Bell 505 Jet Ranger X

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, introduced by Bell Textron in 2017, marks the company’s return to the light‑single‑engine helicopter market after a 30‑year hiatus. Development began in 2012 as a modern replacement for the iconic Bell 206 series, with the prototype flying for the first time on 30 July 2015. Certified by the FAA in March 2018, the 505 combines a composite airframe with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑35 engine delivering 650 shaft horsepower, giving a maximum cruise speed of 140 knots and a range exceeding 350 nautical miles. Its digital flight‑control system, glass cockpit featuring Garmin G500H avionics, and optional health‑monitoring sensors reduce pilot workload and enhance safety. The cabin, designed for four occupants, offers a low‑noise, high‑visibility environment that appeals to corporate, utility, and training operators. By delivering advanced technology at a comparatively low acquisition cost, the 505 has revitalized the light‑helicopter segment, prompting competitors to update their own offerings. Its success underscores Bell’s strategic shift toward modular, data‑centric platforms that support future upgrades such as hybrid‑electric propulsion, positioning the Jet Ranger X as a pivotal step toward more sustainable rotorcraft operations.