JetRanger

JetRanger refers to the Bell 206 JetRanger family of light, turbine-powered helicopters built by Bell Helicopter (now Bell Textron). Introduced in the 1960s, the JetRanger became one of the most successful civilian helicopters, widely adopted for corporate transport, sightseeing tours, air ambulance, law enforcement, and utility tasks. The design emphasizes a compact, four- to five-seat cabin, a single turboshaft engine, and conventional skid landing gear, with a cabin that provides good visibility for occupants and observers.

Over its long production life, the JetRanger evolved through several variants. The original 206A was followed by the 206B JetRanger III and later the 206B3, which refined performance and avionics. Bell also offered the longer-fuselage 206L LongRanger, which shared components with the JetRanger family but provided increased cabin space. In the mid-2010s Bell introduced the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, a newer light helicopter marketed as the successor line with modern avionics and improved payload, though it bears the Jet Ranger name.

As a result of its versatility and reliability, thousands of JetRanger helicopters have been produced and remain in service with operators worldwide, used for corporate shuttles, charter services, police and news gathering, and utility missions. The JetRanger lineage continues to influence contemporary light-turboshaft designs, even as newer models enter service.