Bell delivers 300th Bell 505 Jet Ranger X

Bell has delivered its 300th Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). Customers of the aircraft, which was first delivered in 2017, have logged about 70,000 global fleet hours across six continents.

“The Bell 505 is one of Bell’s fastest growing commercial programmes to date, surpassing several significant milestones since its inception,” said Michael Thacker, executive vice president, Innovation and Commercial Business.

The latest Bell 505 platform advancements include: the Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite, Flight Stream, Autopilot, Lightweight EMS interior, Bell Public Safety configuration, Pulselite, FliteStep, LHS Baggage Door and Moveable Ballast.

“JDF and Bell have a strong history together and today’s delivery marks another milestone in our relationship.” The Force’s sixth Bell 505 will support public safety missions to serve the citizens of Jamaica and be operated by its Caribbean Military Aviation School (CMAS) to train the international rotorcraft pilots.

The five-seat Bell 505 can fly at a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and carry 1,500 pounds (680 kg). Its similarities with the Bell 429 platform allow for a smooth pilot transition as JDF begins training operations. With a Garmin G1000, the platform shares similar avionics with JDF’s Fixed Wing Trainer aircraft and reduces pilot workload, enhancing the students’ learning experience.