In a word: “No.” The insane combat helicopter namesake of the 80s action TV show “Airwolf” has no basis in reality. There are no supersonic helicopters (nor is it possible for a helicopter to pass the sound barrier) and not even the latest helicopters are capable of carrying the weapons and ammo that Airwolf carries on the show.

You probably knew that already, but there’s still a helicopter on the actual show. Did they use a real helicopter?

The answer to that is a resounding “yes.”

The aircraft seen on the television show is a Bell 222 helicopter painted black and outfitted with film props and spruced up with special effects.

The Bell 222 was designed in the late 60s and first flew in 1976. It is a twin engined light helicopter mainly used as a corporate shuttle or for utility or medical transport missions. It seats up to 10 people, including the pilot.

In a way, it was fitting that the Bell 222 was used as Airwolf. Airwolf looks unlike any other military helicopter because the Bell 222 just wasn’t used as a military helicopter. Only the Albanian Air Force operated a single Bell 222. The Bell 222 was never armed and is not associated with the military in the way that the Apache, Huey, or Cobra helicopters ooze familiarity.

So there you have it. Airwolf is a Bell 222.