(Photo Creds to Erickson)
Bell 214ST
The Bell 214ST is a medium-lift, twin-engine, wing helicopter. The 214ST comes from the iconic Bell UH1 series. Though it shares a type number with the somewhat-related to the Bell 214, the 214ST is larger and of quite different appearance. The Bell 214ST was originally developed as a military project from the Bell 214B BigLifter, specifically for production in Iran and the development by Bell was funded by the Iranian government. An interim twin-engine conversion of a Model 214 flew on 15 February 1977 in Texas. Because of how successful the flight was Bell pushed for the 214ST. Work started on three conforming prototypes in 1978 until The overthrow of the Shah in 1979 resulted in the cancellation of Iran’s orders. The first of the three full 214ST prototypes flew on 21 July 1979. Bell began manufacturing of production 214STs began in 1981. Type certification from the FAA and CAA for visual and instrument flight rules was awarded in 1982. The military variant followed into production with helicopter deliveries commencing in 1982.
The Bell 214ST included major design changes from the Bell 214.
The Bell 214ST has a larger, stretched fuselage with seating for 16-18 passengers and two 1,625 shp GE CT7-2A engines.
The helicopter also introduced some ground-breaking innovations for Bell, including a one-hour run-dry transmission, fiberglass rotor blades, elastomeric rotorhead bearings, and the option of either skid or wheeled landing gear.The helicopter has a cockpit door and a large cabin door on each side. The 214ST has a fuel capacity of 435 US gallons (1,650 L). An auxiliary fuel system could be added. The 214ST is the largest helicopter to be built by Bell to date.
Operators of the Bell 214ST
Military Operators
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Brunei
Royal Brunei Air Force -
Peru
Peruvian Air Force -
Thailand
Royal Thai Navy -
** Iraq**
Iraqi Air Force -
Iran
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force -
Venezuela
Venezuela Air Force
Civilian Operators
-
Canada
Helicopter Transport Services -
America
Presidential Airways (Charter)
Evergreen
Erickson
Northern Pioneer
North Slope Borough Search and Rescue -
Japan
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism -
Norway
CHC Helikopter Service -
United Kingdom
British Caledonian Helicopters
Bristow Helicopters
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 or 2
- Capacity: Internal: 16 or 17 passengers or equivalent cargo; External: 8,000 lb (3,630 kg) sling load
- Length: 49 ft 4 in (15.03 m)
- Rotor diameter: 52 ft 0 in (15.85 m)
- Height: 15 ft 11 in (4.84 m)
- Empty weight: 9,481 lb (4,300 kg)
- Max. takeoff weigh: 17,500 lb (7,938 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 Ă— General Electric CT7 2A turboshaft 1,625 shp each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 143 knots
- Cruise speed: 140 knots
- Range: 435 nmi
- Service ceiling: 10,400 ft (ceiling for hover in ground effect)
- Rate of climb: 1,780 ft/min
Why Helicopters?
With FDS always proving on new challenges, adding rotor wing would not only open new doors but also new phases and ideas with FDS. Helicopters would bring a new style of flying to the game also and a new challenge. This also allows members to start new operations with helicopters, everything from VIP services, to real world scheduled flights to Military operations.