The Bell 206 JetRanger is undoubtedly
the most well-known of all rotorcraft. This light utility
turbine powered aircraft has proven itself repeatedly
in aerial cinematography. It's extremely versatile, relatively
inexpensive to rent, practically all commercial camera
mounts have been designed for it and, in one version
or another, is probably the most readily obtainable helicopter
worldwide. The safety and reliability record of the JetRanger
is considered to be the standard of the industry. Although
earlier versions can still be found in service, for aerial
cinematographic purposes obtain the more current and
powerful 206B JetRangerII and 206B JetRangerIII, also
referred to as the 206B-2 and 206B-3. This will ensure
adequate performance when filming "hot and high" and
hover shots or whenever pulling power is needed.
JetRanger Specifications
For
general reference only.
The following specifications are for
the BELL 206B-III JETRANGER.
They do not consider the altered weight-and-balance
characteristics or resulting restrictions
on inflight performance with installed
camera mounting systems.
Main
rotor diameter:
33.5
ft
(10.2 m)
Length
overall:
39
ft
(11.9 m)
Cabin
doors:
3.3
ft (1 m) H
3 ft (0.91 m) W
Internal
floor space:
23.2
ft2
(2.15 m2)
Empty weight:
1,678
lbs
(761 kg)
Maximum takeoff weight:
3,200
lbs
(1,451 kg)
Maximum takeoff weight
(w/ external load):
3,350
lbs
(1,520 kg)
Never Exceed Speed-VNE1:
122
kts/140 mph
(226 kmh)
Maximum
cruise speed:
115
kts/133 mph
(213 kmh)
Service ceiling:
13,500 ft
(4,115 m)
Hover ceiling - HIGE2:
12,800 ft
(3,901 m)
Hover Ceiling-
HOGE3:
8,800 ft
(2,682 m)
Standard range:
365 nm
(676 km)
Vertical rate of climb:
1,280 fpm
(390 m/minute)
Powerplant:
1 Allison 250-C20J
Maximum Takeoff Power:
420
shp4
1 VNE-Velocity
Never to Exceed 2 HIGE-Hover In Ground Effect 3 HOGE-Hover Outside Ground Effect 4 SHP-Shaft Horsepower
Important
Considerations
Certain newer models of the 206B JetRangerIII
may not have external hard points needed
for mounting some gyro-stabilized ball mounts.
Determine this in advance with the aircraft
provider in the event they are normally unaccustomed
to aerial filming. Absence of these hard
points
means locating another JetRanger or mount-compatible
helicopter.
Nose mounts such as the Tyler,
Continental or MegaMount require an aircraft
with high skid gear as is clearly stated in the FAA Supplemental Type Certificate
and mount installation manual. These mounts may present ground clearance
problems on low gear aircraft when setting down on soft or uneven terrain
or should the mount mechanically fail with the camera in a tilted-down
position.
Some JetRangers may have wire-strike
kits and/or small antennas mounted on the
chin of the aircraft. This hardware will
interfere with the installation
of the mount support bracketry for nose mounts. Removal or adjustment of
these items requires a FAA-certified A & P mechanic.
