According to information published by Bell Textron on December 8, 2021, the company announced the successful sale and delivery of two Bell 505 helicopters to the Indonesian Navy. The newly acquired helicopters will be utilized as basic helicopter trainers.
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Launching ceremony of Bell 505 Helicopter (Picture source: Neo Demokrasi)
This delivery brings the Indonesian Navy’s Bell fleet to five aircraft, which already includes three Bell 412 helicopters. More than 100 Bell helicopters are operating in the military and commercial segments in Indonesia.
With most training helicopters globally comprising light single helicopters, the Bell 505 is well suited to prepare future military pilots all around the globe to meet the myriad of challenges they will face in their missions.
The Bell 505 is Bell’s newest five-seat aircraft designed for safety, efficiency, and reliability.
With the latest Garmin avionics and dual-channel FADEC-controlled engine, the Bell 505 is the most advanced short light single aircraft on the market. There are more than 300 Bell 505s operating in 55 countries across all six continents.
The Bell 505 is a "clean sheet" design, but uses some dynamic components, such as the rotor system, of the Bell 206L-4. The airframe is constructed of metal and composites, and has a 22-square-foot (2.04 m²) flat floor and an 18-cubic-foot (0.51 m³) luggage bay.
The Safran Arrius 2R is the type's engine with a dual-channel FADEC and a 3,000-hour Time-between-overhaul. The 505 cockpit is equipped with the Garmin G1000H glass avionics suite. Various options such as a cargo hook are available.
