Bell H-13J, ca. 1957. Creator: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc

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Bell H-13J, ca. 1957. Creator: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc

All-metal helicopter with single main rotor and single tail rotor, powered by reciprocating engine, equipped with skid landing gear made of metal tube, fitted with large, framless cockpit bubble canopy. On July 12, 1957, Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first President of the United States to fly in this helicopter. The occasion was a simulated nuclear alert staged to test how quickly the Chief Executive and other government officials could depart Washington, D. C. and reach a safe haven outside the city. During 1957, the Bell Helicopter Corporation modified a stock Bell H-13J helicopter to meet the Presidents special needs. Technicians added all-metal rotor blades, special arm and foot rests to the right seat, and a frame-less, Plexiglas nose bubble heavily tinted to reduce glare and heat. Eisenhowers personal helicopter pilot, United States Air Force Major Joseph E. Barrett, flew the rotorcraft from the center seat and a Secret Service agent occupied the left seat. An identical Bell H-13J, assigned the Air Force serial number 57-2728, usually accompanied the Presidents helicopter. This aircraft carried his physician and another Secret Service agent

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Media ID 23877539

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1950s Air And Space Museum Aircraft Aviation Dwight D Eisenhower Dwight David Eisenhower Dwight Eisenhower Eisenhower Dwight D Eisenhower Dwight David Eisenhower General Dwight D Fifties Flight General Dwight Eisenhower General Eisenhower Helicopter Nasm National Air And Space Museum Security Air Transport

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Bell H-13J helicopter, a remarkable all-metal aircraft with a single main rotor and tail rotor. Created by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc in 1957, this helicopter was equipped with skid landing gear made of metal tube and featured a spacious cockpit bubble canopy without any frames. On July 12,1957, an extraordinary event took place as Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first President of the United States to fly in this very helicopter. The purpose behind this historic flight was to conduct a simulated nuclear alert, testing how efficiently government officials could evacuate Washington, D. C. , and reach safety outside the city. To meet the President's specific requirements, Bell Helicopter Corporation modified a standard Bell H-13J model for Eisenhower's use. Upgrades included all-metal rotor blades for enhanced performance, special arm and foot rests added to the right seat for comfort during flights, and a frame-less Plexiglas nose bubble that was heavily tinted to reduce glare and heat. During these important journeys, Major Joseph E. Barrett from the United States Air Force served as Eisenhower's personal helicopter pilot while a Secret Service agent occupied another seat on board. Accompanying their aircraft was an identical Bell H-13J bearing Air Force serial number 57-2728 which carried additional personnel including his physician and another Secret Service agent. This iconic photograph captures not only an exceptional piece of aviation history but also symbolizes America's commitment to ensuring its leaders' safety even during times of potential crisis or threat.

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