Bell has signed agreements to sell seven more 505 light singles into Europe. The deals include the sale of two of the helicopters to JB Investments, the longest-operating distributor of light aircraft in Poland.
“The Bell 505 has become a popular aircraft for European operators within the corporate and VIP markets due to its advanced avionics, customizable cabin, and versatility, which make it easy for a weekend getaway or quick business trip,” said Duncan Van De Velde, Bell managing director for Europe.
The five-seat 505 features Garmin G1000H NXi avionics and the Safran Arrius 2R, 505 shp (takeoff) engine with dual-channel fadec. There are more than 360 Bell 505s operating worldwide, 65 of them operating in Europe.
Certified by the FAA in 2017, the 505 is gaining popularity as both a civil and military trainer. The 505 is used to train government forces in Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Montenegro, and the UAE and Bell recently signed a deal to sell 40 for use as trainers to the Republic of Korea Army and Republic of Korea Navy. It can now be equipped with the optional Garmin GFC 600H autopilot with features including altitude hold with speed stability and a hover assist mode.
Image: From left to right: Simona Sirancova, regional sales manager, Bell; Magdalena Karska, board member, JB Investments; and Duncan Van De Velde, managing director, Bell, celebrate the sales agreement for two Bell 505 helicopters to JB Investments. (Photo: Bell)