Last week a German newspaper reported that a helicopter has been purchased for use in Bond 25.
Photo: Bell UH-1D from the official U.S. Army Aviation History website.
While the report seems unlikely, given there is little evidence that work on Bond 25 has actually got underway, the James Bond Club Germany followed up on the story with the museum’s owner. According to The Bond Bulletin Clemens Aulich, owner of the Wernigerode’s aviation museum, confirmed that a Bell UHD-1D Huey had been sold and is headed for Heathrow today. According to The Bond Bulletin:
A request for a Bell UHD-1D helicopter had indeed been made by the James Bond production company, that an agreement had been reached and that the military aircraft will be flown to London Heathrow on 09 February. The helicopter is to be used specifically in the next Bond film said Aulich.
So what do we make of this?
- It could mean that Bond 25 is much further advanced than we think.
- Another possibility is that the helicopter has been bought for another Eon project and Aulich put 2 and 2 together to get 5 when he says it will be used specifically in Bond 25.
- On the other hand it seems strange to buy a helicopter. Why not lease it for filming?
- Has this type of helicopter been used before in a Bond movie? Could it instead be intended for Bond in Motion?
- Maybe the story simply isn’t true.
If you’ve got any better ideas than me at this point please leave a comment. I’d really love to hear your views.
Source: The Bond Bulletin
Thanks to Matthew Miner for the alert.
February 9th, 2017 at 12:34
A similar Chopper to this was used in the Living Daylights. It was painted white with the Red Cross symbol on the side and was used by Necros to fly Georgi out of the House.
February 9th, 2017 at 12:36
Thanks Gavin.
February 9th, 2017 at 13:01
Civilian versions of the helicopter were also used in the finale of OHMSS, the UH-1D was also briefly seen in DAF. A total of 21 helicopters in the Bond series were from Bell.
Clarification on the museum statement: We specifically asked whether the chopper was intended for the upcoming Bond film and the response was a clear yes. However it will be used is subject to speculation at this point.
February 9th, 2017 at 16:00
Thanks for the clarification and chopper stats ;)