Bell 505 Jet Ranger X

{{short description|Single-turbine light helicopter}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2014}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = Bell 505 Jet Ranger X | logo = | logo_size = | image = File:20180617 Knokke le Zoute Air Trophy (587) copie-border (28014684427) 2 (cropped).jpg | alt = | caption = Bell 505 in 2018 | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = Light helicopter | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = United States / Canada | manufacturer = Bell Textron | design_group = | designer = | builder = | issuer = | status = In service | owners = | primary_user = | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = 505 (November 2023) | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = 2014–present | introduction = March 7, 2017 | retired = | first_flight = November 10, 2014<ref name="Rotor">{{cite magazine|date=December 2014|editor1-last=Williams|editor1-first=Tom A.|title=Bell 505 First Flight|url=http://www.aimediaserver6.com/rotorandwingbackissues/rw_1214/|department=Rotorcraft Report|magazine=Rotor & Wing|publisher=Access Intelligence|pages=10–11|issn=1066-8098|access-date=July 11, 2017}}</ref> | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = | variants = | developed_into = | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded = }}

The '''Bell 505 Jet Ranger X''' ('''JRX''') is an American/Canadian light helicopter developed and manufactured by Bell Helicopter. The Bell 505 was unveiled at the 2013 Paris Airshow in June 2013 as the Bell SLS (Short Light Single). The Bell 505 designation was officially announced in February 2014. Its first flight occurred on November 11, 2014. The helicopter was certified by Transport Canada in December 2016. By 2023 about 500 have been sold, popular uses so far include for personal, sightseeing, law enforcement, and training.

The helicopter was unveiled at the 2013 Paris Airshow on June 17, 2013, as the Bell SLS (Short Light Single). The model designation was later announced at HAI Heli-Expo 2014 in Anaheim, California on February 25, 2014.<ref name="midnov">{{cite news|last1=Perry|first1=Dominic|title=Bell targets mid-November for Jet Ranger X first flight|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-targets-mid-november-for-jet-ranger-x-first-flight-401923/|access-date=July 25, 2014|work=Flightglobal|date=July 23, 2014|location=London}}</ref><ref name="sortie">{{cite news|last1=Perry|first1=Dominic|title=Maiden sortie for Bell's new 505 Jet Ranger X|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/maiden-sortie-for-bell39s-new-505-jet-ranger-x-405900/|access-date=November 11, 2014|work=Flightglobal|date=November 11, 2014|location=London}}</ref><ref name="vert back">{{cite news|title=Back to the Lights|url=https://www.verticalmag.com/news/backtothelights/|access-date=February 25, 2014|work=Vertical|publisher=MHL Publishing|date=February 25, 2014}}</ref>

The Bell 505 is a "clean sheet" design, but uses some dynamic components, such as the rotor system,<ref name="vert update">{{cite news|last1=Maher|first1=Guy R.|title=Bell gives 505 JetRanger X update|url=https://www.verticalmag.com/news/bellgives505jetrangerxupdate/|access-date=July 21, 2014|work=Vertical|publisher=MHL Publishing|date=July 21, 2014}}</ref> of the Bell 206L-4.<ref name="game">{{cite news|last1=Maher|first1=Guy R.|title=Back in the Game: The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X|url=https://www.verticalmag.com/features/back-in-the-game/|access-date=April 27, 2017|work=Vertical|publisher=MHL Publishing|date=April 24, 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Textron24Sept2013">{{cite press release|author=|title=Bell Helicopter to Equip New Short Light Single Aircraft with Garmin G1000H Integrated Avionics System|url=http://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2013/Bell-Helicopter-to-Equip-New-Short-Light-Single-Aircraft-with-Garmin-G1000H-Integrated-Avionics-System/default.aspx|location=Fort Worth, TX|publisher=Textron|date=September 24, 2013|access-date=July 11, 2017}}</ref> The Safran Arrius 2R is used with a dual-channel FADEC and a 3,000-hour Time-between-overhaul.<ref name="reveal">{{cite news|last1=Mark|first1=Huber|last2=Dubois|first2=Thierry|title=Bell Reveals more on 'short light single'|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2013-08-03/bell-reveals-more-short-light-single|access-date=December 11, 2013|work=AINonline|publisher=AIN Publications|date=August 3, 2013|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802010905/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2013-08-03/bell-reveals-more-short-light-single|url-status=dead}}</ref> The 505 cockpit is equipped with the Garmin G1000H glass avionics suite.<ref name="Textron24Sept2013"/><ref name=Bell505>[http://www.bell505.com/ "Bell 505 Jet Ranger X webpage"]. ''Bell Helicopter'', February 2014.</ref><ref name="compete">{{cite news|last1=Dubois|first1=Thierry|title=Bell Launches Light Single to Compete with Robinson R66, Eurocopter EC120|url=http://www.rotorandwing.com/2013/06/17/bell-launches-light-single-to-compete-with-robinson-r66-eurocopter-ec120/|access-date=June 17, 2013|work=Rotor & Wing|publisher=Access Intelegence|date=June 17, 2013|archive-date=October 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021003523/http://www.rotorandwing.com/2013/06/17/bell-launches-light-single-to-compete-with-robinson-r66-eurocopter-ec120/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Various options such as a cargo hook are available.<ref name="vert update"/>

