4RG.I.'S wrote:
I hope the H-13 gets returned to the air as such and not just a Bell 47 (not that i don't appreciate them as well), what a time capsule to still have the paint from 1954.
The paint scheme is secondary to having a vintage aircraft back in the air.
It's a H-13G, the military 42G (it's nice how that worked out...it usually doesn't) the last of the line with the wood blades and Franklin engine.
I was recently told by the firm that now owns the 47 ATC (Scott's helicopter Service out of Minnesota) that they seriously doubt their ability to support the Franklin-engined models in the long run and find it difficult to support some of the early er Lycoming variants as well. So at this point, I'd settle for any flying G (either 47G or H-13G)...whatever the paint scheme.
Besides, there are plenty of later civil 47G-3s out there with phony faux "MASH" schemes out there.
The 47G I flew (see photo at left) was an ex H-13E...converted to a G after if was surplused. It's been re-registered and withdrawn from use, and may have been broken up for parts. The last I heard it was in Ft. Worth. with a outfit named "Heartland Helicopters".
If anyone knows more, I'd like to learn about it.