On July 12, 1957, Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first President of the United States to fly in this helicopter. The occasion was a simulated nuclear alert staged to test how quickly the Chief Executive and other government officials could depart Washington, D. C. and reach a safe haven outside the city. During 1957, the Bell Helicopter Corporation modified a stock Bell H-13J helicopter to meet the President's special needs. Technicians added all-metal rotor blades, special arm and foot rests to the right seat, and a frame-less, Plexiglas nose bubble heavily tinted to reduce glare and heat. Eisenhower's personal helicopter pilot, United States Air Force Major Joseph E. Barrett, flew the rotorcraft from the center seat and a Secret Service agent occupied the left seat.

An identical Bell H-13J, assigned the Air Force serial number 57-2728, usually accompanied the President's helicopter. This aircraft carried his physician and another Secret Service agent.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Panoramas

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

CRAFT-Rotary Wing

Manufacturer

Bell Helicopter Corporation

Physical Description

All-metal helicopter with single main rotor and single tail rotor, powered by reciprocating engine, equipped with skid landing gear made of metal tube, fitted with large, framless cockpit bubble canopy.

Dimensions

Rotor Diameter: 11.3 m (37 ft 2 in)
Length: 9.9 m (32 ft 5 in)
Height: 2.8 m (9 ft 4 in)
Weights: Empty, 862 kg (1,900 lb)
Gross, 1,293 kg (2,850 lb)

Inventory Number

A19690013000

Credit Line

Transferred from the United States Air Force, Headquarters

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
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