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{{short description|Utility helicopter family by Bell}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= Bell 206 JetRanger/LongRanger
 |image= File:LAPD Bell 206 Jetranger.jpg
 |caption= An [[LAPD]] Bell 206 JetRanger
 |type= Multipurpose [[utility helicopter]]
 |national_origin= United States / Canada
 |manufacturer= [[Bell Helicopter]]
 |first_flight= December 8, 1962 (206)<ref name="1000photos-1"/> <br />January 10, 1966 (206A)<ref name=Donald>Donald, David, ed. "Bell 206". ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. Barnes & Nobel Books, 1997. {{ISBN|0-7607-0592-5}}</ref>
 |introduction= 1967
 |retired=
 |status= In service
 |primary_user= <!-- List only one user; for military aircraft, this is a nation or a service arm. Please DON'T add flag templates, as they limit horizontal space. -->
 |more_users= <!-- Limited to THREE (3) "more users" here (4 total users). Separate users with <br />. -->
 |produced= 1962–2017<ref name=AIN_end_prod/>
 |number_built= 7,300<ref name="GS">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/b206.htm Bell 206 JetRanger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050212220719/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/b206.htm |date=February 12, 2005 }}. GlobalSecurity.org, July 9, 2005. Retrieved: December 2009</ref>
 |unit cost= approx. US$900,000 to $1.2 million<ref name="GS"/>
 |developed_from= [[Bell YOH-4]]
 |variants= [[Bell OH-58 Kiowa]] <br /> [[Bell 407]]
 |developed_into = [[Bell 400 TwinRanger]] 
}}

The '''Bell 206''' is a family of two-bladed, single- and twin-engined [[helicopter]]s, manufactured by [[Bell Helicopter]] at its [[Mirabel, Quebec]], plant. Originally developed as the [[Bell YOH-4]] for the [[United States Army]]'s [[Light Observation Helicopter]] program, it was not selected by the Army. Bell redesigned the [[airframe]] and successfully marketed the aircraft commercially as the five-place '''Bell 206A JetRanger'''. The new design was eventually selected by the Army as the [[OH-58 Kiowa]].

Bell also developed a seven-place '''LongRanger''', which was later offered with a twin-engined option as the '''TwinRanger''', while Tridair Helicopters offers a similar conversion of the LongRanger called the '''Gemini ST'''. The [[ICAO]]-assigned model designation "B06" is used on [[flight plan]]s for the JetRanger and LongRanger, and the designation "B06T" is used for the twin-engined TwinRangers.

==Development==

===Origins and JetRanger===
[[File:Oh4a002.jpg|thumb|A [[Bell YOH-4|YOH-4A LOH]] in flight]]

On October 14, 1960, the [[United States Navy]] solicited responses from 25 aircraft manufacturers to a request for proposals (RFP) on behalf of the Army for the Light Observation Helicopter (LOH). Bell entered the competition along with 12 other manufacturers, including [[Hiller Aircraft]] and [[Hughes Helicopters|Hughes Tool Co., Aircraft Division]].<ref>Remington, Steve. {{cite web |url=http://www.collectair.com/cessna.html |title=Collect Air |access-date=2009-06-28 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621043635/http://www.collectair.com/cessna.html |archive-date=June 21, 2009 |df=mdy-all }} "The Cessna CH-1 Helicopter". CollectAir.com</ref> Bell submitted the ''D-250'' design, which would be designated as the ''[[Bell YOH-4|YHO-4<!-- This is NOT an error, YHO-4 was the first designation -->]]''.<ref name="LOH-1">Beechy, Robert. {{cite web |url=http://fire.prohosting.com/hud607/uncommon/reference/usa/army.html |title=US Army Aircraft Acquisition Programs |access-date=2006-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061118064815/http://fire.prohosting.com/hud607/uncommon/reference/usa/army.html |archive-date=November 18, 2006 |df=mdy-all }} "U.S Army Aircraft Acquisition Programs". ''Uncommon Aircraft 2006'', November 18, 2005. Accessed on September 19, 2006</ref> On May 19, 1961, Bell and Hiller were announced as winners of the design competition.<ref>''See [[Light Observation Helicopter]]''. The Navy, who was assisting the Army in the selection phase, recommended the Hiller Model 1100, while the Army team preferred the Bell D-250, and then the 1100. The Selection Board selected both aircraft. Afterwards, the acting Army Chief of Staff directed the Selection Board to include the Hughes 369 in the fly-off competition.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Spangenberg |first=George A. |url=http://www.georgespangenberg.com/gasoralhistory.pdf |title=George A. Spangenberg Oral History |website=spangenberg.org |editor-last=Spangenberg-Currier |editor-first=Judtih |pages=187–190 |access-date=April 29, 2008 |url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910202517/http://www.georgespangenberg.com/gasoralhistory.pdf |archive-date=September 10, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Bell developed the D-250 design into the Bell 206 aircraft, redesignated as YOH-4A in 1962, and produced five prototype aircraft for the Army's test and evaluation phase. The first prototype flew on December 8, 1962.<ref name="1000photos-1">Visschedijk, lJohan. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060914180524/http://www.1000aircraftphotos.com/HistoryBriefs/Bell206.htm "Bell 206 JetRanger".]}} 1000AircraftPhotos.com. 16 October 2003. Accessed on 19 September 2006</ref> The YOH-4A also came to be known as "The Ugly Duckling" in comparison to the other contending aircraft.<ref name="1000photos-1"/> Following a fly-off of the Bell, Hughes and Fairchild-Hiller prototypes, the [[Hughes OH-6]] was selected in May 1965.<ref>Spenser, Jay P. "Bell Helicopter". ''Whirlybirds, A History of the US Helicopter Pioneers'', p. 263. University of Washington Press, 1998. {{ISBN|0-295-98058-3}}</ref>

