Freeware Reviews

Back in December of 1945, the prototype of what was to become a classic in helicopter design flew for the first time, the Bell model 47. It was the first helicopter to be awarded certification for a helicopter, anywhere in the world. Bell continued to manufacture this model into the seventies, and the Italian aircraft company, Agusta, continued to produce the 47 under license up until 1976. The Model 47 has been used widely by the armed forces of the world for many tasks, but is probably best known for its medevac duties during the Korean War

In 1947, both the USAF and the navy showed interest in the 47, and procured models for testing. The USAF, (having been recently renamed from the former USAAF), winterized their versions for testing in Alaska. Seems they might have had

an idea about the cold weather in Korea. The services knew a good thing when they saw it, and the USAF ordered 65 helicopters, with the designation H-13B. The model was known as the "Sioux" after this point. As stated earlier, the Model 47 was used extensively in medevac operations in Korea, but other variations were also produced. Two were made for use by the President himself. Once again, as with all aircraft, there's always changes made for either performance reasons or for different utility configurations, and the Bell Model 47 is no exception. Some of the naval versions served aboard Icebreaker ships. One can see the practicality in this move! It is one of my favorite helicopters of all time. Having served in Korea and seeing the harsh terrain and the even harsher winters, a lot is owed to both the men who flew these "whirlybirds" and the machines themselves. Countless lives were saved by the introduction of this mode of transportation by air, and I believe the 47 whetted the appetite of the armed forces for more and better variations of this thing called the "Helicopter".

Bell's Model 47 set its share of world records in helicopter flight. The Class E record was set in September 1952 by Bell test pilot Elton J. Smith. Smith flew a specially modified Bell 47D-1 solo from Hurst, Texas to Buffalo NY, landing at the Bell plant near Niagara Falls to establish a world record for nonstop straight line distance flight without payload. He covered the 1,217.31 miles in 12 hours and 37 minutes of continuous flying, very happy upon landing, but unable to dismount the aircraft due to the fact that his legs had fallen asleep enroute! Larry Bell and the media greeted the pilot as he sat in the cockpit, trying to get the feeling back in his legs.

Over 5,000 military and commercial versions of the Bell-47 were produced between 1946 and 1973.

Type: Two to three seat general utility helicopter
Main Rotor Diameter: 11.32m (37ft 1 1/2in)
Tail Rotor Diameter: 1.78m (5ft 10in)
Length: 12.6m (41ft 6in)
Powerplant: One Avco-Lycoming 265hp flat-six piston engine
Cruising Speed: 137km/h (85mph)
Range: 412km (256miles)
Ceiling: 3200m (10,500ft)

This is one of the finest Freeware choppers of any category that I have seen in awhile. The detail is marvelous, with a very happy looking animated pilot (who wouldn't be?), a great panel, both 2D and VC, and the overall detail of the helicopter itself is just fantastic! The skeletal framework of the 47 is excellent and details of the engine and rotors are above average for freeware. This thing is a blast to fly! Here's another great one for the sight seeing tours! Visibility is great since you're sitting inside of a bubble! I especially liked flying through mountain passes and canyons’, being able to see the ground pass below is a bit of a visual treat. Jean-Marie Mermaz is to be applauded for the original design and a job well done to John Blankenship for his reworking of the textures. This is an easier than normal helicopter to fly, so if you ever wanted to hover like a hummingbird, this is the helicopter for you to train on! Its ease of handling makes it a joy and for a helicopter flying in MSFS2004, I'm extremely impressed with the flight dynamics of the Model 47 depicted here. Check it out! Definitely worth it!