Note: This aircraft is located in the Presidential Gallery on a controlled-access portion of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The gallery will close until further notice beginning May 1, 2013, as part of budget reduction requirements due to sequestration.
The UH-13J was the Air Force's version of the Bell commercial model 47J Ranger helicopter. Two UH-13Js were purchased in March 1957 for use as the first presidential helicopters. On July 13 President Dwight Eisenhower became the first Chief Executive to fly in a helicopter when he took off from the White House lawn in the sister ship of the Sioux on display.
On March 1, 1962, following their assignment as presidential aircraft, the two UH-13Js were assigned to Bolling Air Force Base on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. For the next five years, they were used to carry high-ranking Department of Defense personnel and numerous foreign dignitaries. In July 1967 they were retired from service, one going to the Smithsonian Institution and the other to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
SPECIFICATIONS: Main rotor diameter: 37 ft. 2 in. Tail rotor diameter: 5 ft. 10 in. Overall length: 43 ft. 4 in. Height: 9 ft. 4 in. Weight: 2,800 lbs loaded Armament: None Engine: Lycoming O-435 of 240 hp Cost: $65,000 Serial number: 57-2728
PERFORMANCE:
Maximum speed: 105 mph Cruising speed: 100 mph Range: 300 miles Service ceiling: 17,000 ft.