When the YOH-4A was eliminated by the Army, Bell went about solving the problem of marketing the aircraft. In addition to the image problem, the helicopter lacked cargo space and only provided cramped seating for the planned three passengers. The solution was a redesigned fuselage, sleeker and aesthetically appealing, adding {{convert|16|ft3|m3|abbr=on}} of cargo space in the process.<ref name="aastad">Aastad, Andy. [http://rotormagazine.org/Portals/24/pdf/winter2006_7/32.pdf "The Introduction to the JetRanger"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910202517/http://rotormagazine.org/Portals/24/pdf/winter2006_7/32.pdf |date=September 10, 2008 }}. ''Rotor Magazine''. Helicopter Association International. Winter 2006–2007. Accessed on 29 April 2008</ref> A Bell executive contributed to this redesign by drawing on a sketch two lines extending the fuselage to where it meets the tail.<ref name="aviationweek">George Larson [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/business_aviation/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:2f16318d-d960-4e49-bc9f-86f1805f2c7fPost:5a807181-b9e1-4121-8d94-39b5e5291162] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321164657/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/business_aviation/index.jsp?plckController=Blog|date=March 21, 2010}} "Farewell to an Icon: the Bell JetRanger 206". Aviation Week blog, January 25, 2008</ref> The redesign was designated Bell 206A, and Bell President Edwin J. Ducayet named it the JetRanger, denoting an evolution from the popular [[Bell 47J Ranger|Model 47J Ranger]].

Bell Helicopter ended production of the Bell 206B-3 version in 2010.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20101230002639/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/pressReleases/PR_08_0124_StreamlineProductLine.cfm Bell Product Line Streamlined]}}. Bell Helicopter, January 24, 2008</ref><ref name=AIN_end_prod/> In 2011, used 206B-3s sold for around $1.4&nbsp;million depending upon the equipment and configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalplanesearch.com/helicopters/turbine/single/bell/206_jetranger.htm?sort=price|title=Bell 206A JetRanger for Sale|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415082152/http://www.globalplanesearch.com/helicopters/turbine/single/bell/206_jetranger.htm?sort=price|archive-date=April 15, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>  Bell intends for the [[Bell 505 Jet Ranger X]] to replace the 206 five-seat versions from around 2015 and compete with the [[Robinson R66]].<ref name=mah1>Maher, Guy. "[http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Bellgives505JetRangerXupdate Bell gives 505 JetRanger update]". ''Vertical'', 21 July 2014. Accessed: 21 July 2014. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20140721185400/http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Bellgives505JetRangerXupdate Archived on 21 July 2014]}}.</ref>

===LongRanger===
[[File:S3-BSJ Bangladesh Army Aviation Bell 206-L4. (32913769604).jpg|thumb|right|A Bell 206-L4 of the [[Bangladesh Army]]]]
The 206L LongRanger is a stretched variant with seating for seven. The fuselage, stretched a total of {{convert|30|in|mm}}, adds two rear-facing seats between the front and rear seats. Since 1975, Bell has produced more than 1,700 LongRangers across all variant types. In 1981, a military version, the 206L TexasRanger was released. The original 206L used an [[Allison 250]]-C20B engine, and a series of model upgrades replaced this engine with more powerful versions; the 206L-1 used a 250-C28, and the 206L-3 and 206L-4 used the 250-C30P.

In both applications, the 250-C30P is derated from 650&nbsp;hp for takeoff and 501&nbsp;hp continuous. The 206L-3 is transmission-limited to 435&nbsp;hp for take-off, and the 206L-4 is transmission-limited to 495&nbsp;hp. The derating of the C30P produces an advantage in hot-day and high-altitude operations as it can produce the rated horsepower at higher altitudes and temperatures where applications that use the maximum rating of the engine at sea level suffer accelerated performance deterioration with increases in temperature and altitude. The 206L-3 and L-4 have not been offered in a twin configuration under those model designations.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}

In 2007, Bell announced an upgrade program for the 206L-1 and 206L-3 which is designed to modify the aircraft to the 206L-4 configuration; modified aircraft are designated 206L-1+ and 206L-3+. Modifications include strengthened airframe structural components (including a new tailboom), improved transmission, upgraded engine for the L-1, all of which result in a maximum gross weight increase of 300 pounds and increased performance.<ref name=rotorbreeze1>Kocurek, Mark. [http://www.bellhelicopter.textron.com/en/support/pdf/rb/rb_jul07.pdf "206L Upgrade Program"]{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}. ''Rotorbreeze Magazine'' Bell Helicopter, July 2007</ref>

Production of the 206L-4 ended in June 2017 with over 3,800 LongRangers built.<ref name=AIN_end_prod>[https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2017-07-10/last-bell-longranger-rolls-production-line?amp Last Bell LongRanger Rolls Off Production Line]. AIN online, July 10, 2017.</ref>

===Gemini ST and TwinRanger===
The ''TwinRanger'' name dates from the mid-1980s when Bell developed the ''[[Bell 400 TwinRanger]]'', but it never entered production.<ref name="Frawley Civil 43">Frawley, Gerard: ''The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003–2004'', p. 43. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. {{ISBN|1-875671-58-7}}</ref>

In 1989, Tridair Helicopters began developing a twin-engine conversion of the LongRanger, the ''Gemini ST''. The prototype's first flight was on January 16, 1991, while full FAA certification was awarded in November. Certification covers the conversion of LongRanger 206L-1s, L-3s and L-4s to Gemini ST configuration.<ref name="Frawley Civil 43"/> In mid-1994 the Gemini ST was certificated as the first Single/Twin aircraft, allowing it to operate either as a single or twin engine aircraft throughout all phases of flight.<ref name="Frawley Civil 43"/>

The ''Bell 206LT TwinRanger'' was a new-build production model equivalent to Tridair's Gemini ST, and was based on the 206L-4. Thirteen 206LTs were built, the first being delivered in January 1994, and the last in 1997. The TwinRanger was replaced in Bell's lineup by the mostly-new ''[[Bell 427]]''.<ref name="Frawley Civil 43"/>

==Operational history==
[[File:Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV C-FTHU (CTV News).jpg|thumb|A Bell 206L-4 Long Ranger IV (operated by [[CIVT-TV|CTV British Columbia]]), departing Vancouver Harbour helipad]]

The first Bell 206A flew on January 10, 1966, and the aircraft was revealed later that month at the [[Helicopter Association International|Helicopter Association of America]] (HAA) convention. On October 20, 1966, the JetRanger received FAA certification. Delivery of the JetRanger to customers began on January 13, 1967, with the first aircraft being purchased by Harry Holly, CEO of the Hollymatic Corporation and previous owner of a Bell Ranger.<ref name="aastad"/> In 1968, the [[United States Navy]] selected the 206A as its primary trainer, the TH-57 Sea Ranger. The Army also eventually selected the 206A for a light observation helicopter as the [[OH-58 Kiowa]].

