Bell 222 - Mercy AirBell 222 Mercy Air air ambulance helicopter model. In 1974, the new Bell 222 was announced by Bell. It was the first light commercial twin engine helicopter developed in the United States. The 222, which first flew on August 13, 1976, incorporated a number of advanced features including dual hydraulic and electrical systems, stub wings housing the retractable undercarriage, and the Noda Matic vibration reduction system developed for the 214ST.