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Bell 47 vs SH-3 Sea King

Bell 47 vs SH-3 Sea King at a glance — top speed 169 vs 267 km/h, range 396 vs 1,005 km, max takeoff weight 1,338 vs 10,002 kg, built 5,600 vs 1,300 units.

Bell 47 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Bell 47
Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SH-3 Sea King
Specifications
Bell 47 SH-3 Sea King
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Sikorsky
First flight 1 January 1946 11 March 1959
Year introduced 1946 1961
Number produced 5600 units 1300 units
Average unit price -- $25 million
Wing area 100.8 m² -- m²
Wingspan 11.3 m 19.0 m
Height 2.8 m 5.1 m
Length 9.6 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 169 km/h 267 km/h
Operational range 396 km 1,005 km
Service ceiling -- m 4,481 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,338 kg 10,002 kg
Empty weight 859 kg 5,382 kg
Total thrust 1 x 210 kW 2 x 1,044 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Bell 47 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is faster with a maximum speed of 267 km/h compared to the Bell 47's 169 km/h, a difference of 98 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Bell 47 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a longer range at 1,005 km compared to the Bell 47's 396 km.
Which can fly higher, the Bell 47 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a higher service ceiling at 4,481 meters (14,701 ft) compared to the Bell 47's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the Bell 47 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,002 kg compared to the Bell 47's 1,338 kg.
Which is larger, the Bell 47 or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the Bell 47's 9.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the Bell 47 or SH-3 Sea King?
The Bell 47 entered service first in 1946, 15 years before the SH-3 Sea King which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Bell 47 or SH-3 Sea King?
The Bell 47 has been produced in greater numbers with 5,600 units compared to 1,300 units of the SH-3 Sea King.