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Bell Model 505 JetRanger X (JRX)

2018 MODERN AIRCRAFT

Bell Model 505 JetRanger X (JRX) History

The Bell 505 "Jet Ranger X" is the reincarnation of the classic and highly successful Bell Jet Ranger family of light utility helicopters. Introduced in 1967 with the Bell Model 206 design, the Jet Ranger has since been built 7,300 times with civilian and military operators around the world.

The 505 model was unveiled at the 2013 Paris Air Show (then known as Bell SLS = "Short Light Single") and received Canadian registration in December 2016. To date (January 2017), Bell Helicopter Canada has produced three examples.

On 505 models, the short nose cone assembly is dominated by a large windshield for excellent frontal visibility. Likewise, the side doors have more glass surfaces than skins and also provide visibility from the sides of the aircraft.

The engine is mounted in a compartment on top of the helicopter and drives a twin-blade main rotor. The tail shaft extends from the rear of the fuselage and holds a drive shaft that drives a twin-blade anti-torque tail rotor unit (located on the port side).

The bow also contains the horizontal plane and is offset to starboard at the end of the stern and at the vertical stabilizer. The hull is supported to the ground by a simple four-point skid, minimizing maintenance costs and complexity.

Internally, the Model 505 is operated by a single operator and can accommodate up to four passengers (two side-by-side seats in the front and three side-by-side seats in the rear). Car-style doors (double doors, full access to both front and rear seats) provide access to the seating area, and the seats are removable for general cargo transport (tie straps provided). Luggage compartment is standard for VIP service. The cockpit features an all-digital approach dominated by large color screens and offers Garmin's avionics suite (model G1000H).

Available cockpit upgrades include a second VHF communications facility, a real-time traffic advisory system and a terrain avoidance warning system.

Power comes from a French FADEC (dual port) Turbomeca "Arrius" 2R series engine with a starting power of 504 hp and a continuous 457 hp. The engine is marketed as a fuel-efficient design that is fully integrated with the cockpit's mission systems.

The Type 505 was designed to cruise at over 125 knots with a "useful" cargo capacity of 1,500 lbs. The maximum range is 360 nautical miles or 3.5 hours of flight time. The helicopter can reach an altitude of 20,000 feet and hover at an altitude of 14,000 feet.