The basic shape and design of the JetRanger remained unchanged since 1967, but Bell introduced the 206B JetRanger II in 1971. In 1977, the 206B-3 JetRanger III was introduced with its modified tail rotor and more powerful engine. The JetRanger is popular with news media for traffic and news reporting. The LongRanger is commonly used as an air ambulance and as a corporate transport. On September 1, 1982, pilots [[H. Ross Perot, Jr.]] and Jay Coburn departed [[Dallas, Texas]] in the "[[Spirit of Texas]]", a Bell 206L-1 (N3911Z). They returned on 30 September, 29 days and 3 hours later, completing the first around-the-world helicopter flight.<ref>{{cite web |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011018045449/http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/aircraft.asp?id=360 |archive-date=Oct 18, 2001 |title= List of records established by the '206L-2 Long Ranger' |website=Fédération Aéronautique Internationale |access-date=October 19, 2008 |url=http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/aircraft.asp?id=360 }}</ref>

The Bell 206B was first introduced to the Canadian market shortly after its certification in 1967. Its early adoption was driven by the booming resource industries of the time, particularly in oil and gas exploration, [[mining]], and [[forestry]]. Its light weight, combined with the ability to land in rugged, remote locations, made it an ideal tool for transporting geologists, surveyors, and equipment to otherwise inaccessible areas of Canada's vast wilderness.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the JetRanger became a critical part of exploration in [[northern Canada]], including the [[Yukon]], [[Northwest Territories]], and Arctic regions, where harsh weather conditions and rough terrain demanded a helicopter that could perform in all environments. The Bell 206B's durability and low operating cost also made it a favorite for these long, sometimes dangerous missions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.columbiahelicopters.ca/bell-206b-jet-ranger | title=Bell 206B Jet Ranger }}</ref>

In 1983, Australian businessman [[Dick Smith (entrepreneur)|Dick Smith]] became the first helicopter pilot to complete a solo trip around the world in 260 flight hours. During the trip, he landed his 206B-3 (S/N 3653; VH-DIK) on prepositioned container ships to refuel between Japan and the Aleutian Islands.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

In 1993, the U.S. Army chose the Bell 206B-3 as the winner of the New Training Helicopter competition, to serve as its primary training helicopter, the TH-67 Creek. The number of TH-67s [[Armed Aerial Scout#History|being divested by the Army]] is too small to impact civilian markets.<ref name=pat>{{cite news|first=Pat|last=Host|url=http://accessintelligence.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vrw15/i452/p38|title=Army's aviation restructuring not to affect civil helicopter market|work=Rotor & Wing|date=April 2015|access-date=12 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412231232/http://accessintelligence.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vrw15/i452/p38|archive-date=April 12, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 22, 1994, [[Ron Bower]] landed his 206B-3 (N206AJ) at [[Hurst, Texas]], setting a new record for around-the-world flight by a helicopter. Bower had departed on June 24 and returned 24 days, 4 hours, 36 minutes and 24 seconds later, averaging {{convert|35.62|kn|mph km/h}}.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20011018054626/http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/aircraft.asp?id=606 "List of records established by the '206B-3 Jet Ranger III'". Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Accessed on October 19, 2008</ref> Bower had added a {{convert|91|USgal|L|adj=on}} auxiliary fuel tank, which doubled the JetRanger III's range.<ref>Kocks, Kathleen. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20010302113540/http://www.bowerhelicopter.com/atw/around1.html "Around the World in 24 days, 4:36:24"]}}. ''Rotor & Wing''. October 1994. Accessed October 19, 2008</ref>

==Variants==

===Civilian===
[[File:bell.206b.jetranger.III.g-mfmf.arp.jpg|thumb|Bell 206B Jet Ranger III at [[Filton Airfield]], Bristol, England. Used for electricity pylon patrols.]]

;Bell 206: Five YOH-4A prototypes, for flight evaluation in the Army's LOH program (1963).
;Bell 206A: Initial production version, powered by an Allison 250-C18 turboshaft engine. FAA-certified in 1966. Selected as the OH-58A Kiowa in 1968.
;Agusta-Bell 206A: License-built in Italy.
;Bell 206A-1: OH-58A aircraft that are modified for FAA civil certification.<ref name="H2SW">{{cite web |url=http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_library%5CrgMakeModel.nsf/0/A428E9EAD4EA73078625719B004B0BAE/$FILE/H2sw.pdf |title=TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET NO. H2SW, Revision 42 |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov) |date=27 June 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5JuiZJjx7?url=http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_library%5CrgMakeModel.nsf/0/A428E9EAD4EA73078625719B004B0BAE/%24FILE/H2sw.pdf |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |df=mdy |access-date=July 4, 2016 }}</ref>
;Agusta-Bell 206A-1: License-built in Italy.
;{{Visible anchor|Bell 206B}}: Upgraded [[Allison Model 250|Allison 250-C20]] engine.<ref name="aviationtoday-1">{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/cgi/rw/show_mag.cgi?pub%3Drw%26mon%3D0503%26file%3D0503bell206.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061023072823/http://www.aviationtoday.com/cgi/rw/show_mag.cgi?pub=rw&mon=0503&file=0503bell206.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2006|title=Bell 206: Still Ringing True|author=Ron and Shannon Bower|date=1 May 2003|publisher=Aviation Today (aviationtoday.com)|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
;Agusta-Bell 206B: License-built in Italy.
;Bell 206B-2: Bell 206B models upgraded with Bell 206B-3 improvements.<ref name="aviationtoday-1"/>
[[File:Bell 206B JetRanger II AN1761224.jpg|thumb|Bell 206B JetRanger tail end]]
;Bell 206B-3: Upgraded Allison 250-C20J engine and added {{convert|2|in|mm}} to tail rotor diameter for yaw control.<ref name="aviationtoday-1"/>
;{{Visible anchor|Bell 206L LongRanger}}: Stretched, seven-seat configuration, powered by an Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engine.
;{{Visible anchor|Bell 206L-1 LongRanger II}}: Higher-powered version, powered by an Allison 250-C28 turboshaft engine.
;Bell 206L-1+ LongRanger: Bell modifications, including 250-C30P engine, to upgrade aircraft to 206L-4 configuration.
;{{Visible anchor|Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III}}: Powered by an Allison 250-C30P turboshaft engine.
;Bell 206L-3+ LongRanger: Bell modifications to upgrade aircraft to 206L-4 configuration.
;{{Visible anchor|Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV}}: Improved version, 250-C30P engine and transmission upgrade.
;Bell 206LT TwinRanger: Twin-engined conversions and new-builds of the 206L; replaced by the [[Bell 427]].
[[File:Bell 206L3 (D-HASA).jpg|thumb|A Bell 206L-3]]
;[[Bell 407]]: based on the 206L with four-blade rotor system.
;[[Bell 417]]: upgraded 407 with larger engine; project canceled.
;{{Visible anchor|Cardoen Cb 206L-III}}: Chilean modified LongRanger III with narrow forward fuselage and flat-plate cockpit windows. At least two converted, with first flight in 1989.<ref>Lambert 1991, p. 30.</ref>
;[[HESA Shahed 278]]: An Iranian re-hash of Bell 206 components.
;[[Aurora Flight Sciences]] Tactical Autonomous Aerial Logistics System test platform

