Ship 1, the first Bell helicopter, underwent several visual changes. By the summer of 1943, a wheeled undercarriage was installed, the fuselage was covered and it was painted blue overall. When rebuilt as Ship 1A in 1944 it was yellow. Photo from: Wright State University

The very first Bell helicopter as rebuilt after a crash in September 1943. Ship 1 was now referred to as Ship 1A. The tailwheel had been moved forward. Later still a nosewheel landing gear was fitted. Photo probably taken at Buffalo Airfield near Gardenville, where Bell's helicopter team under Arthur Young worked in a former garage. Photo from: Nationaal Archief (Netherlands)

Larry Bell envisioned a thriving market for personal helicopters would emerge after WWII and to be part of it he created the Bell 30 Ship 1A. It proved that a practical personal helicopter was feasible and it led directly to the Bell Model 47. This is just one of many ground-breaking exhibits on display at the NASM Udvar-Hazy Center.