- Yes
- No
Kawasaki-Bell 47G-2/H-13H (ベル47G-2)
The Bell 47 is an American light multirole helicopter that the Japanese bought in 1953. From 1952 to 1965, the Bell 47 helicopters were licensed at the Kawasaki plant. The Japanese armed the Bell 47G-2, which they themselves called the H-13H.
History
History of Bell 47 in the USA
The Bell 47 was developed by Bell Aircraft Corporation in 1943. It was created from the prototype Bell 30 helicopter. The first prototype took to the air on December 8, 1945, and was adopted by the United States Army in 1946. In 1953, the most popular model, the G version, was created. In this version, the cockpit was modified, the engine was changed, the fuel tanks were changed and the tail boom is completely uncovered.
History of the Bell 47 in Japan
The Japanese Land Self-Defense Force inherited 13 Bell 47D-1 (H-13E) helicopters from the National Safety Agency. JGSDF liked these helicopters very much, so they decided to purchase additional Bell helicopters for reconnaissance purposes, they decided to use the Bell 47G-2 (H-13H) version and immediately purchased licenses for the production of these helicopters at the Kawasaki plant. Between 1957 and 1964, 75 helicopters were delivered to the JGSDF.In 1959, the JGSDF observed that various countries (USSR, USA and others) were modifying helicopters to carry armaments. It was decided that the Bell 47G-2 helicopters should be armed with weapons. In 1960, tests of the H-13H (47G-2) helicopter armed with the M1919 Browning machine gun began, M20 Kai-4 89 mm launchers (super bazook) and unguided FFAR missiles were also assembled. In September 1960, the information was published in the “Aviation Information” magazine.
“Aviation Information” of September 1960 ^
Work on the development of the armed H-13H continued, but it was very slow. In 1964, the Japanese adopted the Type 64 MAT (ATM-1) missiles, and it was decided to mount them on the H-13H helicopter. The March 1967 issue of Aviation Information magazine features photos of the modified aircraft and information about its general armament. It is hoped that the JGSDF will soon have a fleet of armed helicopters.
“Aviation Information” of March 1967 ^
Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, the project was discontinued, and the H-13H helicopters were used only as reconnaissance/training helicopters. The last one was withdrawn in 1977.
Structure description
The Bell 47G2 is a three place helicopter (the pilot seats on the left with the two passengers seated side-by-side on the same bench) of standard configuration. It has a two-blade main rotor with a stabilizer bar and a two blade tail rotor. The fuselage consists of three main sections: the cabin, the center frame and the tail boom. The cabin is protected by a “bubble” made of Plexiglas (one of the main characteristic of this model which gives unequalled visibility in all directions), and is accessible from each side through quickly removable doors. A firewall of corrosion resistant alloy is installed between the engine compartment and the cabin area. The center frame, or engine section, consists of a tubular structure of welded steel tubing. This section provides support for the seat, engine and accessories. It is provided with fittings for attachement of the skid type landing gear and provisions for the attachement of float type landing gear. The tail boom, of triangular section, consists of a structure of welded steel tubing. Bolts are used to attach the tail boom to the center frame.A synchronized elevator constructed of aluminum alloy is installed on the tail boom. Its motion is controlled by the fore and aft cyclic control stick. The elevator is attached to the tail boom by means of anti-friction bearing and bolts. The elevator makes cabin load variation less critical and increases maneuverability.A two blade tail rotor is installed on the aft end of the tail boom, and is driven by an auxiliary shaft connected to the free wheeling side of the transmission. The tail rotor blades are constructed of aluminum alloy.An aluminum alloy, tubolar type rotor guard, is installed to protect the tail rotor blades, and acts as a personnel guard.
Photo Bell 47G-2 (H-13H)
Armament
The armament confirmed by the configuration is 4 Type 64 MAT missiles on a boom. In addition, you can assemble:
- Browning M1919 machine guns unknown number
- FFAR Rocket in unknown quantities
- 89mm M20 Kai-4 (M20A1 Super Bazooka) rocket launcher in unknown number.
It can be assumed that it looked very similar to how the Americans and other countries mounted such weapons on their helicopters. Below are American examples.
89 mm M20 Kai-4 rocket launcher
The 89 mm M20 Kai-4 rocket launcher is a Japanese version of the M20A1 Super Bazooka.
- Length (when assembled for firing): 60 in (1,524 mm)
- Caliber: 3.5 in (90 mm)
- Weight (unloaded): M20A1: 14.3 lb (6.5 kg)
- Warhead: M28A2 HEAT (9 lb) or T127E3/M30 WP (8.96 lb)
- Range: max. 913 m (1000 yd) , effective : 270 m (300 yd)
- Muzzle velocity of projectile: 104 m/s (341.21 ft/s)
- Armor Penetration: 280mm
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 or 3
- Length: 9.63 m (31 ft 7 in)
- Height: 2.82 m (9 ft 3 in)
- Empty weight: 726 kg (1,601 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 1,111 kg (2,449 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming VO-435-A1B, power 200 hp
- Main rotor diameter: 10.71 m (35 ft 1 in )
- Main rotor area: 89.65 m (2965 ft2)
- Rotor system: 2 x primary blades, 2 x tail blades
Performance
- Maximum speed: 91 kn (105 mph, 169 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 73 kn (84 mph, 135 km/h)
- Range: 214 nmi (246 mi, 396 km)
- Rate of climb: 860 ft/min (4.4 m/s)
Armament
- 4 x Type 64 MAT
- M1919 machine guns from 1 to 4 pieces
- FFAR Rocket unknown quantity
- 89 mm M20 Kai-4 rocket launcher unknown quantity
Summary
The Kawasaki-Bell 47G-2/H-13H would be a very interesting addition to the Japanese helicopter tree. However, it has a few drawbacks: 1. very slow Type 64 shells, 2. unknown amount of remaining armament, 3. very slow. Although these are serious problems, it is almost the last Japanese helicopter to make it into the game (the others are UH-2, OH-1) It would be a very nice premium helicopter for Japan. I encourage you to discuss in the comments and share your own knowledge on this topic.
Finally, I apologize for the linguistic and logical errors because unfortunately English is not my main language and I had to use google translator.
Online Sources
ベル47 (航空機) - Wikipedia
89mmロケット発射筒 M20改4型 - Wikipedia
64式対戦車誘導弾 - Wikipedia
Kawasaki H-13H Hibari - Passed for Consideration - War Thunder - Official Forum
Bell 47 - Wikipedia
Bazooka - Wikipedia
陸自教範 7-03-12-49-3 89mmロケット発射筒 昭和50年1月 陸上幕僚監部 陸上自衛隊 教範 教育訓練 防衛省 軍事 ミリタリー(戦記、ミリタリー)｜売買されたオークション情報、yahooの商品情報をアーカイブ公開 - オークファン（aucfan.com）
M20 (Super Bazooka): Photos, History, Specification (tvd.im)
Bell 47G-2 : Bell (valka.cz)
陸上自衛隊の装備品一覧 - Wikipedia
Bell 47G2 - History and technical description - Heli Archive (heli-archive.ch)
日本におけるベル47ヘリコプターの歴史 (hikokikumo.net)
日本におけるベル4系7ヘリコプターの歴史 新日本ヘリコプター株式会社
日本におけるベル47ヘリコプターの歴史 (hikokikumo.net)