===Military===
;Bell 206AS: Export version for the [[Chilean Navy]].
[[File:Bell CH-139 Jet Ranger 139301 3CFFTS Portage 1982 01.png|thumb|Canadian Armed Forces Bell CH-139 Jet Ranger]]
;{{Visible anchor|Bell CH-139 JetRanger}}: Canadian military designation for the Bell 206B-3.
;Hkp 6A: [[Swedish Army]] designation for the Agusta-Bell 206A. 21 units manufactured in Italy, used as training, liaison, light transport, scout and anti-tank helicopters armed with ATGMs.<ref name=":0"/>
;Hkp 6B: [[Swedish Navy]] designation for the Agusta-Bell 206A. 10 units manufactured in Italy, used as anti-submarine helicopters, armed with depth charges. This variant was equipped with emergency inflatable [[Float (nautical)|floats]].<ref name=":0" />
;[[OH-58 Kiowa]]: Light observation helicopter that replaced the [[OH-6A Cayuse]].
;TH-57A Sea Ranger: 40 commercial Bell 206A aircraft purchased as the primary [[U.S. Navy]] helicopter trainer in January 1968 for training prospective U.S. Navy, [[U.S. Marine Corps]], [[U.S. Coast Guard]] and select NATO/Allied helicopter pilots.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/bin/imageDownload?image=/content/dam/nhhc/research/histories/naval-aviation/naval-aircraft/current-aircraft-inventory/pdf/th-57.pdf |title= TH-57 |work= U.S. Navy History |access-date=2018-03-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614231314/http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/th-57.pdf |archive-date=June 14, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

[[File:TH57C boat ops.jpg|thumb|US Navy TH-57C]]
;206L TexasRanger: proposed export military version. One demonstrator was built (1981).
;TH-57B: 45 commercial Bell 206B-3 helicopters purchased by the US Navy in 1989 as replacements for the TH-57A for primary training under visual flight rules.
;TH-57C Sea Ranger: 71 commercial Bell 206B-3 helicopters purchased by the US Navy beginning prior to 1985 with cockpits configured for advanced training under instrument flight rules.
;TH-57D: Planned upgrade program to convert US Navy TH-57B and TH-57C aircraft to a single standard digital cockpit.<ref>[http://www.vtol.org/news/issues107.html#us "US Navy Plans Digital TH-57 Fleet"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070422133929/http://www.vtol.org/news/issues107.html |date=April 22, 2007}} VTOL News, January 2007.</ref> This program never materialized in operational aircraft.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}
;TH-67 Creek: 137 commercial Bell 206B-3s purchased in 1993 as the primary and instrument helicopter trainer for the [[US Army]] at [[Fort Novosel]], Alabama. 35 in VFR configuration and 102 in IFR configuration. The US Army currently has 181 units, of which 121 are in VFR configuration and 60 are in IFR configuration. All TH-67s display US registrations ("N" numbers) and are operated as public use aircraft.
;OH-4: [[Brazilian Air Force]] designation for an observation variant of the Model 206B-3. Originally designated '''LH-4'''.<ref name=":1" />
;VH-4: Brazilian Air Force designation for a VIP transport variant of the Model 206B-3.<ref name=":1" />
;HU-6: [[Brazilian Navy]] designation for a utility variant of the Model 206B-3.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/brazil.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>
;IH-6/IH-6A/IH-6B: Brazilian Navy designations for trainer variants of the Model 206B-3. The IH-6 and IH-6A were originally designated '''HI-6''' and '''HI-6A''', respectively.<ref name=":1" />
;H.8
:({{langx|th|ฮ.๘}}) [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]] designation for the Model 206B-3.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>
;H.PhT.1
:({{langx|th|ฮ.ผฑ.๑}}) Royal Thai Armed Forces designation for the Model 206B-2 used for [[aerial survey]].<ref name=":2" />

==Operators==
[[File:World operators of the Bell 206.svg|thumb|List of military operators of the Bell 206. Current users in blue and former users in red.]]
The Bell 206 has been popular for all types of uses both commercial and private.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}