Main production started in 2016<ref name="vert update"/> in an 82,300-square-foot (7,646 m2), $26.3 million hangar facility at Lafayette Regional Airport in Louisiana,<ref name="Textron10Dec2013">{{cite press release|author=|title=Bell Helicopter Announces New Helicopter Assembly Facility in Louisiana|url=http://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2013/Bell-Helicopter-Announces-New-Helicopter-Assembly-Facility-in-Lousiana/default.aspx|location=Lafayette, LA|publisher=Textron|date=December 10, 2013|access-date=July 11, 2017}}</ref> but the tooling was created for assembly in different places in the world.<ref name="reveal"/> Louisiana offered $8 million in support for 250 new jobs,<ref name="Textron10Dec2013"/> and started construction of the factory in August 2014 which was then leased to Bell.<ref name="LED27Aug2014">{{cite press release|author=|title=Gov. Jindal And Bell Helicopter CEO John Garrison Announce Construction Start For Louisiana Helicopter Assembly Facility|url=https://www.opportunitylouisiana.com/led-news/news-releases/news/2014/08/27/gov.-jindal-and-bell-helicopter-ceo-john-garrison-announce-construction-start-for-louisiana-helicopter-assembly-facility|location=Lafayette, LA|publisher=Louisiana Economic Development|date=August 27, 2014|access-date=July 11, 2017}}</ref> The factory opened in August 2015.<ref name="LA">{{cite news|last1=Kauh|first1=Elaine|title=Bell's Jet Ranger Assembly Plant Opens In Louisiana|url=https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Bells-Jet-Ranger-Assembly-Plant-Opens-In-Louisiana-224770-1.html|access-date=August 28, 2015|work=AVweb|date=August 27, 2015|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905152313/http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Bells-Jet-Ranger-Assembly-Plant-Opens-In-Louisiana-224770-1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On May 19, 2016, Bell Helicopter CEO Mitch Snyder announced changes to the production supply chain that included relocating the Bell 505 production to Bell Helicopter's assembly and distribution center in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada. The Lafayette Assembly Center, which was specifically designed to manufacture and deliver the 505, will instead complete Bell 525 sub-assemblies and perform work on Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout UAVs.<ref name="Bell19May2016">{{cite press release|author=|title=Bell Helicopter Announces Program Relocations to Optimize Manufacturing Capabilities|url=http://www.bellhelicopter.com/news/press-release/2016/5/program-relocations-manufacturing|location=Fort Worth, TX|publisher=Bell Helicopter|date=May 19, 2016|access-date=May 21, 2016}}</ref>

