The Microsoft Flight Simulator team has recently released their fourteenth local legend: the Bell 47J Ranger, the first helicopter to carry a United States president.

Introduced in 1956, the 47J Ranger is the executive variant of the Bell 47, which was the first helicopter certified for civilian use and one of the most popular helicopters to exist, with 5,600 built. While the Bell 47 could only seat two people, the 47J could seat four.

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Two units were purchased by the American government in 1957 to transport the president, Dwight Eisenhower, to and from the White House. They were eventually removed from presidential duties in 1962 but still handled VIP transports until they were fully retired in 1967.

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Three hundred sixty-one units were manufactured over its production period, handling VIP transport, cargo, air ambulance, commuter flights, aerial surveying, and military applications. It was also featured in many popular movies, such as James Bond’s Thunderball from 1965.

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Powered by a 260 hp Lycoming VO-540-B1B piston engine, it can cruise at 91 mph, with a service ceiling of 11,000 ft and a range of 260 miles.

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Microsoft Flight Simulator’s rendition features two landing gear types, with seven liveries per variant.

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It’s available in the Marketplace for $14.99.
Stay tuned to Threshold for more flight simulation news!

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