Bell 222

Infobox Aircraft
name = Bell 222/230

---

caption = A Bell 222
type = Executive/utility helicopter
manufacturer = Bell Helicopter
designer =
first flight = August 13, 1976
introduced = Bell 222: 1979
Bell 230: 1991
retired =
status =
primary user =
more users =
produced = Bell 222: 1980–1991
Bell 230: 1992–1995
number built = Bell 222 (184); 230 (38)Frawley, Gerard: "The International Directiory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004", Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7]
unit cost =
developed from =
variants with their own articles = Bell 430

The Bell 222 is a twin-engined light helicopter built by Bell Helicopter. The Bell 230 is an improved development with different engines and other changes.

Development

In 1974, the new Bell 222 was announced by Bell. It was the first light commercial twin engine helicopter developed in the United States.Frawley, Gerard: "The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004", page 46. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7]

The 222, which first flew on August 13, 1976, incorporated a number of advanced features including dual hydraulic and electrical systems, stub wings housing the retractable undercarriage, and the Noda Matic vibration reduction system developed for the 214ST. Certificated in December 1979, deliveries of the 222 began in early 1980.

The more powerful Bell 222B was introduced in 1982 with a larger diameter main rotor. The 222B-based Bell 222UT Utility Twin, with skid landing gear, was introduced in 1983.

A development of the 222 is the Bell 230, with the 222's LTS 101 engines replaced by two Allison 250 turboshafts, plus other refinements.

A converted 222 first flew as the prototype 230 on August 12 1991. Transport Canada awarded certification in March 1992, and the first production 230 was delivered that November. The 230 had optional skid or wheel undercarriage. Production ended in 1995 with 38 having been built, being replaced in Bell's lineup by the stretched, more powerful Bell 430.

Design

The Bell 222 and 230 are usually flown single-pilot (optional dual controls are available), and can be configured for corporate/executive, EMS or utility transport missions. The aircraft have standard seating for eight, including pilot, in four rows. Alternative seting includes four in main cabin in club configuration.

Powerplants

Engine output is 100% rated at 9598 RPM. Two independent drive shafts deliver power from the engines to the transmission.

The Bell 222's LST-engine exhaust stacks are located at the rear of the engines, while the 230's Allison-engine exhaust stacks are located high on the cowling.

Rotor systems

* Two-blade, semi-rigid high-kinetic energy main rotor 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.
* All series models incorporate a pusher-type two-bladed tailrotor mounted on the left side of the tailboom, turning at 3396 RPM

Variants

;Bell 222 : The original Model 222, sometimes unofficially called a Bell 222A to distinguish it from the Bell 222B. It was powered by two (461kw takeoff rated, 441kW max continuous rated) Honeywell (formerly Lycoming) LTS-101-650C-3 turboshafts.

;Bell 222B : In 1982 the 222 was given a power upgrade (two 505kW (takeoff rated) Honeywell (formerly Lycoming) LTS-101-750Cs), a larger main rotor, and was renamed the Bell 222B.;Bell 222B Excutive : This model had improved systems and a luxury interior.;Bell 222UT : A 222B variant with skids, introduced in 1983.

;Bell D-292 : The Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP) was a 1985 all-composite LHX proof of concept project. The Bell D-292 used the Avco Lycoming engines, transmission, two-bladed main and tail rotors, tailboom, vertical fin, and rotor pylon of the 222. The new airframe used composite materials in place of metal to provide greater strength, lighter weight, lower manufacturing costs, and reduce maintenance costs.cite web|url=http://avia.russian.ee/helicopters_eng/bell_acap.php|accessdate=2007-6-17|title=Bell D-292 ACAP]

;Bell 230 : In 1991 the 222B design was updated, given more powerful engines, and renamed the Bell 230. Production ended in 1995.;Bell 230 Excutive : Excutive transport version.;Bell 230 Utility : Utility transport version.;Bell 230 EMS : Air ambulance version, equipped with one or two strechers.;Bell 222SP : During the 1990s, a number of 222s were modified to use the 230's Allison engines as an after-market STC due to reliability issues with the Lycoming engines, and redesignated as 222SPs.

;Bell 430 : main|Bell 430 In 1995 the Bell 430, a stretched 230 (adding another seating row), was launched, with more powerful engines and a four-bladed main rotor.

Operators

In addition to the large number of civil operators, a small number of Bell 222 family helicopters have entered military service. One served with Albania from 1979 to 2001.

pecifications

Sources: [ [http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=77 Bell 222 & 230 page on airliner.net] ] [ [http://helicopterdirect.com/technical_bell.htm Bell helicopter technical data, helicopterdirect.com] ] [ [http://airwolf.tv-series.com/default.asp?ModuleID=2&PageID=12&ArticleID=50168 Bell 222 technical data on airwolf.tv-series.com] ] [ [http://www.aircraftone.com/aircraft/models/Helicopters1.asp Serial Numbers] ]

Pop culture

The Bell 222 is widely known from the TV series "Airwolf" where it is featured as a modified 222A.

ee also

aircontent
related=
* Bell 430
* Bell 206
* Bell 412
* Bell 427
similar aircraft=
* Sikorsky S-76
* Agusta A109
* Eurocopter Dauphin
lists=
see also=
* Airwolf
* Airwolf (helicopter)

References

* "Bell 222/230 Field Maintenance Training Manual"
* "Bell 222U Rotorcraft Flight Manual"

External links

* [http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=77 Airliners.net: Bell 222 & 230]
* [http://www.rth.info/index.php?goto=typen.bell222.gb.htm RTH.info: Bell 222 in aeromedical services] (in English and German)