Bell 222

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The Bell 222 is a twin-engined light helicopter built by Bell Helicopter.

The Bell 230 is an improved development with different engines and other minor changes.

A cosmetically modified version of the 222 was used as the titular aircraft in the American television series Airwolf.

Development

In the late 1960s Bell began designing a new twin turbine engine light helicopter.

A mock-up of the new helicopter was displayed in January 1974 at a helicopter convention.

Following interest at the convention the company announced the new Bell 222.

It was the first light commercial twin turbine engine helicopter developed in the United States.

The Bell 222 incorporated a number of advanced features including dual hydraulic and electrical systems, sponsons housing the retractable landing gear, and the Noda Matic vibration reduction system developed for the Bell 214ST

Manufacturing began in 1975.

The Model 222 first flew on August 13, 1976.

It received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on August 16, 1979 and was approved for visual flight rules (VFR) use on December 20, 1979.

Helicopter deliveries began on January 16, 1980. The FAA approved the 222 for single pilot instrument flight rules (IFR) operation on May 15, 1980.