The Forgotten Bell HSL: U.S. Navy's First All-Weather Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopter (Naval Fighters #70)

The Bell company won a Navy design competition in June 1950 for a helicopter specifically for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). This design, Bell Model 61, was the only Bell helicopter using the tandem-rotor layout ; it was powered by a 2400 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800-50 engine and was intended to carry air-to-surface missiles such as the Fairchild Petrel, as well as dipping ASDIC. Three XHSL-1 were ordered the first of these flying on March 4, 1953, followed by a production contract for 78, including 18 destined for the Britain's Fleet Air Arm. It paved the way for all future ASW choppers. Its design, development, stuctures and history are covered in the book.