Bell 505 Jet Ranger X

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, a remarkable American/Canadian light helicopter. Unveiled at the 2013 Paris Airshow as the Bell SLS (Short Light Single), it officially received the Bell 505 designation in February 2014, showcasing its evolution as a “clean sheet” design while incorporating dynamic components from the Bell 206L-4, such as the rotor system.

With its first flight on November 11, 2014, and certification by Transport Canada in December 2016, the Bell 505 quickly gained recognition for its outstanding design and performance. The helicopter boasts a metal and composite airframe, featuring a spacious 22-square-foot flat floor and an 18-cubic-foot luggage bay, providing both comfort and practicality.

Production commenced in 2016 at a state-of-the-art facility in Lafayette Regional Airport, Louisiana. However, production dynamics changed in 2016, with the Bell 505 assembly relocating to Bell Helicopter’s centre in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada.

The Bell 505 received certifications from Transport Canada in December 2016 and the Federal Aviation Administration in June 2017. With 360 units built as of March 2022, this aircraft continues to soar, embodying the spirit of modern aviation.