Bell delivers two 505s to Cambodian operator

Bell has closed off its Singapore Airshow presence this year with the delivery of two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X’s to Cambodian operator Asian Aviation Resources.

One of the helicopters will be operated by Helicopters Cambodia to locate missing military personnel in Southeast Asia. The helicopter will facilitate the United States Department of Defense’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) operations.

Sameer A. Rehman, managing director of Bell Helicopter Asia Pacific said: “We are proud to play a role in the US DPAA’s noble mission to reunite missing United States military personnel with their families and to give an account to the nation. Once again, our thoughts and gratitude go out to all the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we as Americans enjoy today.

“We look forward to working with the DPAA and Helicopters Cambodia to ensure the success of both the DPAA and Helicopters Cambodia’s missions throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.”

Bell in Asia

Bell contracted the sale of several 505 Ranger X units in the last week, with the helicopter’s first delivery into the Asia-Pacific market. Aside from the Cambodian sale, one 505 was ordered by a Japanese operator, with another two 505s going to Vietnam Helicopters.

Bell has stayed true to its word on the 505’s multi-mission capabilities, with orders across the civil and military markets and will be flying utility, oil and gas, VIP transport and military rescue operations.

The Philippine Air Force also signed a deal for 16 Bell 412EPIs which came under flak from rights activists following concerns that the helicopters would be used to fight Maoist and communist rebels in the country.

The deal, signed between the Canadian government and the Philippine Department of National Defense, fell apart when Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took offence at Ottawa’s insistence that the helicopters not be used for military purposes and ordered his military to scrap the purchase.