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Bell 505 Jet Ranger X

The Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter was a light utility helicopter. It had been used for military [as the TH-57 Sea Ranger, OH-58 Kiowa and TH-67 Creek], civilian, and research missions. It has been replaced by the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter. The Bell 505 redefines the short light single (SLS) class, placing safety, performance and affordability at the forefront. The Bell 505 blends proven systems of advanced technology with a sleek, modern design.

The Bell 505 combines the latest avionics and engine control technology with a large open cabin that provides panoramic views for all passengers. A fully integrated Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite and dual channel FADEC controlled Safran Arrius 2R engine provide pilots of all skill level with maximized situational awareness and workload reduction to fly successfully in a multitude of scenarios. Combined with its cabin versatility and impressive performance, the 505 is relied on for missions ranging from private owners to public safety and training entities around the globe.

A successful utility operation means being able to adapt quickly. That’s the versatile Bell 505 can quickly convert for crew, customers, or cargo. Whether it’s touring the coast, carrying a work crew and supplies deep into the mountains or providing external load services in a busy city, the Bell 505 is agile, reliable and easily flexible. The highest cargo hook load in its class and impressive altitude performance make the Bell 505 the ideal external load machine capable of competing with larger cabin singles.

Advanced aerodynamic design and a state-of-the-art engine harness the power of technology to improve an aircraft’s most important elements: its safety, efficiency and reliability. Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine with dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system increases fuel efficiency and reliability. High inertia rotor system provides excellent autorotation capability. Fully integrated Garmin G1000H NXi™ flight deck with twin 10.4” LCD screens reduces pilot workload. Optional flight displays increase situational awareness: Traffic Information System (TIS); Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS); Garmin’s Helicopter Synthetic Vision Technology™ (HSVT); Moving Map display; “Pathway in the Sky” display.

Forward-facing seats give passengers better views during flight. Fully flat floor allows for more cabin configuration options. Large doors make boarding and loading cargo easier. Better visibility increases situational awareness for all on board. Quieter system meets Stage 3 requirements from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), making for a more enjoyable flying experience.

Bell Textron announced 09 February 2022 that the Bell 505 achieved 100,000 global fleet hours. Since the first Bell 505 customer delivery in 2017, Bell has completed more than 360 Bell 505 global deliveries, enabling successful missions with the world’s most advanced short light single aircraft. “Since its entry into service, the Bell 505 continues to impress global operators for its unparalleled performance and capabilities,” said Lane Evans, director, Bell 505 Sales and Support. “This significant achievement further demonstrates our customers’ admiration for the platform and its versatility as it enhances private, utility, training and public safety flights.”

Fabrice Condamine, Arriel & Arrius Programs Vice President at Safran Helicopter Engines said, “We are very proud to see the Bell 505 with our Arrius 2R engine now widely established in the light helicopter landscape. Delivering a best-in-class engine solution, on time, continues to be a top priority for us. We are delighted with the progress of our relationship with Bell.”

The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL), Admiral National Armed Forces (TNI) Yudo Margono, said 08 December 2021 that helicopters were urgently needed for the Navy's tasks in the Integrated Fleet Weapon System. "This is because in addition to carrying out submarine warfare duties, helicopters are also used to transport personnel in order to move ships to the coast to transport Marines to targets on land," he said, after witnessing the handover of two Bell 505 single-engine training helicopters at the Museum apron. He said the pilots had also been prepared so that the presence of this training helicopter would increase the professionalism of the soldiers, especially helicopter pilots in carrying out their main tasks. "One of them is in anti-submarine warfare and also shifting personnel from ship to land," he said.

One Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter arrived in Montenegro at the end of July 2020, while the other was delivered at the beginning of 2021. “Ministry of Defense will remain committed to further modernizing and equipping Armed Forces of Montenegro. After the procurement of three multi-purpose Bell 412 helicopters, we continued to invest in the Aviation. In the first quarter of this year, we reached an agreement with the Canadian Commercial Corporation “CCC” on the procurement of two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters”, the Ministry stated. In the past four years alone, the Government allocated over EUR 120 million to modernize the armed forces. It provided over EUR 30 million for three BELL 412 helicopters, and EUR six million was allocated for two BELL 505 helicopters.

The Bell 505 team celebrated the 60th European delivery to Montenegro Air Force, the first Bell 505NXi sale to Slovakia and delivery to the Indonesia Navy. With worldwide operators from Mexico to Poland and Czech Republic to New Zealand, the aircraft operates in 59 countries.