BELL HTL-2 SIOUX

In May 1946 the Bell Model 47 became the first helicopter in the world to receive a commercial type certificate. The helicopter's high price, over $20,000 resulted in few early commercial sales, but the military showed an early interest in the design and the Army acquired its first example in December 1946. HTL-2 is the Navy designation for the improved Model 47D with a more powerful engine and a Plexiglas bubble cockpit. A total of twelve HTL-2s were built and all were delivered to the Navy in 1948. The HTL-2 on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum is the first one built.