146

The Bell Model 146, sometimes referred to as the Bell/Agusta 146, was a conceptual project in the medium-lift helicopter category, primarily associated with the manufacturer Bell Helicopter, which is known globally for its innovative and widely used rotorcraft designs.

Bell Helicopter, established in 1935, is an American aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It has a long and storied history of pioneering helicopter technology, producing iconic aircraft like the UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) and the Bell 206 JetRanger.

While the Model 146 itself did not progress into wide production or become a highly recognized aircraft in commercial or military service like some of Bell’s other models, its existence reflects Bell’s continuous effort to explore new designs and capabilities in response to evolving market needs. Given its developmental nature, the Model 146 is not commonly associated with specific “common locations used around the world” in the way a mass-produced model like the Bell 412 is. Instead, the design work and concepts derived from projects like the 146 often contribute to the successful development of later, high-volume production helicopters that are indeed found operating globally in diverse roles—from search and rescue and emergency medical services to corporate transport and military operations. Bell’s helicopters are utilized by military and civilian organizations in nearly every continent.