Encyclopedia - Bell 206 Jetranger / Longranger

The Bell 206 Jetranger first flew on 10 January 1966, and on 20 October 1966 it received FAA certification. It entered production for commercial customers, with some aircraft being built by Agusta in Italy. In early 1971, Bell began delivery of the 206B Jetranger II, differing from the Model 206A by having the more Allison 250-C20 turboshaft engine delivering 298kW (400shp). Production of the Jetranger II ended in 1977, being replaced by the Jetranger III.

The Jetranger also served in the military role, under the designation OH-58 Kiowa. About 2,200 of these aircraft were delivered by the end of 1973. The OH-58 Kiowa is different from the commercial version by having a larger main rotor, as well as having military avionics. Within four months of the first delivery of the Kiowa on 23 May 1969 it was deployed in Vietnam.

The capacity and reliability of the Jetranger family resulted in Bell developing a medium-lift version, designated the Model 206L Longranger. It used the same powerplant as the Jetranger III, but differed from previous versions by having the fuselage lengthened by 0.63m (2ft 1in) to accommodate a total of 5 passengers. Deliveries of the production Longrangers began in October 1975, and superseded by the Longranger II in 1978. The Longranger II had the more powerful Allison 250C-28B turboshaft with a continuous power rating of 365kW (489shp). During 1981 the company developed the Longranger III which has the Allison 250-C30P engine.

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