===Military and government===
[[File:A new looking AB206 at Farke airbase. (11278474235).jpg|thumb|An [[Albanian Air Force]] AB206 at Farke airbase]]
[[File:Bell 206 bulgaria 02.JPG|thumb|[[Bulgarian Air Force]] Bell 206]]
;{{ALB}}
*[[Albanian Air Force]]<ref name=" WAF 2014">{{cite web|url=https://img.en25.com/Web/flightglobal/%7B88f2f053-6c3d-4ab4-a297-0b453358a560%7D_FC055_PREM_201312.pdf?elq=&elqCampaignId=|title=WAF 2014|publisher=Flightglobal Insight|year=2014|access-date=12 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107141621/http://img.en25.com/Web/flightglobal/%7B88f2f053-6c3d-4ab4-a297-0b453358a560%7D_FC055_PREM_201312.pdf?elq=&elqCampaignId=|archive-date=January 7, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{ARG}}
*[[Argentine Army Aviation]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/216968/ae-366-argentina-army-bell-206b-jetranger-iii/|title=Army Bell 206B Jetranger III AE-366|publisher=© 2006-2013 Airplane-Pictures.net|access-date=26 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222012828/http://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/216968/ae-366-argentina-army-bell-206b-jetranger-iii/|archive-date=December 22, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Rivas|first1=Santiago|title=Argentina receives first five AB 206 helicopters|url=http://www.janes.com/article/77373/|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=26 January 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180126104558/http://www.janes.com/article/77373/argentina-receives-first-five-ab-206-helicopters|archive-date=26 January 2018|location=Buenos Aires|date=25 January 2018}}</ref>
;{{BAN}}
*[[Bangladesh Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[Bangladesh Army]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/90190/world-air-forces-2011-2012.pdf|title=World Air Forces 2011–12|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=17 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509191652/http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/90190/world-air-forces-2011-2012.pdf|archive-date=May 9, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://malaysiaflyingherald.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/bangladesh-army-avaition-accepts-two-dauphin-helicopters/|title=Bangladesh Army Aviation Accepts Two Dauphin Helicopters|date=January 23, 2013|publisher=malaysiaflyingherald.wordpress.com|access-date=17 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221161032/http://malaysiaflyingherald.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/bangladesh-army-avaition-accepts-two-dauphin-helicopters/|archive-date=February 21, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{BRA}}
* [[Brazilian Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[Brazilian Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
[[File:Bangladesh Air Force Bell-206 (2) (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Bangladesh Air Force]] Bell 206]]
;{{BUL}}
*[[Bulgarian Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{BRU}}
* [[Royal Brunei Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2021">{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=75345|title = World Air Forces 2021|publisher= FlightGlobal |date= 4 December 2020 |access-date= 5 January 2021}}</ref>
;{{CMR}}
* [[Cameroon Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2021"/>
[[File:H-21 Bell 206 Jetranger Fuerza Aerea De Chile (7334711276).jpg|thumb|[[Chilean Air Force]] Bell 206]]
;{{CHI}}
* [[Chilean Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[Chilean Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{COL}}
* [[Colombian Aerospace Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
*[[National Police of Colombia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.policia.gov.co/componentes/bell-206|title=BELL 206 – Aviación Policial de la Policía Nacional|date=January 23, 2016|publisher=[[National Police of Colombia]]|access-date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414164232/https://www.policia.gov.co/componentes/bell-206|archive-date=April 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{COD}}
* [[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article|title = World Air Forces 2022|publisher= Flightglobal |year= 2022 |doi = |accessdate= 18 July 2022|url-access=registration}}</ref>
;{{CRO}}
* [[Croatian Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
*[[Croatian Police]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.helis.com/database/org/Croatian-Police/cn|title = Policija Fleet}}</ref>
{{Flag|Cyprus}}
[[File:Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III 111.jpg|thumb|A Bell 206L-3 LongRanger of the [[Cyprus Air Command]]]]
* [[Cyprus Air Command]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Current Aircraft Inventory Cyprus Air Command – Aeroflight |date=March 2017 |url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/in-service/cyprus-af-current-aircraft-inventory.htm |access-date=2023-01-02 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
;{{DOM}}
*[[Dominican Republic Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2024">{{cite web |last = Hoyle |first = Craig |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881|title = World Air Forces 2024|publisher= [[FlightGlobal]] |year= 2023 |access-date= 4 April 2024}}</ref>
;{{ECU}}
* [[Ecuadorian Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[Ecuadorian Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{FIN}}
* [[Finnish Border Guard]]<ref name="balcourse">{{cite web|url=http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=66597|last=Petrova|first=Alla|title=The government today ordered the Finance Ministry to allocate the State Border Guard LVL 0.84 million from the budget's emergency funds for the procurement of two helicopters|work=The Baltic Course|date=27 November 2012|access-date=26 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524225142/http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=66597|archive-date=May 24, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{GRE}}
*[[Greek Army]]{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
;{{GTM}}
*[[Guatemalan Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{GUY}}
* [[Guyana Defence Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{IRN}}
[[File:Agusta-Bell AB-206A JetRanger, Italy - Army JP7373821.jpg|thumb|An Italian Army [[#Variants|Agusta-Bell 206]]]]
* [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[Islamic Republic of Iran Army]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{IRQ}}
* [[Iraqi Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-iraqi-air-force-opens-pilot-training-school-218210/|title=Iraqi air force opens pilot training school|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213032042/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-iraqi-air-force-opens-pilot-training-school-218210/|archive-date=December 13, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="fiwaf15 p42">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 9–15 December 2014, p. 42</ref>
;{{ISR}}
* [[Israeli Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/elbit-extends-military-pilot-training-deals-with-israel-381014/|title=Elbit extends military pilot training deals with Israel|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=12 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213032037/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/elbit-extends-military-pilot-training-deals-with-israel-381014/|archive-date=December 13, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{ITA}}
* [[Italian Army]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[Vigili del Fuoco]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{JAM}}
* [[Jamaica Defence Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{JAP}}
* [[Japan Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.j-hangarspace.jp/japan-coast-guard-where-are-they-now |title=Japan Coast Guard: Aircraft Data File |author=J-HangarSpace |access-date=27 June 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170211050922/http://www.j-hangarspace.jp/japan-coast-guard-where-are-they-now |archive-date=February 11, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{LAT}}
* [[State Border Guard|Latvian State Border Guard]]<ref name="balcourse"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=70277 |title=Helicopters from Finland accepted into service in Latvia|publisher=baltic-course.com|access-date=17 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201213648/http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=70277|archive-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{LSO}}
* [[Lesotho Defence Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{MKD}}
* [[North Macedonia Air Brigade]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{MEX}}
* [[Mexican Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{MAR}}
*[[Royal Moroccan Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{OMN}}
*[[Royal Air Force of Oman]]
;{{PAK}}
* [[Pakistan Army]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{PER}}
*[[Peruvian Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{POL}}
*[[Polish Police]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.policja.pl/pol/kgp/glowny-sztab-policji/47520,Lotnictwo-w-Policji.html |title=Lotnictwo w Policji – Główny Sztab Policji – Policja.pl |access-date=September 8, 2020 |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422200737/https://www.policja.pl/pol/kgp/glowny-sztab-policji/47520,Lotnictwo-w-Policji.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Bell 206 BRZOL SV, september 13, 2009.jpg|thumb|[[Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence]] Bell 206]]
;{{SLO}}
* [[Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[Slovenian National Police Force|Slovenian national police force]]
;{{SRI}}
* [[Sri Lanka Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{ROC-TW}}
* [[Republic of China Army]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taiwanairpower.org/army/th67a.html|title=Bell Textron Canada TH-67A Creek|publisher=taiwanairpower.org|access-date=26 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125210941/http://www.taiwanairpower.org/army/th67a.html|archive-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{THA}}
* [[Royal Thai Army]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[Royal Thai Police]]<ref>http://www.tpad.police.go.th/news1.php {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417030004/http://www.tpad.police.go.th/news1.php |date=April 17, 2015 }} Royal Thai Police</ref>
;{{TUR}}
* [[Turkish Army]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
[[File:Uganda People's Defence Force Air Wing Bell 206B JetRanger II MTI-1.jpg|thumb|[[Ugandan Air Force]] Bell 206]]
;{{Flag|Uganda}}
*[[Ugandan Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
[[File:TH-67A Creek.jpg|thumb|A TH-67A Creek of the US Army]]
;{{USA}}
*[[Chicago Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Chicago Police Department / Cook County Sheriff's Police Task Force |url=https://home.chicagopolice.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/HELICOPTER-Feature-Sheet.pdf |website=Chicago Police }}</ref>
*[[San Juan County, New Mexico|San Juan County Sheriff Dept.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sjcso.com/aviation/|title=Aviation – San Juan County Sheriff's Office|website=sjcso.com|access-date=October 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018231838/http://sjcso.com/aviation/|archive-date=October 18, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Bell 206 KM 6159 city of chicago police helicopter august 2007.jpg|thumb|A [[Chicago Police Department]] Bell 206]]
* [[Los Angeles Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapdonline.org/lapd_equipment|title=LAPD Equipment|publisher=lapdonline.org|access-date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921075105/http://www.lapdonline.org/lapd_equipment|archive-date=September 21, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Memphis Police Department]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aircraft Inquiry|url=https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NNumberResult?NNumberTxt=164K|access-date=2021-05-17|website=registry.faa.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Aircraft Inquiry|url=https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NNumberResult?NNumberTxt=41EW|access-date=2021-05-17|website=registry.faa.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Special Operations|url=https://www.memphistn.gov/government/police-department/special-operations/|access-date=2021-05-17|website=City of Memphis|language=en-US|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517143219/https://www.memphistn.gov/government/police-department/special-operations/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Omaha Police Department]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/OPDABLE1?lang=en|title=OPD Helicopter (@OPDABLE1) – Twitter|website=twitter.com|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014143731/https://twitter.com/opdable1?lang=en|archive-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[King County Sheriff's Office]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/sheriff/about-us/enforcement/specialized/helicopter.aspx|title=Air support (helicopter) unit|website=kingcounty.gov|access-date=June 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602071319/https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/sheriff/about-us/enforcement/specialized/helicopter.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=June 2, 2020}}</ref>
* [[New Jersey State Police|New Jersey State Trooper]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Special Operations Section {{!}} New Jersey State Police|url=https://www.njsp.org/division/homeland-security/special-operations.shtml#aviation|access-date=2020-08-22|website=www.njsp.org}}</ref>
* [[Missouri State Highway Patrol]]<ref name=":3" />
* [[United States Army]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[United States Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
*[[United States Department of the Interior]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=N33PP (1983 BELL 206L-3 owned by UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR) Aircraft Registration|url=http://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N33PP|access-date=2021-01-12|website=FlightAware|language=en}}</ref>
;{{VEN}}
* [[Venezuelan Army]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
*[[Venezuelan Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{YEM}}
*[[Yemeni Air Force]]<ref>{{cite journal|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=World Air forces p. 55|journal=Flight International|publisher=flightglobal|date=December 2014}}</ref>
;{{ZAM}}
*[[Zambian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2021"/>

