Inside The $2 Million Bell 206 JetRanger 3 Helicopter
This is the Bell 206B-3 JetRanger, the most ubiquitous turbine single-engine helicopter in the world. By the beginning of 2022, more than 7,500 JetRangers had been delivered and the fleet had amassed more than 100 million operating hours, which has allowed the helicopter to set numerous distance records, including several around-the-world flights. Simple design is key to the model's endurance. The JetRanger is bulletproof, they just don't break. They are just really simple machines.
The 206 series originated as a design contender for the United States Army's Light Observation Helicopter program in the early 1960s. The initial version lost the contract, however, Bell Helicopters saw potential for a civilian version and decided to proceed with modifications to cater to this market. This led to the birth of the original Bell 206A JetRanger, which was certified in 1966. The aircraft quickly gained favor for its reliability, safety features, and versatile capabilities.
While the original Bell 206A and its improved version, the 206B, enjoyed commercial success, there was room for further enhancements. In 1977, the Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III was introduced, boasting several significant improvements over its predecessors, and quickly garnered a strong reputation for being a reliable, cost-effective multi-mission helicopter.
Even decades after its initial introduction, the JetRanger continues to be a relevant player in the industry. Various upgrade packages have been introduced to extend its service life, including avionics modernizations and engine improvements, and the aircraft's fundamental design has proven to be so robust that it provides a solid platform for these upgrades.
The base purchase price for a new JetRanger 3 was $2.5 million before options, but today you can acquire a good 10-year-old model with a mid-life engine for a little more than $500,000. The charter price for a Bell 206 JetRanger 3 is estimated at $1,500 to $2,000 per hour.
While the annual fixed cost is roughly $100,000 to $150,000, the average hourly operating cost is estimated at $600 to $900.
Here is everything you need to know about the Bell 206 JetRanger 3.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
1:55 - Cabin
3:56 - Cockpit
6:40 - Performance
8:53 - Prices
9:36 - Outro
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