| UH-13J Sioux | |
|---|---|
| Role | Utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Bell |
| Introduction | March 1957 |
| Retired | July 1967 |
| Number built | 2 |
The UH-13J was an Air Force version of the Bell Model 47J Jet Ranger helicopter specifically designed as the first presidential helicopter. Two were built, one becoming was the first helicopter to transport a U.S. president on 13 July, 1957.
Operational history
editTwo UH-13J's were purchased from Bell Helicopter in March 1957. They were specially modified versions of the Bell 47J Ranger, designed for use as the first presidential helicopters. On 13 July President Eisenhower became the first U.S. president to to fly in a helicopter, when he took off from the White House lawn in the first UH-13J.
On 1 March, 1962 the two aircraft were reassigned to Bolling Air Force Base on the outskirts of Washington D.C., where they were used for the next five years to transport high-ranking Department of Defense personnel and foreign dignitaries. They were retired in July 1967.
Survivors
editBoth UH-13J's survive. They were transferred to museums upon retirement in July 1967.
- The first UH-13J, which first carried a U.S. President, is on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia.
- The second UH-13J is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft is displayed in the Museum's Presidential Gallery.
Operators
edit
Specifications (UH-13J)
editGeneral characteristics
- Crew: 2 (pilot, copilot)
- Capacity: 2
Performance
See also
editRelated lists
References
editExternal links
editCategory:Military helicopters Category:United States military utility aircraft 1950-1959