The Secret Helicopter of the CIA
As the Cold War continued to drag on into the 1970s, the American Central Intelligence Agency found itself having to reinvent itself in an attempt to counter their Soviet counterparts.
Recent events in South East Asia and the Iranian Revolution of 1979, revealed that the C.I.A. needed to take a more proactive role to counter growing Soviet influence across the world. As well as deal with the recent spike in global terrorism, which was expected to increase in the coming decades.
The Development of a Specialized Team and Aircraft
As part of this plan, a specialized team was created to not only support agents in the field but also take a more direct approach against certain threats. One of these plans included the development and construction of a new aircraft, which could be used in the same way the CIA had used military aircraft to support clandestine operations in the past.
An organization within the CIA, known only as “The F.I.R.M.,” was given the task of creating such an aircraft. Although details remain sketchy at best, it is believed that The F.I.R.M. hired a British scientist named Charles Henry Moffett, who ultimately came up with the final design.
The new aircraft would have the appearance of a Bell-225 “Jet Ranger” Civilian helicopter, which was intentional. The 225 was a popular civilian helicopter at the time, and no one would suspect such an aircraft to have any kind of attack ability. But in reality, it was said to be a marvel of engineering.
Advanced Engineering and Capabilities
Now, I must point out here that there really isn’t that much known about the new helicopter, as most of its files are still classified to this day. But it was believed to have been powered by 4 experimental turbo fan engines. The top speed was reported to be an estimated 700mph, though there were rumors that the helicopter could cross the Atlantic in less than 2 hours. Though this has never been confirmed.
The aircraft was also said to be fitted with (at the time) advanced but experimental avionics and radar systems. As well as an advanced Self Protection Jammer which swept the area ahead to protect it from radar lock. It was also said that the helicopter was coated in a special paint, similar to what would eventually be used on both the F-117 Nighthawk and B-2 Spirit.
The helicopter was also said to be VERY well-armed, as it’s been suggested that it was fitted with 4 x .50 BMG Chain Guns, 2 x 30 mm Chain Guns, and an unknown number of Strike and Hellfire Missiles. The plan for the aircraft, which was code-named “Air Wolf” by its designers, was for it to support CIA operations across the world. As well as conduct Anti-Terror operations in “unfriendly” countries, all the while remaining undetected.
The Mysterious Fate of Air Wolf
But the prototype was said to have been destroyed in a crash during a test flight and the program was abandoned due to the spiraling costs in 1983. It also doesn’t help that a United States Congressman was also said to have been killed in said accident.
But of course, we all know better than to trust anything the CIA says when it comes to their programs. As there have been numerous sightings of a lone white and black Bell-225 in major hotspots around the world, in the years following the supposed crash and cancellation. While it is possible these supposed sightings are of normal 225s, some have pointed out that these aircraft were not operated by anyone during these times. There are a few alleged photos which supposedly show the Air Wolf in flight, but these are dubious at best.
Even to this day, it is believed that the CIA still operates a small squadron of these helicopters at an undisclosed location in the American South West. But it’s more than likely these wolves in sheep’s clothing are nothing more than a myth.
~NC
