Bell 47G2/UH13H Paint scheme.

[Roundwing]

I picked up a Bell 47G2 project that needs painted and assembled.
Since I was in the Air Force I would like to paint it in USAF colors.
There are way to many "MASH" helicopters out there and I will not even consider that.
The Air Force did have the G2 model and designated it the UH13H.
I have done some research and have not found any photos or data showing what they looked like.
I stopped in to the USAF museum in Dayton and someone there tried but had no luck finding anything for me.

Any suggestions as to where I might find the appropriate paint scheme?

Rick

 

[Steve_UK]

Hi

I too struggled to find any H-13H or UH-13H in USAF colours

I thought I found one in the Mid-America Air Museum but it is in "MASH" type colours although it may be a former USAF example.

Couple of books might be worth a try..............

M*A*S*H* type Bell H-13 Sioux 1606 Mini number 5 Squadron/ Signal Publications | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for M*A*S*H* type Bell H-13 Sioux 1606 Mini number 5 Squadron/ Signal Publications at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

or

Buy Bell 47/H-13 Sioux Helicopter: Military and Civilian Use, 1946 to the Present by Wayne Mutza, 9780764353765 from Booksplea.se

Buy Bell 47/H-13 Sioux Helicopter: Military and Civilian Use, 1946 to the Present by Wayne Mutza, 9780764353765 with free worldwide delivery at an affordable price from booksplea.se. Information, Specifications & Reviews for Bell 47/H-13 Sioux Helicopter: Military and Civilian Use, 1946 to the...

booksplea.se

Can you confirm the S/N or N reg of the example you have ? Thanks

 

[okikuma]

Hello Rick,

To be honest, when I was young, i don't recall ever seeing any USAF open framed H-13s. They certainly existed, just were not plentiful. On the other hand, there were a good number of H-13Js and I remember seeing those helos on various USAF Bases.

Performing a quick search on the net, I too cannot find any good photos of USAF H-13s

Quick story. President Eisenhower was the first president to use a helicopter for travel. Initially, the USAF supplied H-13Js for the task stating that was the largest helo to be able to safely operate off the South Lawn of the White House. The Naval Attache knew differently. Pres. Eisenhower was going to fly to Camp David in an H-13J. After he departed, the Naval Attache had three USMC Sikorsky HUS-1s (S-58) from nearby HMX-1 squadron at Quantico land on the South Lawn and pick up the White House staff. When Pres. Eisenhower landed at Camp David, the staff he left on the White House South Lawn were waiting for him at Camp David. Surprised, he asked how did they all get there before him since he was the first to leave? The Naval Attache told the Pres. Eisenhower about using the HUS-1s from HMX-1. Pres. Eisenhower said from that day on HMX-1 has the job flying him around in helicopters. How do I know? The Marine aviator that landed the first HUS-1 that day I knew very well. Harold "Hal" Knowles.

Rick, if you really want to be unique. Mount a pair of inflatable pontoons and paint the 47G orange as a USCG HUL-1. I'm certain you'll be the only one, and the USCG would certainly like that you have done so.

Wayne

 

[WaspAir]

Finding the floats would be the big challenge for that project. Some things are getting pretty scarce. I've been trying for years to get a pair of the little electric fans that mount on stubs on the sides of the console to keep the bubble clear, with no luck.

Welcome, Rick! I have a 1967 47G-3B-1 turbo (like a TH-13T, but always civilian). This is me:

 

[Roundwing]

Well that is disappointing. I thought that at least one of you techno-geeks could find something.
Just kidding. I do appreciate the help.

Steve, I have the Second book that you listed and there is one picture of a USAF H-13 but it is an E instead of and H model.
The book mentions that the H models were used for training at Stead AFB in Nevada in the late 50s and 60s. My guess is that they were used for initial helicopter flight training and then the student moved up to the larger birds. Searching that avenue
the best source listed all of the other helicopters but not the H-13. Alot of pictures but no H-13s among them.

Wayne, the two J models used for Presidential used are both in museums. One at Udvare-Hazy in DC and the other at Wright Pat in Dayton.
I don't think the color scheme would be appropriate on the H model. There are a number of photos of the Coasty helos but I am going to stick to the USAF scheme.

