Larry Bell gambled that a thriving market for personal helicopters would develop after World War II. If he could position the Bell Aircraft Corporation to feed this market, the firm might survive the transition from war to peace. Once hostilities ceased, the government would immediately cancel contracts for the firm's military aircraft. The Bell Model 30 Ship 1A proved that a practical personal helicopter was feasible and it led directly to the Bell Model 47. This rotorcraft has remained in worldwide service longer than any other helicopter and many operators around the world continued to fly the Bell 47 in 2001. Created by Eric Long Date Created 12/31/2019 Source Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Keywords Aircraft; Aviation; Helicopters; Vertical Flight Rights and Restrictions CC0
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