This was apparently the very first helicopter exported by Bell, making Ostermans the first commercial helicopter operator outside the USA in February 1947. It was at first unofficially marked SE-AZT. As in other countries, the helicopter was seen as a possible mail vehicle and one of the first cargoes was a few letters delivered to a lighthouse keeper. SE-HAA ditched and sank in the harbour of Stockholm on 20 May 1949. Photo from: Tekniska Museet

The two-seat Model 47B was the first commercial evolution of Bell's pioneering Model 30 and this example, the 36th built, is on display at the NASM Udvar-Hazy Center. This rather unassuming helicopter has actually a rather impressive pedigree: it set the World's hovering record of fifty hours, fifty seconds and its last flight occurred in Dec. 2004, more than 57 years after its first flight to make it the longest-flying helicopter in history.

Grateful thanks to the people at the American Helicopter Museum for their helpfulness and kindness. This was the only day I could visit and the museum was actually closed, yet they let me in and allowed me to photograph their exhibits. Really nice people so please visit if you get the chance!

The prototype Bell 47B which was the first enclosed version of the Model 47 for commercial operators. 80 examples were built. From Bell 60 years ago.