Out of curiosity, what type of car is it? Either a Vauxhall or Ford I am sure.
Pretty little helicopter ..
Yes, not bad for her day. The 47 'H' model was Bell's attempt at a 'deluxe' version of the successful 'G' model. Features included an enclosed sound-proofed cabin which could accommodate one pilot and two passengers. The cabin had leather upholstery throughout as well as a leather covered instrument panel which grouped all the switches and carburetor controls. The enclosed metal monocoque tail boom contained a luggage compartment (unique for a Bell in those days). The craft was powered by a 200hp Franklin 6V4-200-C32AB engine.
Produced in 1955, Bell gave the 'H' model the name 'Bellairus' - she was intended for the executive market but .. sadly, though Bell did a good job of putting this bird together, it turned out to be too small for the job.
The 47 'Bellairus' with its enclosed monocoque tail boom
Newly produced 'H' models awaiting delivery
Italian styled, perhaps?
Ah no friend. If I were to post some of the earlier Italian rotary-wing designs I would have to go hide under a rock somewhere. I'm afraid it took a couple of decades before the post-war Italian depression began to lift to the point where morale was restored and we began to see the revival of that creative spirit for which Italy is now known.
However, not long after the introduction of the Bellairus Agusta did re-vamp a Bell design which became the Agusta 102. As with all Italian designs up to that point .. not especially attractive but functional and with (from what I understand) reasonable performance.
The aircraft was based on the mechanical components of a Bell 48 that Agusta incorporated into an all-new, streamlined fuselage. The first flight was on 3 February 1959 at Cascina Costa under the hand of then well-known Agusta test pilot Ottorino Lancia. The prototype was exhibited at that year's Paris Air Show in
faux military colours.
Only two production examples were built, operated by Elivie in a regular air service between Turin and Milan from 1961. However, the advent of turbine-powered helicopters in the 1960s soon rendered the A102 obsolete.
The A102 at Locarno Airport on 28th October 1960 (Quite what the sheep were doing grazing at the airfield I don't know but I suspect it was probably an arrangement between the airfield manager and a local farmer)
The float-equipped 102 I-AGUT
The 102's panel
.. and cabin (which could accommodate 9 passengers)
The 102 was developed from Bell's model 48A
(Photos: Mario Bazzani and the Agusta archives)
I know the CAA made a ceremonial JetRanger flight from Heston to Fairoaks when they vacated their Heston offices in the Seventies.
Quite extraordinary that you should mention this Yoyo because over on the Mann Thread we have just been discussing the craft in question which, as it happens, ended-up being bought by Noel Edmonds.
The event you refer to (the last official movement recorded at Heston Aerodrome) took place on 6th June 1978 in an Alan Mann JetRanger (described above) G-BWCN and which you can read about in post
89 of the Mann Thread.