Back Bell Model 214 / 214B Big Lifter
1974

Bell 214B Big Lifter

At the beginning of the 1970s, Bell was still busy improving the performance of its workhorse, the UH-1. A more powerful variant of the Model 205 (UH-1H) had been studied in which a 1,900shp Lycoming T53-L-702 turboshaft had replaced the standard 1,400shp T-53-L13 unit. The newcomer, designated Model 214 HueyPlus also retained the main rotor and tail rotor drive systems and the larger two-blade rotor of the Model 309 KingCobra, these offering better high speed and weight performance as well as reduced noise. The airframe was also strengthened including the pylon structure and fuselage.

The Model 214 prototype flew for the first time at Arlington in October 1970. Development of the HueyPlus progressed steadily until 1972 when Iran approached Bell for the design of a UH-1 derivative which could be operated in hot and high conditions. Several hundreds of this new type of helicopter would be delivered together with some two hundred AH-1J Cobras. A $500 million contract for 287 machines was signed on 22 December, 1972. by the US Army, acting on Iran's behalf.

During the first phase of this programme, Bell built three additional prototypes of the Model 214. These were powered by 2,050shp Avco Lycoming T55-L-7C turbo-shafts, and in August 1972, one of them was shipped to Iran for evaluation. The tests were considered successful and Bell moved on to the Model 214A which was the production model. On this variant, power was increased further by the installation of a 2,930shp Avco Lycoming LTC4B-8D turboshaft which permitted operation at a greater gross weight. Three prototypes of the Model 214A were prepared by Bell (c/n 27001/27003), the first of them (N214J) making its maiden flight on 13 March, 1974. The second prototype flew in April 1974 and the third in May. Flight testing and certification were resumed in the following year.

The first production Model 214A (c/n 27004) was taken in charge by the Iran Imperial Army Aviation (IIAA) on 26 April, 1975. Three days later, on 29 April, this aircraft with Maj-Gen Manouchehr Khosrowdad, commander of the IIAA, and Clem A Bailey, Bell's assistant chief production test pilot, at the controls, established five new world records in the FAI Class E-1e. The helicopter reached a maximum altitude of 9070m and sustained a horizontal altitude of 9010m for 30 seconds. It also climbed to 3000m in 1min 58sec; to 6000m in 5min 13.2sec and to 9000m in 15min 05sec.

The last Model 214A of the first batch was completed on 19 December, 1975. A second batch comprising thirty-nine examples of a modified variant tailored specifically to SAR missions (Model 214C) was ordered in February 1976, and delivered between January 1977 and March 1978. A third batch of six Model 214As was ordered in March 1977 and this order was completed by the autumn of 1978.

The whole contract was so huge that a separate division of Textron Inc had to be founded to handle the programme with Maj-Gen Delk M Oden as president. The partnership between Bell and Iran would have led to the building of a factory in Isfahan for the production of a further 400 helicopters (Model 214As and 214STs), but all the contracts were cancelled because of the Islamic revolution in December 1978.

Today, Model 214s are still operated by the Iran Islamic Revolutionary Air Force, but the actual numbers of aircraft in service are not known. Limited stocks of spares, and quality of maintenance are likely to ground a large number of aircraft.

As for the majority of its products, Bell also prepared a commercial derivative of the Model 214A (with Avco Lycoming T5508D turboshaft with the same ratings as LTC4B). Known as Model 214B BigLifter, this helicopter received FAA type certification on 27 January, 1976, but saw limited success and no more than seventy were produced. The Model 214B was externally similar to the Model 214A with the exception of an additional window in the side sliding door. Other differences included a fire-fighting system and new avionics. The Model 214B-1 variant was certificated under a different weight specification.

A.J.Pelletier "Bell Aircraft since 1935", 1992

214B Big Lifter

The company developed a Model 214A utility helicopter of which a total of 293 was delivered for service with Iranian Army Aviation, which gave them the name Isfahan. Subsequently, 39 generally similar aircraft, but with specific equipment for SAR operations, were delivered to the Iranian Air Force under the designation Bell Model 214C. Testing of these military helicopters convinced Bell that there should be a significant market for a civil variant, for it would have a lifting capability better than any contemporary helicopter within the medium category range. Accordingly, the company announced in early 1974 its intention to develop such an aircraft under the designation Bell Model 214B BigLifter. Generally similar in configuration to the military helicopter, retaining the same airframe, rotor/transmission systems, and powerplant, the BigLifter differs by having emergency escape windows in the cargo doors, an engine fire extinguishing system; and avionics suited to civil rather than military operation.

