The five-seat Bell 505 Jet Ranger X received FAA certification six months after notching Canadian approval of the light single, Bell Helicopter announced today.
“This is another significant milestone in our journey to market entry for the Bell 505,” said Mitch Snyder, Bell Helicopter’s President and CEO. “This aircraft incorporates the latest advancements in safety and aviation technology and we are extremely proud of our return to the short light single class of helicopters.”
Bell said it is continuing to work with other certification authorities around the world to bring the 505 to more markets. The Bell Helicopter Training Academy is also prepared for entry into service with customer training and flight training device and coursework on track, the company said.
“Customer response for the Bell 505 has been outstanding, and we look forward to seeing the aircraft perform all the various missions it’s equipped for around the world,” added Snyder.
The Bell 505 features the Safran Helicopter Engines Arrius 2R engine incorporating dual-channel fadec that delivers good performance and reduces pilot workload and Garmin G1000H avionics. Top speed is 125 knots and useful load 1,500 pounds. When announced in 2013, the price was set at $1.07 million.
