Famously pictured in the opening credits of the popular television series M.A.S.H., Bell’s Model 47 helicopter was the first helicopter certified for civilian use in March 1946 and went on to serve a wide variety of military and civilian applications. With its signature bubble canopy, the Model 47, and particularly its H-13 Sioux military variant, served in both Korea and Vietnam. It became a stalwart in civilian aviation with a variety of uses: agricultural aerial sprayer, aerial firefighting, police work, aerial oil exploration, medevac, news coverage, and mail service. More than 5,600 Model 47s were built, many under license in Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The type retains its popularity in the civilian market to this day.
Retired firefighter and historian Wayne Mutza has published more than two dozen books and numerous articles, and has served as a literary and documentray film consultant.
This book is a must for anybody who is interested in machines that have changed the world of aviation and have been instrumental in the development of other iconic aircraft. It could also be used as reference for plastic modellers who may find it useful for some of the finer detail they require. The author has delivered another excellent volume and this will be a very welcome addition to any discerning aviation enthusiast. Anyone with a general interest in aviation will enjoy this book. Sven Atkin