===Former operators===
[[File:Bell 206B (Hkp-6) 06054 54 (SE-HGX) (8353213254).jpg|thumb|[[Swedish Navy]] Bell 206B in camouflage]]
;{{AUS}}
* [[Australian Army]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[Royal Australian Navy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/aircraft/aircraft-histories|title=Aircraft Histories RAN|publisher=Navy.gov.au|access-date=29 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213051605/http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/aircraft/aircraft-histories|archive-date=February 13, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{CAN}}
* [[Canadian Forces]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canadianwings.com/Aircraft/aircraftDetail.php?JET-RANGER-4|title=Bell CH-139 JET RANGER|publisher=canadianwings.com|access-date=17 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616143350/http://www.canadianwings.com/Aircraft/aircraftDetail.php?JET-RANGER-4|archive-date=June 16, 2013|url-status=usurped}}</ref>
*[[Canadian Coast Guard]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1089/|title=Bell 206 in Canadian Coast Guard|website=Helis.com}}</ref>
;{{CHI}}
* [[Chilean Army]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://modocharlie.com/2010/10/a-40-anos-del-comando-de-aviacion-de-ejercito/|title=A 40 años del Comando de Aviación de Ejército|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629025727/http://modocharlie.com/2010/10/a-40-anos-del-comando-de-aviacion-de-ejercito/|archive-date=June 29, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{INA}}
* [[Indonesian National Police]] – Retired in 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.helis.com/database/cn/41747/|title=P-3001 Bell 206B-2 JetRanger C/N 1868|website=helis.com|access-date=7 March 2021}}</ref>
;{{JAM}}
* [[Jamaica Defence Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jdfmil.org/equipment/aircraft/aircraft_home.php|title=JDF "Rotary wing" previous fleet|publisher=jdfmil.org|access-date=26 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511034946/http://www.jdfmil.org/equipment/aircraft/aircraft_home.php|archive-date=May 11, 2013|url-status=usurped}}</ref>
;{{flag|Macedonia}}
* [[Macedonia Air Brigade]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{MLT}}
* [[Armed Forces of Malta]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/malta/af/maltaf2.htm|title=Air Wing, Armed Forces of Malta|publisher=aeroflight.co.uk|access-date=26 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612020615/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/malta/af/maltaf2.htm|archive-date=June 12, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* {{flag|Pahlavi Iran}}
* [[Imperial Iranian Air Force]]
;{{SRB}}
* [[Police of Serbia|Serbian Police]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/yugo/serbia/pol/serbia-police-home.htm|title=Serbian Interior Ministry Air Wing|publisher=aeroflight.co.uk|access-date=29 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711153956/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/yugo/serbia/pol/serbia-police-home.htm|archive-date=July 11, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{SWE}}
* [[Swedish Air Force]]<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=HKP 6 – Agusta Bell 206A JetRanger (1968–2004) |website=avrosys.nu |url=http://www.avrosys.nu/aircraft/Heli/506hkp6/506HKP6.htm|access-date=27 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131182458/http://www.avrosys.nu/aircraft/Heli/506hkp6/506HKP6.htm|archive-date=January 31, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Swedish Navy]]<ref name=":0"/>

