- 01 Feb 2022
- Mike Chase
- Helicopter Comparisons
The Bell 505 (JetRanger X) is a five-seat helicopter designed for safe, efficient and reliable flight, aided by its advanced avionics technology. It utilizes a dual-channel FADEC Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine that enables it to fly a maximum 306nm range, achieve a 125kts maximum cruise speed, and carry up to 1,500lbs payload.
The Bell 505 costs between $1.2m (2016 model) and $1.72m according to JETNET data published in Winter 2021. The value of a Bell 505 can vary – even between two aircraft with the same year of manufacture. Buyers and sellers will negotiate the price of a pre-owned aircraft based on several aircraft-specific factors, including the maintenance condition, the time on the airframe and engine, how long remains before the next major inspection is due, damage history, and more.
Other popular single-engine turbines that compete with the Bell 505 on the market today include the Robinson R66, which was first delivered in 2010. Powered by a 300shp Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft the Robinson R66 also carries four passengers and one pilot, and has a range of about 350nm.
The Bell 505 offers a number of benefits for customers with VIP/corporate travel needs, including an open cabin that offers panoramic views, and easily removable seats and a flat floor with integrated tie-downs. These offer the ability to quickly convert the helicopter from use in the week for the commute to work into a platform ideal for a weekend getaway (for example).
Like the Bell 505, the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV is a single-engine turbine helicopter. It features a 726shp Rolls-Royce 250-C30P turboshaft engine and had a gross weight of 4,550lbs. The Bell 206L-4 offers more passenger capacity than the Bell 505, and could potentially hold up to six passengers, with one sitting in the front. The 206L-4 remains a focus of demand in the pre-owned market today.
Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopter Overview
By Gerrard Cowan - Editor, Aircraft Reviews
Bell unveiled th 505 Jet Ranger X less than a decade ago, and has already made a significant impact on the market. A single-engine turbine helicopter, it combines power, a comfortable cabin and cutting-edge equipment (including its modern avionics panel).
The five-seat Bell 505 entered the market in 2016, and since then nearly 300 units had been built at the time of writing. Customers ranged from private operators to police forces around the world.
What features does the Bell 505 offer?
The Bell 505 can hold one pilot and four passengers, and it offers a maximum cruise speed of 125kts with a range of 306nm.
The aircraft features a Garmin G1000H NXi avionics system, making it the most advanced short, light, single-engine turbine helicopter on the market, according to Bell. It is powered by a dual-channel FADEC Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine and can carry a payload of up to 1,500lbs.
What came before and after the Bell 505?
The Bell 505 was a new design for the company. However, it benefits from Bell’s long tradition in the single-engine market, including in the VIP/corporate domain through the highly successful Bell 206 range.
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