Warbird Information Exchange

In the middle 70's the US sold near 300 Bell 214 helicopters and spares to Iran. I also know that they set up a overhaul facility in Iran to maintain these helicopters. Does anyone know any up to date information on these helicopters? This would fall under a similar topic as the F14 spares issue that has been talked about on wix recently, but are they manufacturing their own spares in Iran?

I would guess that since parts for these choppers are readily available on the civilan market, that they can get them without a lot of problems. I know a lot of Bell parts are being build in Italy (Augusta) so there should be a ready supply. Bell probably set them up to do their own heavy maintenance, but since it was 30 years ago, times have changed.

I'm sure they ran off or killed all the people who could take care of these choppers, and the parts got sold in the street for pennies like the F-14 parts. Of course if they had 5 214s still flying after 30 years, it would be a miracle.

Just my opinion (I've got a helicopter and have owned several in the past)

Mark H

In the mid 70s my step-dad was the flight surgeon for VT-2 and VT-3 at Whiting Field. There were a whole big bunch of Iranian AF student pilots going the the helo pipeline. All were rolling in $$$ had fast cars (most of which were in Whitings inpound yard after having been impounded for a variety of driving offenses mainly related to speed. Most just went out and bought another! There were also a number of fatal T-28 crashes involving the IIAF students. A few my step-dad took a liking to came over for dinner. One even offered $50,000 for my sister ($0 for me BTW!). Considering have poorly they got along I'm surprised he didn't take that deal

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Don't touch my junk!!

My father in law and the father to my god daughter worked for Bell in Iran (My wife and her family lived there for several years)

They all talked about destroying records, log books, manuals, tools, tooling, parts...anything they could when they knew their days in country were numbered.
Not a pretty sight.

I have seen many photos of the Bell stuff flying over the years...they should still have a bunch going. Who knows what shape it's in.


My wife and mother in law in Tehran @ 1975

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Zane Adams
There I was at 20,000 ft, upside down and out of ammunition.
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Trust me, if you are selling 214 parts you are being watched. I have already seen a guy go to jail for selling engine parts to these ships through canada and asia.

Zane,

In the picture of your wife and her mother standing in front of the Shiad Monument back in 1975, she (your wife) looks familiar. It is a very good possibility that we knew each other since we both went to the same school (Tehran American School). The clothing looks right on for what we were wearing back then

According to several sources, Iran has around 50 (or more) -214's still in service.

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Bob

Connery,

Small world... do you have the TAS yearbook that was put together in such a hurry in 1979 that they didn't include the names?

They loved Iran.
Too bad it has gone the way it has over there.

Z

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Zane Adams
There I was at 20,000 ft, upside down and out of ammunition.
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I remember having one, but don't know what has happened to it in the last 20 years

We loved it over there as well. I would go back if it ever became pro-western again.