== Notable accidents and incidents ==
On August 1, 1977, famous [[Lockheed U-2|U-2]] spy plane pilot [[Francis Gary Powers]] was piloting a helicopter for KNBC Channel 4 over West Los Angeles, California, when the aircraft crashed, killing him and cameraman George Spears. They were video recording brush fires in Santa Barbara County in the station's helicopter and were leaving the area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Capt. Francis Gary Powers |url=https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/capt-francis-gary-powers |website=Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum |publisher=Smithsonian Institution |access-date=8 May 2020}}</ref>

On August 27, 1990, musician [[Stevie Ray Vaughan]], pilot Jeff Brown, and three members of [[Eric Clapton]]'s crew, Bobby Brooks, Nigel Browne, and Colin Smythe, were killed in a Bell 206B crash.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://srvarchive.com/deathofsrv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219025412/http://www.srvarchive.com/deathofsrv |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |title=The Death of Stevie Ray |website=srvarchive.com |access-date=2019-10-20}}</ref>

On October 25, 1991, a Bell 206 carrying rock music [[concert promoter]] [[Bill Graham (promoter)|Bill Graham]], his girlfriend Melissa Gold, and pilot Steve Kahn crashed into a [[transmission tower]] west of [[Vallejo, California]], killing everyone on board.<ref name=ntsb>{{cite web |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20001212X18336&key=1&queryId=b34d69b9-68ea-4f08-b92b-3a981b73f098&pgno=3&pgsize=50|title=NTSB Identification: LAX92LA029 |author=NTSB|date=April 27, 1993|website=ntsb.gov|publisher=NTSB|access-date=June 16, 2015}}</ref><ref name=nyt>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/27/us/bill-graham-rock-impresario-dies-at-60-in-crash.html|title=Bill Graham, Rock Impresario, Dies at 60 in Crash|author=Bruce Lambert|date=November 27, 1991|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=June 16, 2015}}</ref> The cause of the accident was determined to be the pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions.<ref name=ck6>{{cite web |url=http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/Graham-N3456M.htm|title=Bill Graham's Stairway to Heaven|author=Check Six|date=December 22, 2022 |website=check-six.com|publisher=|access-date=December 22, 2022}}</ref>{{importance inline|date=October 2023}}

On January 12, 1994, an Agusta-Bell 206A-1 crashed while attempting to land at the helipad of the [[Central Command (Israel)|Central Command]] headquarters in [[Neve Yaakov]], killing all four occupants on board, including IDF Major General [[Nehemiah Tamari]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=1994-01-13 |title=Israeli General Killed in Copter Crash |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-01-13-mn-11425-story.html |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Accident Agusta-Bell 206A-1 Sayfan, Wednesday 12 January 1994 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/420325 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}</ref>

On July 10, 2002, a Bell 206 LIII of the Cyprus national guard, carrying two pilots and five passengers, including the chief of the National Guard, Lt. Gen. Evangelos Florakis, crashed after on air fire, near Kouklia village, Pafos, close to Andreas Papandreou air base, killing all on board.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

On March 9, 2009, Bangladesh Army aviation unit Bell 206L flown by pilot Lt Col MD Shahidul Islam and co-pilot Major Saif crashed at Rouha in Kalihati sub-district. The helicopter was carrying General Officer Commanding of 55 Infantry Division and Jessore Area Commander Maj Gen Rafiqul Islam. Maj Gen Islam and pilot Lt Col Islam died in the crash while co-pilot Major Saif sustained serious injuries.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-79207 | title=Jessore GOC killed in chopper crash | website=The Daily Star }}</ref>

On August 15, 2010, a Bell 206B of the [[Missouri State Highway Patrol]] crashed after it ran out of fuel, killing pilot Sergeant Joseph George Schuengel.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Sergeant Joseph George Schuengel |url=https://www.odmp.org/officer/20548-sergeant-joseph-george-schuengel |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP)}}</ref>

On August 20, 2014, Guatemala's Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces [[Rudy Ortiz]] was killed when his Bell 206 crashed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://panampost.com/panam-staff/2014/08/22/helicopter-crash-kills-guatemalas-army-chief-of-staff/|title=Helicopter Crash Kills Guatemala's Army Chief of Staff|author=PanAm Post Staff|work=PanAm Post|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827162002/http://panampost.com/panam-staff/2014/08/22/helicopter-crash-kills-guatemalas-army-chief-of-staff/|archive-date=August 27, 2014|url-status=live|date=August 22, 2014}}</ref>

