Helicopters Bell delivers 300th 505 Jet Ranger X

The delivery of 505 Jet Ranger X number 300 is a new milestone for helicopter manufacturer Bell Textron. Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is the lucky customer to receive the milestone aircraft. In 2017, the first Bell 505 was delivered and since then, the manufacturer has been working very hard to reach delivery 300.

Currently, there are Bell 505 helicopters that are being operated by several companies across six continents. Together, customers have logged in more than 70,000 global fleet hours. This underlines the popularity and versatility of the aircraft.

Michael Thacker, Executive Vice President, Innovation and Commercial Business, commented: “The Bell 505 is one of Bell’s fastest growing commercial programs to date, surpassing several significant milestones since its inception […] As we continue to see interest for the aircraft in Public Safety, Utility and Corporate transport, Bell has invested in new products and technologies to expand the Bell 505’s capabilities.”

Lt. Col. Brian Lundy, commanding officer of the JDF Air Wing, added: “We are proud to take delivery of the 300th Bell 505 and expand our fleet capabilities [...] JDF and Bell have a strong history together and today’s delivery marks another milestone in our relationship.”

It is the sixth Bell 505 for the operator, and it will support to perform public safety missions to serve the citizens of Jamaica. The aircraft will be operated by the Caribbean Military Aviation School to train pilots.

For Bell, the 505 Jet Ranger X has been a success story so far. Onboard, the aircraft is equipped with latest technological advancements. Its similarities with the Bell 429 allow a smooth pilot transitions for operators like JDF. The installed Garmin G1000 allows pilots to reduce their workload and to expand situational awareness.

The 505 is capable of flying at speeds to up to 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680kg). Five seats are installed in the cabin and the aircraft was designed for safety, efficiency and reliability.