Aircraft overview

The Bell 222 / 230 family is a twin engine light helicopter series built by Bell Helicopter for corporate transport, utility, air ambulance and public service roles. The Bell 222 first flew in 1976 and entered production in 1979, continuing into the early 1990s. The Bell 230 followed as an updated derivative, first flown in 1991 and produced from 1992 to 1995 before the type line evolved into the Bell 430.

The model matters in the used market because it represents Bell’s move into a refined retractable gear executive twin, with a streamlined fuselage, a separate cockpit, and a cabin designed for comfortable point to point transport. It is a legacy aircraft today, but one with a distinct niche among buyers seeking a relatively compact twin helicopter with corporate styling and multi mission adaptability.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speed for the Bell 222 / 230 is in the 130 to 140 knot range, depending on variant, weight, equipment and operating conditions. Practical range is commonly around 330 to 380 nautical miles with standard fuel reserves, although installed equipment, auxiliary tanks and mission profile can change that figure.

Useful load is configuration dependent, but many aircraft fall roughly in the 1,800 to 2,300 lb range. Service ceiling is typically published around the low to mid 12,000 foot range. The Bell 222 was powered by two Lycoming LTS101 turboshaft engines, with later 222B aircraft using more capable LTS101 variants. The Bell 230 replaced these with two Allison, now Rolls Royce, 250 C30G series engines, a key distinction for maintenance planning and parts support.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin is usually arranged for one or two pilots and five to six passengers, with corporate interiors often using club seating. EMS and utility examples may have stretcher provisions, medical cabinetry or mission equipment that materially affects empty weight and resale appeal.

Avionics are typically legacy analog or early digital IFR suites rather than integrated systems such as Garmin Perspective or G1000. Buyers will more commonly find BendixKing, Collins or similar period equipment, often supplemented by later Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, updated transponders, audio panels, weather radar, traffic awareness and autopilot components.

Buying & value

Prospective buyers should separate Bell 222, 222B, 222UT and Bell 230 aircraft carefully. The 222 and 222B use retractable wheeled landing gear, while the 222UT has fixed skids. The Bell 230 is a later development with different engines and several system improvements, but it remains distinct from the larger Bell 430.

Key due diligence items include engine status, gearbox and dynamic component times, corrosion history, logbook continuity, parts availability, avionics modernization, interior weight, and whether the aircraft has spent its life in corporate, EMS or public service operations. In the used market, the Bell 222 / 230 generally sits as a lower acquisition cost alternative to newer light twins, with value strongly tied to component life, engine support and the quality of any avionics or cabin upgrades.