Rotorcraft
Slowed by supply chain, Bell 525 gets closer to first flight
Ground testing of the new “super medium” twin is ongoing while Bell Helicopter is proceeding with 505 light single and V-280 tiltrotor development.
Bell Helicopter president and CEO John Garrison
Bell Helicopter president and CEO John Garrison

The Bell 525 “super medium” twin is getting closer to its first flight, having been delayed by a few months due in the main to supply chain issues, Bell Helicopter president and CEO John Garrison said here on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Bell 505 JetRanger X light single and V-280 tiltrotor programs are progressing towards certification and prototype manufacturing, respectively. Technical progress is taking place against the backdrop of an overall soft market.