Two versions were available, and the standard Model 214B was intended for a variety of purposes. They included operation as a 14-passenger transport with a crew of two; as a cargo lifter, with an external cargo hook certificated to carry a maximum load of 3629kg; in an agricultural role, carrying a very similar chemical load; or as a firefighter able to drop a total 2725 litres of fire retardant, carried in cabin and under-fuselage tanks. The alternative Model 214B-1 was certificated to different standards that allowed for operation at a lower gross weight with an internal load. The Model 214B was available to commercial operators from the receipt of certification on 27 January 1976 until production ceased in 1981.

D.Donald "The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft", 1997

Bell 214A Isfahan

This development of the UH-1, known as the Model 214 Huey Plus, was first announced in 1970. The prototype was a scaled-up, strengthened and improved Model 205, powered by a 1,415kW Lycoming engine, and this was followed by a 214A demonstration aircraft, which was shipped to Iran for evaluation. This resulted in an order for 287 aircraft, announced by Bell on 22 December 1972. The first 214A flew on 13 March 1974 and deliveries began on 26 April 1975. A further 50 214As and 350 twin-engined 214ST’s were to be built in Iran, but the fall of the Shah put an end to these plans.

VERSIONS

214A: Powered by a 2,185kW (2,930 shp) Lycoming LTC4B-8D turboshaft engine, an improved version of the T55-L-7C fitted to the original Model 214A demonstrator when it went to Iran. It has the 1,528kW (2,050 shp) transmission and rotor drive system developed for the KingCobra experimental gunship helicopter and embodies Bell's NodaMatic nodalised beam concept to minimise vibration. 296 delivered to the Iranian Imperial forces.

214B BigLifter: Commercial version of the 214A, announced on 4 January 1974, providing better lift capability than any commercial helicopter then in production. Powered by a 2,183kW (2,930 shp) Lycoming T5508D turboshaft, it has the same rotor drive and transmission system as the 214A. The engine is flat-rated at a maximum 1,677kW (2,250 shp) and the transmission at 1,528kW (2,050 shp) for take-off, with a maximum continuous power output of 1,379kW (1,850 shp). Advanced rotor hub with elastomeric bearings on the flapping axis; raked tips to main and tail rotors. Other features include an automatic flight control system with stability augmentation and attitude retention; nodalised suspension; separate dual-hydraulic systems; a large engine deck which serves as a maintenance platform; addition of an engine fire extinguishing system; push-out escape windows in the cargo doors, and commercial avionics.

214B-1: As 214B, but with restricted internal gross weight of 5,669kg (12,500 lb).

214C: Search and rescue variant of 214A. Total of 39 delivered to Iran.

214ST: Stretched twin-engined military version originally developed for production and service in Iran; but later transformed into commercial transport (described separately).

POWER PLANT: One 2,183kW Lycoming T5508D turboshaft engine. Standard fuel capacity 772 litres; maximum with auxiliary tank is 1,434 litres.

ACCOMMODATION: One or two pilots and 14 to 15 passengers.

Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems

214B Big Lifter

The Bell 214B BigLifter is the civil version of the Model 214A utility helicopter produced for the Iranian army, itself developed in 1972 and 1973 from the Model 214 Huey Plus. The BigLifter was announced on January 4, 1974 for delivery beginning 1975. Unfortunately, US Federal Aviation Administration Type Approval of the 214B was not received until January 27, 1976.

The 214B BigLifter is derived essentially from the 204 and 205, and was specifically designed to better the lift capacity of any contemporary civil helicopter of the same power. The key to the type's considerable lifting ability is the use of a 2930shp Lycoming T5508D turboshaft (the civil version of the T55-LTC4B-8D turboshaft powering the 214A and its search-and-rescue derivative, the 214C), flat-rated to 2250shp maximum output. The rotor and transmission are identical with those of the 214A, the transmission being capable of accepting up to 2050shp at take-off and 1850shp for continuous running.

