View source for Bell 214

{{Short description|American helicopter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2022}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= Bell 214
 |image= File:Bell 214 home bound (cropped).jpg
 |caption= A Bell 214B
 |type= Medium-lift helicopter
 |national_origin= United States
 |manufacturer= [[Bell Helicopter]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= 1970
 |introduction= 1972
 |retired=
 |status= Production completed 
 |primary_user= [[Islamic Republic of Iran Army]]
 |more_users=
 |produced= 1970–1981
 |number_built=
 |developed_from= [[Bell 204/205]]
 |variants=
 |developed_into= [[Bell 214ST]]
}}

The '''Bell 214''' is a medium-lift [[helicopter]] derived from [[Bell Helicopter]]'s ubiquitous [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois|UH-1 Huey]] series. The [[Bell 214ST]] shares the same model number, but is a larger, much-modified twin-engine derivative.

==Design and development==
[[File:Bell 214B.JPG|thumb|A Bell 214B]]

The original development of the Model 214 was announced by Bell in 1970 under the name "Huey Plus". The first prototype was based on a [[Bell 204/205|Bell 205]] airframe equipped with a [[Lycoming T53]]-L-702 engine of 1,900 [[Horsepower#Shaft horsepower|shp]].<ref>Taylor, John W.R., ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1974-75'', Jane's Yearbooks, 1974.</ref>

The first Bell 214A demonstration prototype followed and was evaluated in [[Iran]] during field exercises with the [[Military history of Iran|Imperial Iranian Armed Forces]]. The trial was judged successful and an order for 287 214A helicopters followed. The intention was that these aircraft would be constructed by Bell in their [[Dallas-Fort Worth]] facility and that a further 50 214As and 350 [[Bell 214ST]] helicopters would then be built in Iran. In the event, 296 214A and 39 214C variants were delivered, before the [[Iranian Revolution]] in 1979 ended the plans for Iranian production.<ref name="Apostolo">Apostolo, Giorgio. ''The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters'', p. 54. Bonanza Books, New York, 1984. {{ISBN|0-517-43935-2}}.</ref>

Similar in size and appearance to the [[Bell 204/205|Bell 205]] and [[Bell 212]], the Bell 214 uses a single, more powerful [[Lycoming T55|Lycoming LTC4B-8]] engine (2,930 shp; 2,185&nbsp;kW) and upgraded rotor system, giving it a high lifting capacity and good performance at high temperatures and high altitudes.<ref name="Frawley Military">Frawley, Gerard. ''The International Directory of Military Aircraft'', p. 34. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2002. {{ISBN|1-875671-55-2}}.</ref> It can be identified by the single large exhaust duct and [[Chord (aircraft)|wide chord]] rotor blades without stabilizer bars.

Bell offered the Bell 214B "BigLifter" for civil use.<ref name="Frawley Military"/> It received certification in 1976.  The 214B was produced until 1981. Powered by a 2,930 shp (2,183&nbsp;kW) [[Lycoming T55|Lycoming T5508D]] turboshaft, it has the same rotor drive and transmission system as the 214A. The transmission is rated at 2,050 shp (1,528&nbsp;kW) for take-off, with a maximum continuous power rating of 1,850 shp (1,379&nbsp;kW). The BigLifter features advanced rotor hub with elastomeric bearings; an automatic flight control system with stability augmentation; and commercial avionics.<ref name=Jane_Heli>"Bell 214". ''Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems''. Jane's, 2007. [http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jhms/doc_view.jsp?K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/binder/jhms/jhms4991.htm@current&Prod_Name=JHMS&QueryText= (online subscription article)]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Operational history==
As of January 2012, 29 Bell 214s were in military service, including 25 Bell 214As with Iran, and three 214Bs with United Arab Emirates.<ref name=2012_Aerospace>"World Military Aircraft Inventory". ''2012 Aerospace''. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2012.</ref>

Approximately 41 Bell 214Bs are in commercial service.  User countries are Australia (6),<ref name="McDermott">{{cite web |url= http://www.mcdermottaviation.com.au/helicopters/our_fleet/ |title= Helicopters, Our Fleet |publisher= McDermott Aviation |year= 2007 |access-date= 21 November 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091017180714/http://www.mcdermottaviation.com.au/helicopters/our_fleet/ |archive-date= 17 October 2009 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }}</ref> Canada (10),<ref name="TCCAR">{{cite web|url=http://wwwapps2.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/quicksearch.asp |title=Civil Aircraft Register |publisher=[[Transport Canada]] |date=October 2010|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718042755/http://wwwapps2.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/quicksearch.asp |archive-date=18 July 2011  }}</ref> Singapore (3) and United States (15).<ref name="FAAReg">{{cite web |url= http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=&Modeltxt=214B&PageNo=1 |title= FAA REGISTRY - Make / Model Inquiry Results |publisher= [[Federal Aviation Administration]] |date= January 2010 |access-date= 7 January 2010 |archive-date= 29 November 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181129184049/https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=&Modeltxt=214B&PageNo=1 |url-status= dead }}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:A Bell 214 of IRIAA.jpg|thumb|A Bell 214 of the [[Islamic Republic of Iran Army Aviation]].]]
* '''Bell 214 Huey Plus''' - The prototype 214 flew in 1970. Powered by one [[Lycoming T53|Lycoming T53-L-702]] turboshaft (1,900 [[Shaft horsepower#Shaft horsepower|shp]]/1,415&nbsp;kW).<ref name="Frawley Military"/>
* '''Bell 214A/C Isfahan''' - The 299 Bell 214As for the [[Imperial Iranian Army Aviation]] were built beginning in 1972, followed by 39 Bell 214Cs with a hoist (winch) and other search and rescue equipment for the [[History of the Iranian Air Force|Imperial Iranian Air Force]].<ref name="Frawley Military"/>
<!-- The sources reviewed were unclear of whether the "Isfahan" name was applied to the 214C also, or only the 214A. For now, it stands for both in this article. -->
* '''Bell 214B BigLifter''' - Civil variant of the 214A.<ref name="Frawley Military"/> 70 built.<ref name=Pelletier>Pelletier, Alain J. ''Bell Aircraft Since 1935''. US Naval Institute Press, 1992. {{ISBN|1-55750-056-8}}.</ref> 
* '''Bell 214B-1''' - This variant of the Bell Model 214B is limited to a maximum 12,500&nbsp;lb (5,670&nbsp;kg) gross weight with an internal load due to different certification standards.<ref name=Jane_Heli/><ref name=Donald>Donald, David, ed. "Bell Model 214". ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. Barnes & Nobel Books, 1997. {{ISBN|0-7607-0592-5}}.</ref> The external load is the same as the 214B.  The only difference between the 214B and 214B-1 is the dataplate, and flight manual.<ref>Type Certificate Data Sheet, Note 10., "Except for a difference in maximum weight, the Model 214B and 214B-1 are identical to each other.</ref>