Since no pictures can be found, I will come up with my best guess USAF scheme and go with that. It will be close enough for government work.

Thanks again for the help,

Rick

 

[okikuma]

Rick,

Depending on the time period, the USAF first taught their own to fly helicopters. Later, all USAF rotor wing pilots were sent to Fort Rucker to learn to fly from the Army. Even later, a USAF training squadron was formed at Fort Rucker and USAF instructor pilots taught only USAF student pilots. In the past twenty years or so the USAF initial rotor wing training programs have changed several times it is hard to keep up what's current.

I did find a B & W photo of a USAF H-13 taken at Gary AFB, TX, circa 1955.

I'm guessing the helo is painted glossy USAF Blue instead of OD Green, noting the reflection on the panel behind the left "door."

USAF Rotorheads – Preserving the U.S. Air Force Helicopter History

usafrotorheads.com

With deeper investigation, from 1951 to 1956 USAF initial rotor wing training was at San Marcos Air Force Base, later named Gary AFB. Interestingly, it was the USAF that trained Army Rotor Wing Aviator from 1947 to 1956. The U.S. Army started its own rotor wing training program at then Fort Rucker, AL. In 1956, Gary AFB was transferred to the Army, the USAF rotor wing training program was transferred to Randolph AFB.

This USAF H-13 appears to be painted light grey and might be the easiest paint scheme to replicate.

USAFHPA History

The U.S, National insignia was painted on the belly of the helo.

USAF​

Wayne

 

[Roundwing]

Thanks for the links Wayne.
And then in 1958 the USAF moved its helicopter training to Stead AFB in Nevada.
I have the Technical Order on painting USAF aircraft and can use that as guidance.
I will most likely use the light gray and then add the appropriate markings.
Unfortunately the TO does not show the H-13 but I can interpolate.
I will reach out the the USAF Rotorheads and see if they can find a color picture that would help.

Rick

 

[okikuma]

Rick,

Depending on the time period, the USAF first taught their own to fly helicopters. Later, all USAF rotor wing pilots were sent to Fort Rucker to learn to fly from the Army. Even later, a USAF training squadron was formed at Fort Rucker and USAF instructor pilots taught only USAF student pilots. In the past twenty years or so the USAF initial rotor wing training programs have changed several times it is hard to keep up what's current.

I did find a B & W photo of a USAF H-13 taken at Gary AFB, TX, circa 1955.

I'm guessing the helo is painted glossy USAF Blue instead of OD Green, noting the reflection on the panel behind the left "door."

USAF Rotorheads – Preserving the U.S. Air Force Helicopter History

usafrotorheads.com

With deeper investigation, from 1951 to 1956 USAF initial rotor wing training was at San Marcos Air Force Base, later named Gary AFB. Interestingly, it was the USAF that trained Army Rotor Wing Aviator from 1947 to 1956. The U.S. Army started its own rotor wing training program at then Fort Rucker, AL. In 1956, Gary AFB was transferred to the Army, the USAF rotor wing training program was transferred to Randolph AFB.

The more I look at this photo, I can see the two gentlemen inside the cockpit are USAF. They have the tell tail "Fighter Pilot Tuck" on the rear portion of their garrison cap. The Gentleman standing outside must then be Army. The Army's garrison cap is olive green of a much thicker and stiffer material with defined pointed tips. The USAF garrison cap is AF blue and has rounded tips.

Wayne

 

[Roundwing]

Wayne,

Are you a member of the USAF Rotorheads?
I have not had any luck contacting them.
If you can help, PM me.
Thanks,

Rick

 

[Capt'n Gator]

Wayne,

Are you a member of the Rotorheads?
I have not had any luck contacting them.
If you can help, PM me.
Thanks,

Rick

I am a member of the Carolina Barnstormers if that is who you are looking for. We have a Facebook page and there is currently a thread here on Rotary Wing Forum about the next fly-in in May.

 

[Roundwing]

I am a member of the Carolina Barnstormers if that is who you are looking for. We have a Facebook page and there is currently a thread here on Rotary Wing Forum about the next fly-in in May.

I am trying to get ahold of the USAF Rotorheads that Wayne posted a link to above.
Thanks,

Rick