Bell 54 XH-15

Bell 54 XH-15

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09/30/2008. Remarks by Ray Watkins: "The USAAF began procurement of a new type of liaison and observation helicopter in 1946. The proposed Model 54 was a beefed-up military version of the Model 47. Firestone won the contract for the XR-14-GA, but it was never built. Bell’s Model 54 was the second placed offer, and a contract was subsequently awarded in 1946 for three XR-15-BE prototypes.

By the time of the first flight in March 1948, the aircraft had been redesignated XH-15. The prototypes had three different undercarriage systems – 3 wheels, 4 wheels (as pictured) or two skids. Development ceased in late 1950, and no production contract was awarded."


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09/30/2008. Remarks by Ray Watkins: "The USAAF began procurement of a new type of liaison and observation helicopter in 1946. The proposed Model 54 was a beefed-up military version of the Model 47. Firestone won the contract for the XR-14-GA, but it was never built. Bell’s Model 54 was the second placed offer, and a contract was subsequently awarded in 1946 for three XR-15-BE prototypes. By the time of the first flight in March 1948, the aircraft had been redesignated XH-15. The prototypes had three different undercarriage systems – 3 wheels, 4 wheels (as pictured) or two skids. Development ceased in late 1950, and no production contract was awarded."