On February 11, 2019, Brazilian journalist [[Ricardo Boechat]] and the pilot were killed when Bell 206B, PT-HPG, [[2019 São Paulo helicopter crash|crashed]] into a truck while attempting an emergency landing on a highway.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://g1.globo.com/sp/sao-paulo/noticia/2019/02/11/ricardo-boechat-jornalista-morre-aos-66-anos-em-queda-de-helicoptero-em-sp.ghtml |title=Ricardo Boechat, jornalista, morre aos 66 anos em queda de helicóptero em SP |website=G1 |date=February 11, 2019 |language=pt-br |access-date=2019-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211185604/https://g1.globo.com/sp/sao-paulo/noticia/2019/02/11/ricardo-boechat-jornalista-morre-aos-66-anos-em-queda-de-helicoptero-em-sp.ghtml |archive-date=February 11, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 10, 2025, a sightseeing Bell 206 LongRanger IV (L-4) [[2025 Hudson River helicopter crash|crashed]] into the [[Hudson River]] off [[Newport, Jersey City]], killing all six occupants. Witnesses described the helicopter as coming apart in mid-air, with the rotor still spinning, detached from the body.<ref>{{cite news| last=Zanger | first=Jesse | title=Helicopter crash in Hudson River kills all 6 aboard | publisher=CBS New York | date=10 April 2025 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/hudson-river-helicopter-crash/}}</ref> There was criticism that, while vehicles used as licensed taxis must be replaced after five to eight years, there are no such rules for helicopters that may be 30 or 40 years old; the 2025 crash was of a 21-year-old aircraft. There were recommendations that all New York helicopter use should be restricted to services that needed them—police, military, government, news—rather than tourism.<ref>{{cite news| last=Luscombe | first=Richard | title=New York helicopter crash was 'entirely predictable', say campaigners |newspaper=The Guardian | date=11 April 2025 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/new-york-helicopter-crash-safety}}</ref>

==Specifications (206B Jetranger II)==
[[File:Bell 206A orthographical image.svg|thumb|Bell 206A JetRanger 3-view drawing]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref= Jane's All The World's Aircraft, 1976-1977<ref>{{cite book |last1=Taylor |first1=John W. R. |title=Jane's All The World's Aircraft |date=1977 |publisher=Jane's Information Services |location=Croydon, England |page=227 |edition=1976-1977}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--   General characteristics
-->
|crew=1
|capacity=4 passengers
|length ft=38
|length in=9.5
|length note=including rotors
* '''Fuselage length:''' {{convert|31|ft|2|in|m|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
|width ft=<!-- if applicable -->
|width in=<!-- if applicable -->
|width note=
|height ft=9
|height in=6.5
|height note=<br>
* '''Interior dimensions:''' {{convert|7|ft|2|in|m|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} length, by {{convert|4|ft|2|in|m|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} width, by {{convert|4|ft|3|in|m|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} height, plus {{convert|16|cuft|l|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} baggage compartment
|airfoil=
|empty weight lb=1455
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=3,200
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--   Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Allison 250|Allison 250-C20]]
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]] engine
|eng1 kw=298
|eng1 note=

|rot number=1
|rot dia ft=33
|rot dia in=4
|rot area sqft=873
|rot area note=<br />
*'''Blade section:''' – [[NACA airfoil|NACA 0012 mod (11.3%)]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!--   Performance
-->
|max speed kts=122
|max speed note= at MTOW (sea level)
* '''Maximum speed at 5,000 ft:''' {{convert|116|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} at MTOW
|cruise speed kts=120
|cruise speed note= at MTOW, 5,000 feet
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=337
|range note= at MTOW, 5,000 feet, cruise speed, no reserves
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=20,000
|ceiling note= at MTOW
|climb rate ftmin=1350
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=4
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass={{cvt|0.09|hp/lb}}
|more performance=
|avionics=
}}

==Notable appearances in media==
<!-- All content about the aircraft in fictional and gaming use has been moved to [[Aircraft in fiction]], please see [[WP:AIRPOP]] -->
{{main|Aircraft in fiction#Bell 206}}
* Two Bell 206 helicopters were used in the 1980s British TV show [[Treasure Hunt (British game show)|Treasure Hunt]], one to carry the presenter/crew and one for communications relay. The presenter/crew helicopter featured prominently throughout the show. Several years after the show this helicopter was on an unrelated flight when it ditched and sank with no fatalities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5422fdece5274a1317000975/Agusta_Bell_206B_Jet_Ranger_II__G-BHXU_09-95.pdf|publisher=Air Accidents Investigation Branch|title=AAIB Bulletin No: 9/95}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Bell 505 Jet Ranger X]] <!--its replacement-->
* [[Bell 407]]
* [[Bell OH-58 Kiowa]]
* [[HESA Shahed 278]]
* [[HESA Shahed 285]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil]]
* [[Eurocopter EC120 Colibri]]
* [[Eurocopter EC130]]
* [[Hiller FH1100]]
* [[MD Helicopters MD 500]]
* [[PZL SW-4 Puszczyk]]
* [[Robinson R66]]
|lists=
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
* [[List of most-produced rotorcraft]]
}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite magazine|last=Elliot|first=Bryn|title=Bears in the Air: The US Air Police Perspective |magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]]|date=March–April 1997|issue=68|pages=46–51 |issn=0143-5450}} 
*{{cite journal |last1=Elliott|first1=Bryn|title=On the Beat: The First 60 Years of Britain's Air Police, Part Two|journal=Air Enthusiast|date=May–June 1999|issue=81|pages=64–69 |issn=0143-5450}}
*{{cite journal|last=Hoyle|first=Craig|title=World Air Forces Directory|journal=[[Flight International]]|volume=184|issue=5419|date=10–16 December 2013|pages=24–51|issn=0015-3710}}
*{{cite journal|last=Hoyle|first=Craig|title=World Air Forces Directory|journal=Flight International|volume=186|issue=5468|date=9–15 December 2014|pages=24–55|issn= 0015-3710}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Lambert |editor-first=Mark |title=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1991–92 |year=1991 |location=Coulsdon, UK |publisher=Jane's Defence Data |isbn=0-7106-0965-5}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20140624183408/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en_US/Commercial/Bell206L4/1291148332333.html Bell Model 206L-4 page on Bell's site]}}

{{JetRanger family}}
{{Bell Aircraft}}
{{AircraftDesignationNavboxShell
  |1={{USAF helicopters}}
  |2={{CF aircraft}}
  |3={{Italian military aircraft}}
  |4={{Italian Army helicopter designations}}
  |5={{Swedish military aircraft designations}}
  |6={{FAB aircraft designations}}
  |7={{Thai helicopter designations}}
  |8={{AvN aircraft designations}}
  |9={{Spanish helicopters}}
}}

[[Category:Bell aircraft|206]]
[[Category:1960s United States helicopters]]
[[Category:1960s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:1960s Canadian helicopters]]
[[Category:1960s Canadian civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1962]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with skid landing gear]]