==Operators==

;{{AUS}}
*[https://www.mcdermottaviation.com/ McDermott Aviation Heli-Lift Australia]

;{{IRN}}
*[[Islamic Republic of Iran Army Aviation]]<ref name=" World Air Forces 2015">{{cite web |url= http://forms.flightglobal.com/WorldAirForces2015?product=PREM&mode=DOWNLOAD&DMDcode=FGWC4&fcid=%7B05ceef25-b72e-4bea-9a83-a7ab7d02e55a%7D_FC078_PREM_201412&fcfileext=pdf |title= World Air Forces 2015 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2015 |access-date= May 26, 2015 |archive-date= October 19, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171019075444/http://forms.flightglobal.com/WorldAirForces2015?product=PREM&mode=DOWNLOAD&DMDcode=FGWC4&fcid=%7B05ceef25-b72e-4bea-9a83-a7ab7d02e55a%7D_FC078_PREM_201412&fcfileext=pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref>

[[File:Bell 214, Oman 1982.jpg|thumb|Bell 214 in Oman, 1982]]

===Former operators===

;{{ECU}}
*[[Ecuadorian Army]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202501.html|title=World Air Forces 1987, p. 51 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref>
{{INA}}
*[[Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management|National Disaster Management Authority]] - Rented from [[McDermott Aviation]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 August 2016 |title=BNPB tambah heli Bell water bombing untuk penanganan karhutla di Riau |url=https://twitter.com/Sutopo_PN/status/762215867484549121 |access-date=11 December 2020 |website=twitter.com/Sutopo_PN |language=id}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 July 2017 |title=GALERI FOTO: BPBD Provinsi Jambi Kirim Heli Waterbombing ke Kabupaten Tebo |url=https://jambi.tribunnews.com/2017/07/24/galeri-foto-bpbd-provinsi-jambi-kirim-heli-waterbombing-ke-kabupaten-tebo |access-date=11 December 2020 |website=jambi.tribunnews.com |language=id}}</ref>
{{flag|Pahlavi Iran}}

* [[Imperial Iranian Army Aviation]] 
;{{OMN}}
* [[Royal Air Force of Oman]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202526.html|title=World Air Forces 1987, p. 76 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref>
;{{PHL}}
* [[Philippine Air Force]] - 2 units for [[Search and Rescue]] and Aerial Firefighting.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/philippines/philippine-air-force-history | title=Orbats }}</ref>
;{{UAE}}
*[[United Arab Emirates Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202546.html|title=World Air Forces 1987, p. 96 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref>

==Specifications (214A)==
[[File:Bell 214 orthographical image.svg|right|380px]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=The International Directory of Civil Aircraft<ref name="Frawley Civil">Frawley, Gerard: ''The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004'', p. 44. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. {{ISBN|1-875671-58-7}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=2
|capacity={{cvt|3880|lb|0}}, including 14 troops, or 6 stretchers, or equivalent cargo
|length ft=48
|length in=0
|length note=
|width ft=<!-- if applicable -->
|width in=<!-- if applicable -->
|width note=
|height ft=12
|height in=10
|height note=
|empty weight lb=7588
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=13800
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=15000
|max takeoff weight note=with slung load
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Lycoming LTC4B-8D]]
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]] engine
|eng1 shp=2930
|eng1 note=

|rot number=1
|rot dia ft=50
|rot dia in=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot area sqft=1963.75
|rot area note=<br />
*'''Blade section:''' - [[Franz Xaver Wortmann|Wortmann FX]] 69-H-098<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=
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=140
|cruise speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=222
|range note=at {{cvt|16400|ft}} density altitude
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=16400
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|see also=
|related=
* [[Bell 214ST]]
* [[Bell 204/205]]
* [[Bell 212]]
* [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois]]
* [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey]]
|similar aircraft=
|lists=
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bell 214}}

{{Bell Aircraft}}
{{Huey family}}

[[Category:1970s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1970]]
[[Category:Bell aircraft|214]]
[[Category:1970s United States helicopters]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with skid landing gear]]