Helicopters Bell announces 200th Bell 505 Jet Ranger X delivery

The customer of number 200 is Austria-based operator Hub-fly Helikopter GmbH, which will use the aircraft for corporate transport. Back in March 2017, Bell celebrated the first delivery of the Bell 505 helicopter. Since then, 200 aircraft have been deliveries to customers around the world.

“What sets the Bell 505 apart from other short light single aircraft is its multi-mission capability,” said LaShan Bonaparte, program director, Bell 505 and Bell 429. “Our intent from initial design for the Bell 505 was to deliver an industry-leading aircraft to the market. As operator needs expand, we continue to see growth of our 505 customer base.”

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X was developed under the support to a customer advisory panel, which focused on honouring the legacy of the Bell 206 Jet Ranger. Bell incorporated this legacy with state-of-the-art performance and technological advantages.

According to Bell, the 505 Jet Ranger X was developed to perform missions like law enforcement, helicopter emergency medical services, corporate transportation and utility missions.

"With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is Bell’s new five-seat aircraft designed for safety, efficiency and reliability using advanced avionics technology. It incorporates proven dynamic components, advanced aerodynamic design, a dual channel FADEC Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine and best-in-class value," Bell wrote about their 505 in a statement.

Back in June 2019, Bell announced that the 505 Jet Ranger X has received its certification to operate in high altitude.

Back then, LaShan Bonaparte said: “The Bell 505 is the most advanced short light single helicopter in the world, and we are proud to bring more performance to our operator’s missions [...] High-altitude demonstrations are another testament to the aircraft’s ability to perform in the most demanding environments, across a variety of segments.”

Bell Helicopters has been reimagining the experience of flight for more than 80 years. The wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. produces helicopters for the commercial and military market. Over the years, Bell has established several strategic locations around the globe and has become one of the key players in the helicopter industry.