Siemens-Schuckert D.IV
Fighter
Country of Origin: German Empire
Engine: Gnome Monosoupape 9 Type N, 160hp rotary piston engine
Top Speed:
Multipurpose light helicopter
The Bell 47 is best known as the helicopter that featured in the M*A*S*H television series. The type is significant for the Royal New Zealand Air Force as it was the services first rotary-wing aircraft. It served primarily as a conversion trainer but was also used for light observation, liaison and medivac roles.
The Bell 47G-3B-1 operated by the RNZAF offered more comfort due to a wider cockpit, a greater payload and better performance than previous variants especially at high altitude.
The aircraft on display (NZ3702) is on long term loan from the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. ’02’ was delivered in 1965 and was assigned to No.3 Battlefield Support Squadron (No.3 Squadron) in 1966 . It was retired from service in 2012 when the Bell 47 fleet was replaced with the Augusta Westland A109 LUH.
Photos supplied by Allister Jenks and Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Country of Origin: United States of America
Engine: 1 × Lycoming TVO-435, 280 HP, Horizontally-opposed 6 cylinder piston engine, turbocharged.
Length: 31 ft 7 in (9.63 m)
Height: Height: 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Cruise Speed: 84 mph (135 km/h, 73 knots)
Maximum Speed: 105 mph (169 km/hr or 91 knots)
Range: 315 miles (507 km or 273 nm)
Armament: None
Fighter
Country of Origin: German Empire
Engine: Gnome Monosoupape 9 Type N, 160hp rotary piston engine
Top Speed:
Light Utility Aircraft/Trainer
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Engine: Lycoming O-320. 160 hp piston engine
Top Speed:
Airborne Observation Post (AOP) & Liaison
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Engine: Blackburn Cirrus Major III, Inverted 4 Cylinder, 155 Hp Engine
Top Speed: 177 Km/h, 110 MPH, 95 Knots