The rotor system is of an advanced type, the blades having swept tips and the hub featuring elastomeric bearings on the flapping axis. The twin-blade tail rotor has a hub which needs no lubrication. Other advanced features of the type are the use of an automatic flight-control system, with the capability of altitude maintenance and augmented stability; dual hydraulic systems; a nodalized suspension (Bell's patented 'Noda- Matic' concept of 1972, by which the fuselage is suspended from points of no relative motion in the engine mounting) to reduce fuselage vibration by about 80%; and an engine decking that is also used as a maintenance platform for the engine, transmission and rotor hub.

The 214B BigLifter carries to an extreme the Bell design philosophy of a twin-blade wide-chord main rotor, each of the blades having a chord of no less than 88.9cm. The transmission and rotor-drive systems are well proved by earlier use in the 214A, after development in the experimental KingCobra gunship helicopter.

Although it is intended mainly as a weight-lifter, the 214B can carry up to 14 passengers in addition to its crew of two. As a weight-lifter, however, the 214B can carry up to 1814kg internally, or up to 3175kg externally on its cargo hook, which is cleared for flight with loads weighing up to 3629kg. This weight-lifting capacity is also useful in the agricultural role, in which up to 3629kg of chemicals or 3023 litres of liquid can be uplifted. The considerable liquid-carrying capability of the 214B is also useful for fire-fighting.

The only current version of the Bell 214B is the Model 214B-1, which is intended for different certification standards, and is thus limited in the internal load-carrying role to a maximum take-off weight of 5670kg.

The Bell 214A is the military version supplied to the Iranian army as the Isfahan, while the Model 214C is the search-and-rescue variant operated by the Iranian air force.

On April 29, 1975, three days after delivery to Iran of the first production 214A, this machine was used to set up five records for altitude and time-to-height. The records were for a maximum altitude of 9071m, maximum sustained altitude in horizontal flight also of 9071m and times of 1 min 58 sec to 3000m, 5 min 13.2 sec to 6000m and 15 min 5 sec to 9000m.

Before the overthrow of the Iranian royal dynasty, an agreement was signed for Bell and Iranian Helicopter Industry (IHI) to co-produce the 214A, after which IHI was to have built some 350 of an improved variant, the Model 214ST (Stretched Twin), with a coupled turboshaft powerplant and greater size. This scheme has now been abandoned, and with it has been lost the short-term chance of Bell producing a civil model based on it.

Bill Gunston "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Commercial Aircraft", 1980

FACTS AND FIGURES

- Iran's Bell 214s were operational in the war with Iraq, flying alongside CH-47Cs.


Technical data for Bell Model 214B

Engine: 1 x Avco Lycoming T5508D turboshaft, rated at 2185kW, main rotor diameter: 15.24m, take-off weight: 6260kg, cruising speed: 259km/h

Comments1-20 21-40
Thomas, e-mail, 07.08.2020reply

Was a test flight mech at Meribard. Did the acceptance flight of aircraft.

kklisures123, e-mail, 30.08.2021 Thomas

Hello. And Bye.

reply

Former Test Board Q.C., e-mail, 17.09.2017reply

I served as the q.c. guy for the Test Board's 214 high altitude /high ambient temperature environment reliability /availability evaluation. This was 1976. We had 2 ships, "Clyde" and "Fatima." These helicopters are incredible by any standard, then and today. A shout out to anybody from that period to get in touch with me.

Cmte. Luiz Fernandes, e-mail, 26.02.2017reply

A very interesting, powerful and efficie t helicopter like the other Bell models, the very best helicopters of world. We have two Bell 214B her un Brazil which are list in accidents in the Amazon basin during external cargo operations. Cordially, Luiz Fernandes

ÔÇåیä, e-mail, 13.11.2016reply

My deepest thanks should be sent to the crew of bell companies due to their valuable assembly helicopter in the world.

Darrel, e-mail, 08.11.2016reply

Does anyone out there have a 214B HOGE chart they can send me or know where on the internet i can find one? Thanks.

Captain Kirk, e-mail, 21.02.2016reply

I worked for Rocky Mountain Helicopters in 1985, when SN 28001 was destroyed at Squaw Valley Ski Resort. The first turbine disc burst, giving Kirk only moments to make a decision, punch the load, or use the remaining torque and save the guys on the ground. He chose the later and died impact. SN 28001, N214RM the first production 214B1.

