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2015-12-01

505 JET RANGER X ADDS TO BELL LEGEND

Proven systems plus latest advancements in rotorcraft

The Bell 505 is designed to be the safest and easiest to fly aircraft in the SLS category, incorporating the latest in integrated glass cockpit technology. For nearly 50 years, Bell Helicopter’s legendary Jet Ranger has been one of the most iconic commercial helicopters on the market.

Thousands of pilots have flown and trained on this legendary machine and many are still in use today. But in conversations with Bell Helicopter customers and operators, there was a growing need to develop a new, modern aircraft that combines different features and capabilities in order to support what customers have come to expect from Bell Helicopter.

Since announcing a new short light single aircraft at the Paris Air Show last summer, customers have wanted to learn the name of Bell’s next generation aircraft. The name and three new mockups of the aircraft were officially unveiled at the Heli-Expo 2014 in a dramatic reveal ceremony.

Bell Helicopter CEO John Garrison highlighted Bell’s many firsts, including the first commercially certified helicopter (the Bell 47), the first US Army helicopter (the H-13B Sioux), the first tiltorotor (now in its third generation with the Bell V-280 Valor) and reminded the crowd the first pilots to fly around the world did so in a JetRanger.

“It’s an exciting time to be at Bell Helicopter, working side-by-side with our customers to create the next generation of vertical lift,” Garrison said. “Throughout our entire planning and development process, we are engaging our customers. They are providing us with actionable insights about how we can improve our products and what they will need for their missions in the coming years. This input has been invaluable in ensuring we deliver the products our customers need to be successful.”

The Bell 505 is designed to meet a wide variety of missions with its fully flat floor, increased cabin volume and clam shell doors that will provide customers the configuration flexibility needed in today’s market. It can support a wide variety of operations categories, including the utility segment, corporate and private owners, and training schools.

The aircraft is designed to meet customer specifications, combining proven systems with the latest advancements in rotorcraft technology. However, one of the most important factors for their customers is the way the company supports their helicopter and keeps it flying after the initial sale. To make sure the Jet Ranger X lives up to the high standards of award-winning service and support, Bell Helicopters gave its customers a large voice in designing a maintenance program that would best meet their needs.

Throughout the design process the company gathered customer input from operators, Maintenance Steering Group and Bell Customer Service Engineers, who have supported the Bell 206 fleet for many years. Their goal was to reduce maintenance time and offer a high performance, high value product.

The use of proven components, such as the drive system of the Bell 206L4, will allow the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X to be maintained with equipment and tools that most operators already have available. Additionally, many Bell 206L4 rotor and drive system spare parts can be used on the Bell 505.

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X combines proven technology with the latest advancements, including a dual channel engine FADEC and the Garmin G1000H™ fully integrated glass cockpit, to enhance safety, efficiency and reliability in both performance and maintenance. Bell Helicopter has also utilized lessons learned from previous versions of other components to improve the maintenance process.

Bell Helicopter is an industry leader in the Maintenance Steering Group (MSG-3) program, a process resulting in reduced maintenance cost for operators throughout the life of an aircraft. The goal of MSG-3 is to maintain the inherit safety and reliability levels of the aircraft.

MSG-3 was first used in the Bell 429 and the Bell 505 team has now started to implement its own MSG-3 streamlined process, taking lessons learned from the Bell 429 and Bell 525 Relentless maintenance teams. All three programs constantly share information and ideas to ensure that they are moving in a unified direction.

By putting a strong focus on the MSG-3 working group, the company is confident that the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X will not only provide the best value in the short light single market, but also provide superior performance and reliability for operators.

The Bell 505 is the first helicopter in its class to feature a fully integrated glass flight deck through the use of the Garmin G1000H flight deck. This system provides unparalleled crew situational awareness and reduces pilot workload, resulting in enhanced safety levels and mission capabilities.

The Bell 505 cabin is designed for flexibility, meeting the needs of utility, private, corporate, newsgathering, tourism, cargo and many other users. With five forward facing seats, excellent exterior visibility, and a fully flat floor, the Bell 505 is a true multi-mission aircraft.

The modern and aerodynamic lines of the Bell 505 deliver speed, performance, range and superb aesthetics. Interior and exterior finishing options allow you to make your aircraft unique.

In November 2014, Bell Helicopter announced the successful first flight of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter. The maiden flight took place at the Mirabel, Québec, manufacturing facility.

The Bell 505 flight test program continues to progress with an overall total of more than 450 flight test hours and additional tests completed. Below are updates for each flight test vehicle (FTV) as of October, 2015.

• FTV1 has conducted more than 300 flight test hours. It is finishing up its certification testing this fall with a 100-hour endurance ground run to fully validate the drive train power ratings.

• FTV2 has completed approximately 120 flight test hours and has completed the load level survey that defines the loads that will be applied to the fatigue test articles and associated analysis. It will complete its flight-testing obligations by the end of the year when it completes final validation of the cold weather performance of the aircraft.

• FTV3 has achieved approximately 50 flight test hours and completed noise certification and handling qualities testing. It is also scheduled to complete its testing obligations near the end of the year with certification kit testing as well as function and reliability testing required for entry into service.

• What if you could customize your next commercial helicopter from the comfort of your couch? The aircraft allows you to do exactly that, thanks to the configuration and ordering tools. On its website you can select the “Build Yours” function on the top right of their homepage (www.bell505.com) and you’ll be able to build your own dream aircraft and be put directly in touch with a sales representative to complete the process.

• Customers will be able to select options such as paint color and trim options, fabric or leather seats, and other basic details. There will also be a variety of kit options available pre and post certification. After selecting your design, a Bell Helicopter sales representative will work with you the rest of the way to make sure you get the exact Jet Ranger X that meets mission needs.

• In addition to the customizations available through the online ordering process, all Bell 505 Jet Ranger X blend proven systems with advanced technology and a sleek, modern design. The Garmin G1000H Integrated Avionics Suite provides pilots critical flight information at a glance to maximize situational awareness. The Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine with dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) further reduces pilot workload. The Bell 505 features a high inertia rotor system delivering superior auto rotation capabilities. With the ideal combination of speed, range and useful load, the Jet Ranger X is designed to deliver best-in-class performance.

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