Aircraft
Bell 505 Production Goes Full Steam Ahead
The light single has become the company's best seller on the in-production line.
Powered by a Turbomeca Arrius 2R from Safran, Bell’s 505 Jet Ranger X includes a dual-channel Fadec and a 3,000-hour TBO. Cockpit Instrumentation features a Garmin G1000H integrated flight deck and the cabin accommodates four passengers, plus a pilot. The helicopter’s useful load is 1,500 pounds and it can cruise at 125 knots. Photo: Barry Ambrose
Powered by a Turbomeca Arrius 2R from Safran, Bell’s 505 Jet Ranger X includes a dual-channel Fadec and a 3,000-hour TBO. Cockpit Instrumentation features a Garmin G1000H integrated flight deck and the cabin accommodates four passengers, plus a pilot. The helicopter’s useful load is 1,500 pounds and it can cruise at 125 knots. Photo: Barry Ambrose

With 20 certifications in hand and hundreds of orders and letters of intent, Bell has ramped up production of its 505 Jet Ranger X and anticipates deliveries to pick up significantly this year. The manufacturer initially secured Transport Canada certification for its new Jet Ranger in late 2016, bringing to market a light single powered by a 504-shp Safran Arrius 2 with dual-channel Fadec and a fully integrated glass Garmin G10000H cockpit.