Bell 505 Attracts Attention as Training Platform

With optional dual pilot controls, the Bell 505, which recently surpassed 20,000 flight hours globally, is an excellent aircraft for training pilots to fly today’s modern aircraft with integrated glass flight decks, FADEC controlled engines, and other advanced technologies. These modern technologies coupled with proven dynamic systems and a high inertia rotor system for excellent autorotation capabilities create the optimal platform for helicopter training.

 

In 2018, Bell delivered four Bell 505 helicopters to the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), making the JCG the first governmental agency globally to use the Bell 505 as a basic helicopter trainer. In addition to the standard equipment on the aircraft, the JCG Bell 505s come equipped with the first entry-into-service 505 Emergency Flotation System, a technical solution designed by DART Aerospace and developed with Bell.

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Bell Textron Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of helicopter training aircraft. Forty five percent of all training configured turbine aircraft currently in service are the Bell 206 single engine variant, which saw over 8,000 aircraft delivered over 50 years in numerous variations. A popular variant of the Bell 206 that is used primarily for training is the TH-67 Creek. In operation with the US Army since the early 1990s, this is largest helicopter training fleet in the world. In addition to the US Army, the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard also use a variant of the Bell 206, the TH-57 Sea Ranger, as their primary helicopter trainer.  The Bell 505 continues the proud legacy and tradition of the 206 while improving performance, safety and making it easier to fly.

 

With most training helicopters globally comprising light single helicopters (3,680 lbs max takeoff gross weight), the Bell 505, with its advanced technologies and versatility, is well suited to prepare future military pilots all around the globe to meet the myriad of challenges they will face in their missions. In 2015, Bell participated in and proposed the Bell 505 for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Military TH-X program, which aims to procure training helicopters for the ROK Army and Navy. The aircraft met all the ROK Military’s Required Operational Capability during testing and evaluation phase in 2016.

About Bell

Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.

We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.

Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; volatility in interest rates or foreign exchange rates; and risks related to our international business, including establishing and maintaining facilities in locations around the world and relying on joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers, representatives, consultants and other business partners in connection with international business, including in emerging market countries.

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