The Bell H-13, or as the Marines like to call it, "HTL" (Helicopter Training Light), was one of the first helicopters ever used in combat. The Marines employed them in a variety of ways from medical evacuation and mountain hopping to observation and administration flights.

In 1947, the United States Army Air Forces (later the United States Air Force) ordered the improved Bell Model 47A. Most were designated YR-13 and three winterized versions were designated YR-13A. The United States Army first ordered Bell 47s in 1948 under the designation H-13. These would later receive the name Sioux.

Initially, the United States Navy procured several Bell 47s, designated HTL-1, between 1947 and 1958. The United States Coast Guard evaluated this model, and procured two HTL-1s for multi-mission support in the New York Harbor. The most common U.S. Navy version of the 47 was designated the HTL-4, and dispensed with the fabric covering on the tail boom. The U.S. Coast Guard procured three HTL-5s in 1952 (similar to the HTL-4 but powered by a Franklin O-335-5 engine) and used these until 1960. The Coast Guard procured two of Bell's Model 47G and designated them HUL-1G in 1959.

The H-13 was one of the principal helicopters used by the U.S. Army during the Korean War, with the H-13D variant being the most prevalent. During the war it was used in a wide variety of roles including observation, reconnaissance, and medevac. From its role in medevac flights, it gained the nickname "Angel of Mercy". It was also used as an observation helicopter early in the Vietnam War, before being replaced by the Hughes OH-6 Cayuse in 1966.

The Bell 47 was ordered by the British Army as the Sioux to meet specification H.240, with licensed production by Westland Helicopters. In order to comply with the terms of its license agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft, which prevented it building a U.S. competitor's aircraft, Westland licensed the Model 47 from Agusta, who had purchased a license from Bell.[5] the first contract was for 200 helicopters. The first 50 helicopters of the contract were built by Agusta at Gallarate in Italy followed by 150 built by Westland at Yeovil. The first Westland Sioux made its maiden flight on March 9th, 1965.

This particular 1:48 scale helicopter comes equipped with stretchers mounted over the chopper's sleds. Like the other vehicles in the "Forgotten Heroes" Collection, this vehicle has been 'muddied' to give it a more weathered appearance. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Rotorspan: 9-inches
Length: 3-inches

Release Date: October 2003

Historical Account: "X Marks the Spot" - In 1948, HMX-1 (the "X" stood for experimental) received their first HTLs. From 1948 until 1953, HMX-1 used the HTLs to train all new Marine helicopter pilots. The model features the distinctive Marine Corps gloss sea-blue paint scheme. This exact helicopter can be seen at the Marine Air Ground Museum in Quantico, VA.