Jamaica to fly Bell 505 JetRanger X light helicopter

Jamaica Defence Force receives milestone aircraft to support public safety and future pilot training

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today the 300th Bell 505 Jet Ranger X delivery to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). The first Bell 505 was delivered in 2017, and today there are 300 aircraft in operation across six continents, with customers logging more than 70,000 global fleet hours.

“The Bell 505 is one of Bell’s fastest growing commercial programs to date, surpassing several significant milestones since its inception,” said Michael Thacker, Executive Vice President, Innovation and Commercial Business. “As we continue to see interest for the aircraft in Public Safety, Utility and Corporate transport, Bell has invested in new products and technologies to expand the Bell 505’s capabilities.”

The latest Bell 505 platform advancements include the Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite, Flight Stream, Autopilot, Lightweight EMS interior, Bell Public Safety configuration, Pulselite, FliteStep, LHS Baggage Door and Moveable Ballast.

“We are proud to take delivery of the 300th Bell 505 and expand our fleet capabilities.” said Lt. Col. Brian Lundy, commanding officer of the JDF Air Wing. “JDF and Bell have a strong history together and today’s delivery marks another milestone in our relationship.” The Force’s sixth Bell 505 will support Public Safety missions to serve the citizens of Jamaica and be operated by its Caribbean Military Aviation School (CMAS) to train the international rotorcraft pilots of tomorrow.

The Jamaican Defence Force (JDF) is scheduled to receive six new Bell 505 JetRanger X light helicopters, after the manufacturer revealed that it had signed a purchase agreement with the nation on February 8.

This acquisition will increase the JDF’s current fleet of Bell helicopters to ten aircraft, which are used to conduct search and rescue, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, national security and training operations. In Jamaican service, the six newlyacquired helicopters will be configured to support public safety operations in the country, while also being used to train international rotorcraft pilots by the JDF’s Caribbean Military Aviation School.

Commenting on the deal, Nicholas Peffer, managing director of Bell’s Latin America division, said: “Bell and [the] JDF share a rich history of more than 55 years, and we are committed to delivering the most advanced and economically-viable aircraft on the market.”

This relationship was inaugurated in 1963, when the Jamaican military began to operate a pair of Bell 47G light helicopters

With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is Bell’s newest five-seat aircraft designed for safety, efficiency and reliability using advanced avionics technology. Its similarities with the Bell 429 platform allow for a smooth pilot transition as JDF begins training operations. With a Garmin G1000, the platform shares similar avionics with JDF’s Fixed Wing Trainer aircraft and reduces pilot workload, enhancing the students’ learning experience.

Source: Fort Worth, TX (Bell News) - 11 May 2021

Photo: Jamaican Defence Force (JDF) Bell 505 JetRanger X light helicopters (Illustration by Bell)

A. Eduardo Marinho (XAirForces Military & Intelligence and Aerospace Industry News Editor from Brazil)
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