Bell 505 Jet Ranger X achieves FAA certification

Officials from Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Bell 505 continues to surpass significant milestones – achieving type certification in December 2016 from Transport Canada Civil Aviation, then gaining production certification, and recently celebrating the first customer delivery. 

“This is another significant milestone in our journey to market entry for the Bell 505,” said Mitch Snyder, Bell Helicopter’s president and CEO. “This aircraft incorporates the latest advancements in safety and aviation technology and we are extremely proud of our return to the short light single class of helicopters.”  
Bell Helicopter will continue to work with other certification authorities around the globe. Through the flight test program, the Bell 505 underwent rigorous certification activities and achieved more than 1,000 flight test hours. The Bell Helicopter Training Academy is also prepared for entry into service with customer training, and the flight training device and coursework are all on track.

“Customer response for the Bell 505 has been outstanding, and we look forward to seeing the aircraft perform all the various missions it’s equipped for around the world,” Snyder added.
The Bell 505 offers operators the Safran Helicopter Engines (HE) Arrius 2R engine that incorporates dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) for performance and reduced pilot workload. An integrated Garmin G1000H flight deck features dual 10.4" (26.4cm) displays, which provide critical flight information for crews at a glance. Bell Helicopter’s high-inertia rotor system has demonstrated the autorotation capability that is part of the Jet Ranger legacy. 

The Bell 505 offers a speed of 125kts (232km/h) and useful load of 1,500 lb (680kg).