Photograph:
Bell 206L Longranger ZK-ICV (c/n 45017) at Camden, NSW in March 2009 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Light utility helicopter
Power Plant:
One 373 kw (500 shp) Allison 250-C28B turboshaft
Specifications:
- Rotor diameter: 11.28 m (37 ft)
- Length: 10.13 m (33 ft 3 in)
- Max speed: 232 km/h (144 mph)
- Cruising speed at sea level: 229 km/h (136 mph)
- Hovering ceiling in ground effect: 2,499 m (8,200 ft)
- Hovering ceiling out of ground effect: 610 m (2,000 ft)
- Range at sea level: 628 km (390 miles)
- Range at cruising speed at 1,524 m (5,000 ft): 692 km (430 miles)
- Empty weight: 980 kg (2,160 lb)
- Loaded weight: 1,882 kg (4,150 lb)
History:
The prototype of the Bell 206L LongRanger was flown for the first time on 11 September 1974 and, after type certification, deliveries began during October the following year. The Model 206L was basically a more powerful version of the Model 206B Jetranger III, with the fuselage lengthened by 0.63 m (2 ft 1 in), increased fuel capacity giving a 113 km (70 miles) increase in range, an up-rated engine, and a larger rotor. The transmission system was rated at 319 kw (428 shp) at 6,000 rpm for both take-off and continuous running. Fuel capacity in the Model 206L was 82 litres (18 Imp gals) greater, giving an increased range of 72 km (45 miles). Accommodation was provided for seven. A separate cargo compartment had a capacity of 113 kg (250 lb) or 0.45 m³ (16 cub ft); and it could be changed for ambulance configuration, with space for two patients, two medical attendants and in-flight emergency equipment.
By early 1979 production had reached fifteen aircraft per month. New models with increased power were subsequently developed. The first of these was the 206L-1 LongRanger II, which was fitted with the Allison 250-C28B engine of 373 kw (500 shp) replacing the 313 kw (420 shp) Allison 250-C20B turboshaft, thus increasing the loaded weight from 1,814 kg (4,000 lb) to 1,882 kg (4,150 lb). The series was available with optional emergency float gear, and a 907 kg (2,000 lb) capacity cargo hook. If required for the aeromedical and rescue role, the LongRanger could accommodate two casualty stretchers and two seated casualties.
A number of LongRangers have been registered in this region, some 30 appearing on the Australian Civil Aircraft Register in 2005.
In 1980 Bell introduced the 206L TexasRanger, a variant of the LongRanger II designed for military use. In standard form the TexasRanger could carry seven persons, including the crew, but it could also be used for a range of purposes, including carrying troops, observation, command control, armed reconnaissance, and surveillance. In the armed role it could carry four TOW (tube-launched optically-tracked wire-guided) missiles for use against armour; two twin 7.62 mm (0.3 in) machine gun pods with 500 rounds per gun; or two pods each containing seven 6.98 cm (2.75 in) rockets. Further variants included the twin-engine LongRanger and a US company offered a twin-engine Gemini ST conversion. Production of the series reached more than 1,600 examples, a number being delivered to military customers.
In December 1981 Bell announced the release of the 206L-3 LongRanger II with an Allison 250-C30P engine rated at 485 kw (650 shp) with a transmission take-off rating of 325 kw (435 shp), this engine weighing 109 kg (240 lb). It could be fitted with a 900 kg (2,000 lb) capacity cargo hook.