Initial assembly, flight testing and certification started in Canada while the factory was being built in the US.<ref name="vert update"/> First flight went to 60 knots on November 11, 2014,<ref name="sortie"/> and the second test aircraft flew in February 2015.<ref name="Textron25Feb2015">{{cite press release|author=|title=Bell 505's Second Flight Test Vehicle Achieves First Flight|url=http://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2015/Bell-505s-Second-Flight-Test-Vehicle-Achieves-First-Flight/default.aspx|location=Fort Worth, TX|publisher=Textron|date=February 25, 2015|access-date=July 12, 2017}}</ref> Bell said they had 240 letters of intent (LOI) (50 from Europe) for the 505 in October 2014,<ref name="Euro">{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Oliver|last2=Head|first2=Elan|title=Bell CEO outlines European growth plan|url=https://www.verticalmag.com/news/bellceooutlineseuropeangrowthplan/|access-date=October 21, 2014|work=Vertical|publisher=MHL Publishing|date=October 15, 2014}}</ref> and in November Chinese tourism operator Reignwood increased their LOI from 10 to 60 of the type.<ref name="LOI">{{cite news|last1=Hashim|first1=Fridaus|title=Reignwood signs LOI for 50 Bell 505s|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airshow-china-reignwood-signs-loi-for-50-bell-505s-405941/|access-date=November 16, 2014|work=Flightglobal|publisher=Reed Business Information|date=November 12, 2014|location=Singapore}}</ref> In August 2015, Bell had 350 letters of intent.<ref name="LA"/>

Certification by Transport Canada<ref name="aims">{{cite news|last1=Huber|first1=Mark|title=Bell 505 Aims for Mid-year Certification|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2016-02-27/bell-505-aims-mid-year-certification|access-date=May 2, 2016|work=AINonline|date=February 27, 2016}}</ref> was awarded on December 21, 2016.<ref name="Bell21Dec2016">{{cite press release|author=|title=Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Achieves Type Certification|url=http://www.bellhelicopter.com/news/press-release/2016/12/bell-505-certification|location=Fort Worth, TX|publisher=Bell Helicopter|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=January 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102080406/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/news/press-release/2016/12/bell-505-certification|archive-date=January 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="cert">{{cite news|last1=Bergqvist|first1=Pia|title=Bell's 505 Jet Ranger X Achieves Certification|url=http://www.flyingmag.com/bells-505-jet-ranger-x-achieves-certification|access-date=January 1, 2017|work=Flying|publisher=Bonnier Corporation|date=December 21, 2016}}</ref> In the US, it was certified in June 2017.<ref name="skiesmag.com">{{Cite web |title=Bell Helicopter announces delivery of 3 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X aircraft to Canadian customers |url=https://skiesmag.com/press-releases/bell-helicopter-announces-delivery-3-bell-505-jet-ranger-x-aircraft-canadian-customers/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Skies Mag |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bell 505 Jet Ranger X certified by FAA |url=https://verticalmag.com/news/bell-505-jet-ranger-x-certified-faa/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2023, The Bell 505 was the first single-engine helicopter to fly using SAF fuel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilder |first=Amy |date=2023-02-22 |title=Bell 505 Becomes First Single-Engine Helicopter To Fly Using SAF |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/bell-505-becomes-first-single-engine-helicopter-to-fly-using-saf/ |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=FLYING Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Sales, production and operations == The first customer aircraft was delivered on March 7, 2017, to a private operator in Arizona, United States.<ref name="Bell7Mar2017">{{cite press release|author=|title=Bell Helicopter Delivers First Bell 505 Jet Ranger X|url=http://www.bellhelicopter.com/news/press-release/2017/3/first-bell-505-delivery|location=Dallas, TX|publisher=Bell Helicopter|date=March 7, 2017|access-date=March 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313082617/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/news/press-release/2017/3/first-bell-505-delivery|archive-date=March 13, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February 2018, the first 505 was delivered to Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fredericks |first=Carey |date=2018-02-08 |title=Bell delivers first 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters to Japan |url=https://www.helicoptersmagazine.com/bell-delivers-first-505-jet-ranger-x-helicopters-to-japan-7481/ |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=Helicopters Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> The first 505 configured for law enforcement was delivered in 2018 to the Sacramento Police Department in California;the Police version has a number of enhancements including an Electro-Optic/Infrared sensor, searchlight, loudhailer, external hardpoints, and a higher skid gear.<ref name="Bell7Mar2017" />

The Bell 505 has become a military training helicopter for several countries by 2023, including South Korea, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, UAE, Montenegro, and Jordan.<ref name=":2" />

