Bell 47 Ranger

FIRST BUTTON: In 1946, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use by the Civil Aeronautics Authority. Its roles varied from search and rescue during wartime to the first television news flight! A later variant of the Model 47, the Bell 47J Ranger, improved upon its speed, appearance, and power, and was certified ten years later in 1956. It had unrivaled visibility in all directions because of its distinct Plexiglass bubble that enclosed the cabin. Further, with its single-pilot forward arrangement, it was effective at managing different load weights and stabilizing its center of gravity. 

SECOND BUTTON: Early editions of the Bell 47J Ranger had wooden rotor blades, which hindered them in certain weather conditions and reduced their take-off weight. With the addition of metal blades, the 47J-2A before you increased its maximum take-off weight to a little under 3,000 pounds. Helicopters like this are essential for transporting fossils out of remote areas to museums and labs. [For example, the UH-60 Black Hawk military helicopter has a maximum lift capacity of 9,000 pounds externally by sling—about the size of an adult male hippopotamus!] 

THIRD BUTTON: Before fossils can be safely airlifted out of an area, they need to be supported in a plaster jacket. The careful, multi-step process generally involves digging, adhesives, plaster of paris, and burlap. Paleontologists first dig around the specimen to determine how far it extends and then dig a surrounding trench. After a field consolidant for stability and a protective middle layer over the exposed fossil are added, burlap strips soaked in a plaster mixture are wrapped in perpendicular layers. The plaster is left to dry until it can be fully undercut into a mushroom shape and completely removed for transport! 

FOURTH BUTTON: Perhaps the most fascinating part of the Bell 47J Ranger’s story is its place in aviation history as the first helicopter to transport a United States president. Growing concerns over the Soviet Union’s nuclear arms led the Air Force to finally search for a capable helicopter. Accordingly, in July 1957, the Secret Service did away with their ban on helicopter use in non-emergency cases as President Eisenhower took a ride on the 47J Ranger. It was an economical and safe choice, but the President found it underpowered and uncomfortable as he disembarked sweaty and annoyed.