In May 1946, the Bell Model 47 became the first helicopter in the world to receive a commercial type certificate.  The helicopter’s high price of over $20,000 resulted in few early commercial sales, but the military showed an early interest in the design and the Army acquired its first example in December 1946.  HTL-2 is the Navy designation for the improved Model 47D with a more powerful engine and a Plexiglas bubble cockpit.  A total of twelve HTL-2s were built and all were delivered to the Navy in 1948.  The HTL-2 on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum is the first one built.

Manufacturer
Bell

Markings
Test Squadron 3 (VX-3), San Diego Naval Air Station, California, 1948

Serial Number
122952

Designation
HTL-2