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Introduction and History
The Bell H-13 Sioux is a military development of Bell’s Model 47 helicopter, which in turn was developed from Bell’s Model 30. The Bell Model 47 was developed in late 1945 and would become the world’s first helicopter accepted for civilian use in 1946 (it would also serve as the platform for the world’s first newscopter in 1958). As a very light and nimble helicopter, it would soon attract attention from the US military as a possible light utility helicopter for use in training and observation. The USAF, US Army, Navy, and Coast Guard all acquired aircraft of this type just prior to the Korean War. Army and Air Force aircraft would be referred to under the designation of “H-13”, while Navy and Coast Guard aircraft would be referred to under the designation “HTL” prior to 1962. In Korea, the H-13 also was used as one of the Army’s prime CASEVAC helicopters, with the ability to mount two litters on external pylons. The OH-13 would also serve as the Army’s primary observation helicopter during the opening years of the Vietnam War, before being replaced by the OH-6 in 1966. While the H-13 would be completely phased out by 1969, it would see a short return to service in early 1971 to cover for OH-6 losses. The aircraft, both civilian and military, had seen use and license production around the world as well. The Model 47 would also serve as the base for Bell’s Model 207 Sioux Scout, informally known as the “OH-13X”, which would be the proof-of-concept for the world’s first attack helicopter.
Specifications
Compared to later helicopters, there isn’t much to the 47, but that’s to be expected from such a small package.
Specifications (H-13G)
Crew: 2 (Pilot and Co-Pilot) or 3 (Pilot and 2 Passengers)
Length: 41’ 4.75"
Tread: 7’ 6" (skid)
Height: 8’ 8.15" (to center line of rotor)
Blade Diameter: 35’ 1.5"
Fuel capacity: 43 gallons in 2 tanks
Weights:
Basic: 1520 lbs.
Normal: 2100 lbs.
Approved: 2350 lbs.
Military overload: 2500 lbs.
Do Not Exceed Speed: 85 knots
Ceiling: 8,000 ft. to 12,000 ft.
Combat Radius: 184 nmi
Engine: Franklin O-335-5 6-cylinder (200 hp)
Engine RPM: 1500 (idle), 2900 to 3100
Main Rotor RPM: 294 to 344 (360 Overspeed)
Maximum climb rate (1800 lbs.): 1190 ft./min @ SL, 345 ft./min. @ 12,000 ft.
Maximum climb rate (2150 lbs.): 930 ft./min. @ SL, 140 ft./min. @ 12,000 ft.
Maximum climb rate (2500 lbs.): 655 ft./min. @ SL, 165 ft./min. @ 8,000 ft.
Armament
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it develop a standardized armament system for an unarmed vehicle. Many different systems were developed for the H-13, but only two (M1 and M2 Systems) were accepted for use. Some, such as the M20 Bazooka mount and rocket packs were simply to test the airframe. Others, however, were part of a program for the 7292nd Aerial Combat Reconnaissance Company (Experimental), and the weapons kits designed were known as Kits A through J. These kits were applied to different variants of H-13 operated by the 7292nd at the time.
Note that most of the armaments listed are the same as in this thread, due to the fact that most of the ones there were tested only by the US military. Also note that most of the listed kits were experimental (part of the ACR program) and probably not mirrored on both sides as I have implied with some. Most are shown on the starboard side because the manuals state that the weight offset cannot be 30 pounds over the pilot’s weight when flying without a co-pilot.
Armaments
2x or 4x SS.10 missiles
20x 2.75" FFAR rockets in 2x10 rocket packs
1x M20 Bazooka in starboard mount
1x GE ACR Kit I (2x M60 MGs and 8x 89mm T290 rockets or 4x FFAR)
1x Stoner 63A on internal Co-Pilot mount
1x M60 on external Co-Pilot mount
2x AN/M2 .30 and 6x FFAR
2x or 4x M1 Systems (1x M37 per kit)
2x or 4x M2 Systems (1x M60C per kit)
2x AN/M2 .30 in underslung kit
2x AN/M2 .50 and 4x 80mm Rockets
4x AN/M2 .30 and 4x 80mm Rockets
4x AN/M2 .30 and 12x FFAR
6x AN/M2 .30
Napalm Canister
Armament Images (In Order) (15)
Other Images (5)
Conclusion
The H-13 in-game would give the player an extremely flexible helicopter that will allow the player to adapt to any playstyle. Given the assortment of guided missiles, rockets, and guns, the H-13 can be used in many scenarios against both armored and soft targets in order to give the player’s team an advantage.
Sources
AN 01-110HAE-1 - H-13G Flight Handbook - 19530615
NAVAER 01-110HAD-501 - HTL-6 Flight Handbook - 19560115
NAVAER - HTL-6 CS - 19560430
Squadron Signal - Mini In-Action 1606 - H-13 Sioux
Cobra! The Attack Helicopter - Mike Verier (2013)
Bell Gunships (1972)
For Most Images
Guns of the Aeroscouts
