The Bell (model 47) H-13 Sioux, with a crew of three, was one of the most popular light utility helicopters ever built. The Bell model 47 was produced continuously from 1946 to 1973, and in other countries through 1976. Produced in 20 different configurations, with model numbers ranging from A to T, the Bell model 47 was used in 40 countries. The combined total of commercial and, military version of the series was 5,000. The U.S. Army Air force procured its first YR-13 (model 47B) in December 1946.

The H-13 was used for observation, reconnaissance and in the MedEvac role as a litter carrier in Korea, following initial fielding in 1951. In the MedEvac role a cocoon-like stretcher pod could be mounted on each skid. A distinctive feature of the Bell (model 47) H-13D/H-13E was the now familiar “Goldfish bowl” Plexiglas canopy featured in the TV-series MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital). The H-13 earned the name “Angle of Mercy” for evacuating some 18,000 United Nations casualties during the war. The OH-13 Sioux also saw service during the early days of the Vietnam War before the fielding of the OH-6A Cayuse in early 1968.

The USAF procured few H-13s for its use, although (2) were in service for Presidential use and were first used by President Eisenhower. Warner Robins Air Logistics Center managed all USAF H-13s and often procured H-13s for sale to foreign countries. The H-13 on display is a TH-13M model used by the US Navy and was acquired by the Museum in 1986 for display.