Hollywood Survivor - A M*A*S*H Star Visits Oshkosh

Hollywood Survivor - A M*A*S*H Star Visits Oshkosh

EAA
Published on Aug 30, 2019

The Bell 47 first flew in 1945. The design would set in motion a series of events which would change aviation forever. They would first deploy to active duty in Korea in the 1950s as the H-13 and while used in many various roles, medical evacuation, or medevac, is where it would make the largest impact. Flying wounded from the battlefields to MASH units in just minutes lowered the battlefield death rate dramatically. After the war, the medevac helicopters would continue their duty back home in civilian life. Today we have twin-engine, jet-powered helicopters flying that same role, saving lives. The Bell 47 would be flown by many famous aviators through the years and even some of America’s astronauts. However the role which made it a cultural icon was the appearance in the movie and later television series, M.A.S.H. This very airframe was used during filming and is in the opening scenes of the show.