Aircraft Overview
| Aircraft | Bell 206 |
| Also Known As | JetRanger / JetRanger III / LongRanger |
| Type | Single-Engine Helicopter |
| Engine | Rolls-Royce (Allison) 250-C20J (420 shp) — JetRanger III |
| Electrical System | 28V DC |
GPU Requirements
The Bell 206 is the most-produced commercial helicopter in history, with over 7,000 built since 1967. The JetRanger III (206B-3) uses the Rolls-Royce 250-C20J with a starter-generator rated at 28V, 500A maximum starting current and 160A generator output. Starting demands are modest — many operators start on the ship battery alone in moderate temperatures. A GPU becomes essential for three scenarios: cold-weather starts where the battery lacks cranking power, training operations with 10+ start cycles per day that would rapidly degrade ship battery life, and aged aircraft where the ship battery or starter-generator is past its prime. Tour operators running multiple departures per hour benefit from having a GPU on the pad to ensure consistent, reliable starts without wearing down the aircraft battery.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Starting Voltage | 28V DC |
| Peak Amps Required | 400–500A (starter-generator max rated 500A) |
| Continuous Draw | 60–80A (mission equipment dependent) |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium preferred for field portability |
| Recommended Unit Weight | Under 15 lbs ideal / under 25 lbs acceptable |
| Starter-Generator | Lucas Aerospace, 28V max, 500A start / 160A generate |
Our Recommendation
Primary pick: Red Box RB25A or Start Pac Mini 1200
The Rolls-Royce 250-C20J is one of the easiest turbine engines to start, with a starter-generator rated at 28V max and 500A max. A lightweight, compact GPU is the right match — the Bell 206 frequently operates from remote pads, tour bases, and training airfields where every pound of support equipment matters. The RB25A at 11 lbs and 1,200A peak is more than sufficient.
Alternative: Powervamp PS1228 or Gill 7638-28 lead-acid
Cold Weather & Special Operations
Below 0°C, the 250-C20J benefits from external power even with a healthy ship battery. Lithium GPUs maintain output better than lead-acid in cold conditions — a meaningful advantage at remote helipads. For extreme cold operations, some Canadian and Alaskan operators use a combination of engine inlet covers (to retain residual heat between flights) and a compact lithium GPU for reliable restarts.
Related Guides
For a broader comparison of GPU manufacturers, see our Best Aircraft GPU 2026 review. For battery chemistry decisions, our Lead Acid vs Lithium analysis breaks down total cost of ownership. The GPU Sizing Guide covers voltage, amperage, and duty cycle calculations for any aircraft.
Product Categories
- Battery Start Units — portable starting power
- Continuous Power Supplies — sustained avionics power
- Combination GPU — start + continuous in one unit
- Frequency Converters — 400Hz AC power
- Aircraft Tugs — ground movement equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a GPU for a Bell 206?
Not always. The 206 starts reliably on its ship battery in moderate temperatures. A GPU is recommended for cold weather operations, flight training with frequent restarts (10+ cycles/day), tour operations with rapid turnarounds, and aircraft with batteries older than 3 years.
What’s the lightest GPU for a Bell 206?
The Red Box RB25A at 11 lbs and the Start Pac Mini at 14 lbs are the lightest aviation-rated options that deliver sufficient amps for the Rolls-Royce 250-C20J. Some operators use quality automotive-grade lithium jump packs in an emergency, but these lack the voltage regulation to protect helicopter avionics.
Is the 206B different from the 206L LongRanger for GPU purposes?
Starting power requirements are nearly identical — both use Rolls-Royce 250-series engines. The LongRanger variants (206L-1, L-3, L-4) use progressively more powerful 250-C28 and 250-C30P engines that draw slightly more starting current (600–800A peak vs 400–500A for the JetRanger), but any 1,200A GPU covers both.
How many starts per charge should a Bell 206 GPU provide?
For training operations, you want at least 8–10 starts per charge to cover a full training session without recharging. Lithium GPUs like the RB25A typically deliver 15+ starts on the 206’s modest load. Lead-acid units may only manage 5–8 starts before voltage sags below acceptable levels.
Editorial Policy
Red Box Power is editorially independent. We may earn commissions from links on this page, but this never influences our rankings or recommendations. All GPU assessments are based on published specifications and verified operator feedback.