Don Scott, e-mail, 14.05.2015reply

I was one of 12 pilots sent to the Bell plant in Texas to learn about and fly the 214 before being sent to Iran to train their pilots to fly the 214 helicopters which the Shaw had ordered from Bell. We flew out of Kermashaw, Iran which had about 20, 214's waiting for us to arrive. Kermashaw at that time had a newly built airfield. We were assigned two iranian pilots each to instruct on how to fly their newly purchased 214's. We were teaching every thing from preflight,emergency procedures,engine failure to formation flying. They were very good and inteligent students. I was very impressed by the 214 since it was the first helicopter I had ever flew "hands off". The automatic flight control system was something new to me, along with the 214. I was very sceptic about it but had to trust it since it was part of our student training. Most if not all the students were trained to fly in FT.Rucler Ala. in a huey but like us, up to this point, had not flown the 214. We were there, I beleive, six weeks and then with our students,had a fly by in formation for the Shaw. Before leaving we were presented Iranian Wings from the Shaw. The 214 was a pleasure to fly.

ARASH, e-mail, 28.07.2014reply

hi
i need 214c ipb . may you send that for me please?

farahvahar, e-mail, 29.11.2010reply

batis how you know Iranian men and women? Wash your mouth before talking about Iranian!! all American will wonder if they could see real Iranian men or women not have heard /seen by propogandas!!! Iranian are brave, smart, educated with thousand years of civilization... what you have in your history unless killing innosent people around the worle from before to the end...

S.Ebrahimi, e-mail, 19.01.2011reply

Hello
Dear sir
I have a distributor company in IRAN and i want a lot of Bell helicopter parts.
But due to sanction we can't purchase them.
Can you help us about that?
We pay more for them if you can supply them
With the Best Regards
S.EBRAHIMI

Are Prasetyo, e-mail, 03.07.2023 S.Ebrahimi

just give the list of spare you need and hope we able to suplay you

reply

Nelson C. Yingling, e-mail, 27.04.2014reply

I would like more info on the original Bell 214 and not so much on the 214ST. I was in the ARMY when the 214 was developed and had heard of it and saw one in Oregon in 1981 at the Bend airport. Could you furnish me some info that I may pass on to my fellow aviators who only know of the 214ST. Thank you and looking forward to your prompt response.

Roger D. Huffaker, e-mail, 02.08.2011reply

Went to Iran in 1975 when the initial 214A models were delivered there. Spent 2 months in Isfahan with two other Bell Test pilots - Bob Walker & Bill McKinsey. We checked out instructor pilots from Bell International in the 214's -they in turn checked out the Iranian pilots. Made a lot of new friends while there - but was glad to leave and get back to the good old USA.

J.R.goodrum, e-mail, 29.10.2011reply

The 214 was an awsome machine! I did alot of heavylift and was around for 214x as well as 214-1. Logging,ski towers, air cond.components set in the top of skyscrapers. Lots of great times. Saw lots of things dealing with this helicopter.

Steve, e-mail, 21.02.2012reply

Hi - Does anyone have noise measurements for 214 operation?
cheers

ahmadi danesh, e-mail, 03.06.2014reply

Hi.dear
I just learned from your channels about 214c helicopter consists of :system hydraulic(accumulator,pumps,filters, hydraulic power,system hydraulic components ).
Thank you kindly
danesh

amirali, e-mail, 20.01.2014reply

hi.
I need the main mast plan for my thesis that is about fatigue analysis of main mast due to hunting of blade. Can anyone help me?

Mary, e-mail, 08.06.2010reply

We are interested in buying a Bell 214 B1, please, contact us with your offer.
Thanks.

Mary, e-mail, 08.06.2010reply

Nosotros estamos interesados en la compra de un Bell 214 B1, please, contact us with your offer.
Thanks.

ehsan, e-mail, 22.02.2014reply

hi sir
i want some information about 214c . auto pilot systems. about wiring , block diagrams , etc .
please send to me .if possible . tanks a lot

imran ali, e-mail, 13.03.2014reply

nice and very beautiful

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