 1979 (222) 1991 (230) 1995 (430) |
The Bell 222 is a twin-engined light helicopter built by Bell Helicopter Textron. The Bell 230 and Bell 430 are improved developments with different engines and other changes.
Contents |
Overview
The Bell 222 has two turboshaft engines, a streamlined shape, and is available with either retractable undercarriage or fixed skids. It is usually flown single-pilot (optional dual controls are available), and can be configured for corporate/executive, EMS or utility transport missions. The aircraft can be configured for accommodations of up to 10, including pilot.
The Bell 222 was slightly redesigned and reintroduced with new engines the Bell 230. A later upgrade in powerplants and rotor system was designated Bell 430 (see below). Neither the 230 nor the 430 was an entirely new design, and both can be mistaken to be 222s, however the Allison-engine exhaust stacks are located high on the cowling rather than at the rear, while the 430’s main rotor is four-bladed.
Variants
Bell 222
- In 1982 the 222 was given a power upgrade, a larger main rotor, and was renamed the Bell 222B.
- In 1983 a 222B variant with skids, the 222U, was introduced. (The model was marketed as the 222UT, but its official FAA designation is 222U.)[citation needed]
- During the 1990s, a number of 222s were modified to Allison engines as an after-market STC mod (the engines which were used by Bell on the 230) due to reliability with the Lycoming engines, and redesignated as 222SPs.
Bell 230
- In 1991 the 222B design was updated, given more powerful engines, and renamed the Bell 230.
Bell 430
- In 1995 the 230 was stretched (adding another seating row), given more powerful engines and a four-bladed main rotor, and renamed the Bell 430.
Systems and specifications
Powerplants
- 222 – two (461kw takeoff rated, 441kW max continuous rated) Honeywell (formerly Lycoming) LTS-101-650C-3 turboshafts.
- 222B/UT – two 505kW (takeoff rated) Honeywell (formerly Lycoming) LTS-101-750C turboshafts.
- 230/222SP – two 520kW takeoff rated Rolls-Royce (formerly Allison) 250-C30G/2 turboshafts.
- 430 – two 584kW takeoff rated, 521kW max continuous rated Rolls-Royce (formerly Allison) 250-C40B turboshafts.
Engine output is 100% rated at 9598 RPM. Two independent drive shafts deliver power from the engines to the transmission.
Main rotor system
- 222/B/U/230 - Two-blade, semi-rigid high-kinetic energy type with preconing and underslinging. The rotor head incorporates elastomeric bearings for hub springs, flapping and pitch change bearings. The system is similar in design to that used by the AH-1 Cobra. Rotor speed at 100% engine speed is 348 RPM.
- 430 - Four-bladed rigid bearingless system.
Tail rotor system
All series models incorporate a pusher-type two-bladed tailrotor mounted on the left side of the tailboom, turning at 3396 RPM
Hydraulics
Two independent hydraulic systems provide flight control boost.
Electrical system
All series equipped with 24 volt electrical system powered by two paralleled starter/generators. The 222/222U is rated at 30VDC/150A and 230/430 is rated at 30VDC/200A. AC power is provided through inverters, with both 26VAC and 115VAC 400 Hz output.
Landing gear
- 222/B - Retractible, wheel-type
- 222U - Skid-type
- 230/430 - Skid-type standard, retractible wheels optional kit
Model comparison chart
| Model | 222 | 222B | 222UT | 230 222SP | 430 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Announced | 1974 | 1982 | 1982 | 1990 | 1991 |
| First Flight | 1976-08-13 | 1982 | 1983 | 1991-08-12 | 1994-10-25 |
| Certified | 1979-12 | 1982-08 | 1983-04 | 1992-03 | 1996-02-23 |
| Delivered | 1980 | 1982 | 1983 | 1992-11 | 1996 |
| Seats | 2 (pilot & copilot) + 5–6 passengers | 2 + 6–8 | |||
| Height (m) | 3.56 | 3.56 | 3.71 | 3.56 | 3.73 |
| Fuselage length (m) | 12.85 | 12.85 | 12.78 | 12.88 | 13.44 |
| Rotor diam. (m) | 12.2 | 12.80 | |||
| Length overall (m) | 15.1 | 15.32 | |||
| Power (kW) | 2×461 | 2×505 | 2×520 | 2×584 | |
| Max speed (km/h) | 240 | 250 | 260 | 260 | |
| Climb (ft/min) | 1,580 | 1,730 | ~1,600 | ||
| Service ceiling (ft) | 12,800 | 15,800 | 15,500 | 14,600 | |
| Hover ceiling (ft) | ~9,000 | 10,300 | 12,400 | 11,350 | |
| Fuel Capacity (l) | 710+182 | 710+182 | 710+460 | 710+ | 710+ |
| Range (km) | ~600 | ~700 | ~900 | ~700 | ~600 |
| Weight (kg) | 2,066 | 2,076 | 2,058 | 2,312 | 2,406 |
| Max Lift (kg) | 3,560 | 3,742 | 3,810 | 4,218 | |
| Serial #s [5] | 47001 – 47099 ¹ | 47131 – 47156 | 47501 – 47574 | 23001 – 23038 | 49001 – 49116+ |
| ¹ The first five were prototype/test models | |||||
Trivia
The Bell 222 was made famous by the television show Airwolf where the series' main character is a helicopter based on the 222 with fictional high-tech modifications such as powerful weapons and jet engines making it capable of supersonic speeds.
References
- Bell 222/230 Field Maintenance Training Manual
- Bell 222U Rotorcraft Flight Manual
External links
- Bell 430 at Bell Helicopter Website
- Airliners.net: Bell 222 & 230
- Airliners.net: Bell 430
- RTH.info: Bell 222 in aeromedical services (in English and German)
Related content
Related development<h3>
<h3>Comparable aircraft<h3><h3>Designation sequence<h3><h3>See also<h3>
Categories
Articles with unsourced statements | Helicopters | U.S. civil utility aircraft 1970-1979