Bell Delivers First 505s Into China

Bell delivered the first three Bell 505 Jet Ranger X light single-engine turbine helicopters destined for the Chinese market during a ceremony at Bell’s facility in Mirabel, Canada last week.

The three are the first of 110 ordered in 2017 by Reignwood International Investment Group, launch operator and exclusive authorized reseller in China for the 505. The helicopters were accepted by George Geng, president of Reignwood Zhuhai.The delivery follows the recent certification of the 505 by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The first three Bell 505s in China will be used for air tourism, air medical, and agriculture missions, respectively.

“This is a very important milestone for Bell in Asia-Pacific and we are thrilled to contribute to the development of the commercial rotorcraft industry in China,” said Cynthia Garneau, president of Bell Canada.

The five-seat 505 features the Garmin G1000H integrated avionics suite, Safran Arrius 2R engine with dual-channelF full authority engine control (Fadec), and clamshell doors. It can be equipped with a cargo hook able to carry up to 2,000 pounds.