Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

Bell 47B (Reg. N116B). The first model of Bell helicopter to be certified for civilian use in March 1946. This example was the 36th built and served as a factory demonstrator for Bell. Later it was used as a crop duster, trainer and performed power line patrols and aerial photography missions. Retired in December 2004 after 57 years of flying, it has the distinction of being the longest flying helicopter in history.

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