Bell 47 Helicopter restoration on TV in 2026

The first ever Bell 47 helicopter to be made in the UK by Westland Aircraft will be restored to flying condition and featured in a two hour-long Shed & Buried TV specials in 2026.

Discovered by TV presenter Henry Cole, best known for rescuing classic cars, motorbikes and memorabilia from the nation’s sheds, barns and outbuildings, this project is the most ambitious to be tackled yet.

“It’s hard to think of a more recognisable helicopter than the Bell 47, with its distinctive bubble canopy and exposed, skeletal tail boom” says Henry. “The first helicopter certified for civilian use, it quickly found work around the world; from crop spraying and news reporting to military training and battlefield observation. It even became a TV star, famously appearing in the opening scenes of the long-running series M*A*S*H”.

Under guidance from the Historic Army Air Flight, Henry and the team will bring this incredible piece of aviation history back to life. All of this will happen just in time to fly alongside other Bell 47s in the 80th Anniversary Flight next year, with none other than aspiring pilot H Cole at the controls, should he manage to get his licence in time!

One of the most memorable roles for the British-built 47 - known as the Sioux - came with the Army Air Corps’ Blue Eagles display team, who became a crowd favourite at airshows across the UK. With its compact size and excellent visibility, it was perfectly suited to tight formation flying and aerial displays, and helped cement its place in British aviation history.

This particular example was built under licence by Westland Aircraft, flown by the Blue Eagles, and was the last Sioux to see service, withdrawn in 1978. So no prizes for guessing the livery that Henry has chosen.

Shed & Buried is broadcast on Quest (Freeview channel 12) and the helicopter specials are expected to air early in 2026 - confirmed dates to follow soon.