The 505 was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration in June 2017 and received high altitude certification (22,500 feet density altitude) in June 2019.<ref name="Bell8Jun2017">{{cite press release|author=|title=Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Achieves FAA Certification|url=http://www.bellhelicopter.com/news/press-release/2017/6/505-receives-faa-certification|location=Dallas, TX|publisher=Bell Helicopter|date=June 8, 2017|access-date=June 8, 2017}}</ref><ref name="FAA cert">{{cite news|last1=Grady|first1=Mary|title=Bell 505 Now FAA Certified|url=https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Bell-505-Now-FAA-Certified-229135-1.html|access-date=June 15, 2017|work=AVweb|date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719121649/https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Bell-505-Now-FAA-Certified-229135-1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bellflight.com/en-US/173653-bell-505-jet-ranger-x-receives-certification-for-high-altitude-operations|title=Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Receives Certification for High-Altitude Operations|date=2019-06-04|website=Bell newsroom|language=en|access-date=2019-06-05}}</ref> Bell delivered the 100th 505 Jet Ranger X in June 2018,<ref name="Bell26jun2018">{{cite press release |url= http://news.bellhelicopter.com/en-US/167193-bell-completes-100th-delivery-of-the-bell-505-jet-ranger-x |title= Bell Completes 100th Delivery of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X |date= 26 June 2018 |publisher= Bell Helicopter Textron Inc}}</ref> and the 200th in August 2019.<ref name="Flight16aug2019">{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-delivers-200th-505-jet-ranger-x-460325/ |title= Bell delivers 200th 505 jet ranger X |date= 16 Aug 2019 |work= Flightglobal}}</ref> 360 (March 2022)<ref name="Bell">{{Cite web |date=March 9, 2022 |title=Bell Completes Delivery of Bell 505 to Beach Mosquito Control District |url=http://news.bellflight.com/en-US/211854-bell-completes-delivery-of-bell-505-to-beach-mosquito-control-district |website=Bell newsroom}}</ref> By November 2023, the 505th Bell 505 was delivered.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huber |first=Mark |title=Bell Delivers 505th Model 505 Jet Ranger X Turbine Single |date=November 21, 2023 |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-11-21/bell-delivers-505th-model-505-turbine-single |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=Aviation International News}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==

* On 3 March 2019 a Bell 505 crashed shortly after taking off from Central Island National Park, Kenya. The pilot and four passengers were killed in the accident. Kyle Forti, an American political consultant, was one of the passengers that died in the crash.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luning |first=Ernest |date=2019-03-05 |title=Colorado Springs political consultant dies in Kenya chopper crash |url=https://gazette.com/news/colorado-springs-political-consultant-dies-in-kenya-chopper-crash/article_5dc599d2-3e9c-11e9-8e14-373346f5c400.html |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Colorado Springs Gazette |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Accident Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 5Y-KDL, Sunday 3 March 2019 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/222548 |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}</ref> * In 2022, on investigation of a fan shaft bearing failure lead to failure of tail shaft incident in Queensland, the Australian Authorities could not find deeper issue working with Bell, but did note that odd mechanical sounds can be a sign of imminent hardware failure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tail rotor driveshaft failure demonstrates how unusual sounds and responses can be an indication of an imminent system failure |url=https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/news-items/2023/tail-rotor-driveshaft-failure-demonstrates-how-unusual-sounds-and-responses-can-be-indication-imminent-system-failure}}</ref> * In early 2023, State-owned Vietnam Helicopters had a crash in the UNESCO World Heritage site Ha Long Bay, with five fatalities; this led to a suspension by the Civil Aviation Authority of heli tours in Vietnam.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huber |first=Mark |title=Vietnam Suspends Helitours After Fatal Crash {{!}} AIN |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-04-06/vietnam-suspends-helitours-after-fatal-crash |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=Aviation International News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yao |first=Mia |date=2023-04-10 |title=Helicopter Crash Kills Four in Vietnam |url=https://www.asianskygroup.com/helicopter-crash-kills-four-in-vietnam-164/ |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=Asian Sky Group |language=en-US}}</ref> The Vietnamese Ministry of Transport established a probe into the crash.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-27 |title=Vietnam to establish investigation committee over Bell-505 crash |url=https://english.vov.vn/en/society/vietnam-to-establish-investigation-committee-over-bell-505-crash-post1016699.vov |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=VOV.VN |language=en}}</ref> Hundreds of searchers were mobilized and the black box from the crashed Bell 505 was successfully recovered in April 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=VietnamPlus |date=2023-04-06 |title=Flight recorder found after deadly helicopter crash {{!}} Society {{!}} Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus) |url=https://en.vietnamplus.vn/flight-recorder-found-after-deadly-helicopter-crash/251153.vnp |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=VietnamPlus |language=en}}</ref> The helicopter crashed in the water about 50 meters/yards from a fishing boat, and witness reported the helicopter was making a croaking sound and spiraling, before it impacted the water and exploded.<ref>{{Cite web |last=VnExpress |title=Crashed helicopter exploded in the sea, fishermen say - VnExpress International |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/crashed-helicopter-exploded-in-the-sea-fishermen-say-4590439.html |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam |language=en}}</ref> Bell and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada was in contact with the Vietnamese CAAV to aid for assistance; at the time of the crash the helicopter was flight certified in Vietnam, and also the US, Canada, and Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |last=VnExpress |title=US manufacturer of fallen helicopter to assist investigation - VnExpress International |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/us-manufacturer-of-fallen-helicopter-offers-to-help-with-investigation-4590444.html |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam |language=en}}</ref> The helicopter was flown by a pilot with a valid commercial license in Vietnam, who had successfully flown over 2600 trips, it was one of two Bell 505 operated by the sightseeing airline.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-07 |title=The Bell 505 helicopter that crashed in Quang Ninh was a Class A incident - Vietnam.vn |url=https://www.vietnam.vn/en/truc-thang-bell-505-gap-nan-tai-quang-ninh-la-su-co-loai-a/ |access-date=2024-04-27 |language=en}}</ref> * A Bell 505 JRX crashed near Killucan, County Westmeath, Ireland on 30 July 2024. The helicopter's two occupants died in the crash.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accident Bell 505 Jet Ranger X N57NC, Tuesday 30 July 2024 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/405841 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 July 2024 |title=Two men die in helicopter crash in Co Westmeath |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/07/30/two-men-have-died-in-helicopter-crash-in-co-westmeath/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref>

