505 Jet Ranger X
Canadian light helicopter, introduced in 2017, renowned for use in training, utility, and corporate transportation.
| Length | 13.0 m (42.5 ft) |
| Wingspan | 11.3 m (37.0 ft) |
| Height | 3.3 m (10.7 ft) |
| Empty weight | 1,669 kg (3,680 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2,030 kg (4,475 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × turboshaft Safran Arrius 2R 377 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 232 km/h (144 mph) |
| Operational range | 617 km (383 mi) |
| Service ceiling | 5,670 m (18,602 ft) |
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South Korea
27 +16
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Iraq
15
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United Arab Emirates
12 +2
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Jordan
10
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Jamaica
6
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Bahrain
3
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Senegal
3
- 🇲🇪 Montenegro 2
Description
The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X originated as the Bell SLS (Short Light Single), unveiled at the 2013 Paris Airshow. The official Bell 505 designation was announced in February 2014. Although developed as a "clean sheet" design, it incorporates certain dynamic components, such as the rotor system, from the Bell 206L-4.
Design
Constructed with a mix of metal and composite materials, the airframe features a 22-square-foot (2.04 m2) flat floor and an 18-cubic-foot (0.51 m3) luggage bay. The aircraft is powered by the Safran Arrius 2R engine, which includes a dual-channel FADEC and has a Time-Between-Overhaul rated at 3,000 hours. The cockpit is equipped with the Garmin G1000H glass avionics suite.
First flight achieved a speed of 60 knots on November 11, 2014. Transport Canada certified the helicopter in December 2016, followed by US certification in June 2017.
The design allows for integration of various optional equipment, including a cargo hook for external load operations. The maximum takeoff weight is 3,680 lb (1,669 kg) for internal loads and 4,475 lb (2,030 kg) for external loads. The useful load of the helicopter is 1,500 lb (680 kg).
Operational History
The Bell 505 is utilized across various operational roles, including military training, public safety, and law enforcement. By 2023, several countries had adopted it for military pilot training, including South Korea, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, the UAE, Montenegro, and Jordan. The Jamaica Defence Force, for example, placed an order for six aircraft for public safety operations in February 2021. Law enforcement agencies such as the Sacramento Police Department operate specially equipped versions featuring enhancements such as an Electro-Optic/Infrared sensor, searchlight, loudhailer, external hardpoints, and higher skid gear. Other operator nations include Angola, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Ethiopia, Iraq, Nepal, New Zealand, Uganda, Singapore, Switzerland, the United States, and Vietnam.
Variants
Main Variants:
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Bell SLS (Short Light Single): The initial designation of the Bell 505, unveiled at the 2013 Paris Airshow.
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Law Enforcement variant: Configured for police operations, this version includes an Electro-Optic/Infrared sensor, searchlight, loudhailer, external hardpoints, and a higher skid gear.
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Military training helicopter: A version used by several countries for military pilot training.