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Scale 1:24  Length (model without rotors)16.5"
Fuselage Length 15.5"  Rotor 16.7"

Photography by Action Asia Photo
© 2002-8 Action Asia Photo - All Rights Reserved
www.actionasiaphoto.com

The TH-57 helicopter is the military version of the commercial Model 206 Jet Ranger  manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. The Jet Ranger was initially designed to compete in a U.S. Army light observation helicopter competition but Bell lost that competition. However, following certification by the Federal Aviation Administration in 1966, the sleek streamlined Bell Jet Ranger made an instant hit in the civilian market with about 300 being built by mid-1968.

It was at this time that the Army and Navy took a renewed interest in the Bell product with the Army ordering  2,200 OH-58s - a light observation helicopter.

Then in January 1968, the Navy placed an order for forty Bell 206 Jet Rangers to be used for training at Pensacola's Naval Air Training Command. These helicopters - fitted with dual controls as well as with naval electronics and control equipment - were designated TH-57 Sea Ranger.

Advanced versions of the Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger are in service today. In 1986 the TH-57B replaced the TH-57A. The next version was the TH-57C.

The primary mission of TH-57 is to train student naval aviators in the fundamentals of helicopter flight for their transition to operational fleet aircraft in the Navy, Marine Corps and selected international armed forces. A prospective Navy/Marine helicopter pilot will experience 116 hours of flight time over eighteen weeks training in the TH-57B/C to learn aerodynamic and engineering qualities of rotary-wing aircraft, basic instrument techniques, radio navigation, rough terrain landing, night/formation flying, carrier qualification and helicopter tactics training. Once designated as a Navy or Marine aviator, the officer will be assigned to one of eight different types of attack, ASW, utility or rescue helicopters operated at shore-based or fleet squadrons. Although primarily used for training, these aircraft are also used for photo, chase, and utility missions.

Crew:       Pilot and student
Fuselage: 31 ft (plus tail dragger and air speed tubes)
Rotor:      33 ft 4 in
Engine:    One Allison 250-C20J turbo-shaft with 317hp
Speed:     150 mph
Ceiling:    18,900 feet
Range:     400 miles

Related Links
Global Security: TH-57 Sea Ranger Page