Rotorcraft
Bell Helicopter Adds Second Jet Ranger X to Test Fleet
Since fligth testing began in November, the helicopter program has quickly progressed, performing additional tests and numerous practice autorotations,
The second Bell 505 Jet Ranger X flight-test vehicle (FTV) successfully achieved its first flight on February 23 at Bell Helicopter’s Mirabel, Québec manufacturing facility, some three months after the first 505 FTV made its maiden flight there. The new helicopter is on track to be certified by the FAA by year-end.
The second Bell 505 Jet Ranger X flight-test vehicle (FTV) successfully achieved its first flight on February 23 at Bell Helicopter’s Mirabel, Québec manufacturing facility, some three months after the first 505 FTV made its maiden flight there. The new helicopter is on track to be certified by the FAA by year-end.

The second Bell 505 Jet Ranger X flight-test vehicle (FTV) achieved its first flight on Monday at Bell Helicopter’s Mirabel, Québec manufacturing facility, some three months after the first 505 FTV made its maiden flight there. “This puts us one step closer to certification and production,” said Bell 505 Jet Ranger X program director David Smith. “The aircraft performed incredibly well, successfully demonstrating a low-speed traffic pattern at 60 knots.”