==Operators== [[File:SE-JVH Bell 505.jpg|thumb|At Stockholm Bromma Airport, Sweden]] thumb|Bell 505 at Meggido Airfield thumb|Bell 505 in Texas, USA ''Partial listing'' ;{{ANG}} *BestFly Airline, delivered in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=africairweb |date=2022-11-30 |title=Delivery of first Bell 505 to West Africa |url=https://africair.com/delivery-of-first-bell-505-to-west-africa/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Africair, Inc. |language=en-US}}</ref> ;{{AUS}} * Nautilus Aviation, received 2 in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bell Delivers First 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopters into Asia Pacific |url=https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2018/Bell-Delivers-First-505-Jet-Ranger-X-Helicopters-into-Asia-Pacific/default.aspx}}</ref> ;{{Flag|Bahrain}} *Bahrain Air Force - received three Bell 505s in February 2023.<ref name="flightglobal.com">{{cite web | url=https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2023/BELL-505-HELICOPTERS-DELIVERED-TO-THE-KINGDOM-OF-BAHRAIN/default.aspx | title=Bell 505 Helicopters Delivered to the Kingdom of Bahrain }}</ref> ;{{CAN}} *Delivered 2017<ref name="skiesmag.com"/> ;{{flag|Ethiopia}} *Delivered in 2021<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leeuwen |first=Marcel van |date=2021-07-13 |title=Bell delivers first Bell 505 to Ethiopia |url=https://aviationnews.eu/news/2021/07/bell-delivers-first-bell-505-to-ethiopia/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Aviation News |language=en-US}}</ref> ;{{IDN}} *Indonesian Navy - received two Bell 505s in December 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eugene |first=Tan |date=2021-12-08 |title=Bell Delivers Two Bell 505 Helicopters to the Indonesian Navy |url=http://news.bellflight.com/en-US/207786-bell-delivers-two-bell-505-helicopters-to-the-indonesian-navy |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=Bell newsroom |language=en}}</ref> ;{{IRQ}} *Iraqi Army Aviation Command - 15<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2025/10/18/iraq-receives-second-batch-of-bell-helicopters/|title=Iraq Receives Second Batch of Bell Helicopters |date=18 October 2025 |publisher=Iraq Business News}}</ref> ;{{JAM}} *Jamaica Defence Force - ordered six Bell 505s in February 2021 for support of public safety operations and training.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bell Announces Sale of Six Bell 505s to Jamaica Defence Force |date=February 8, 2021 |url=https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/196405-bell-announces-sale-of-six-bell-505s-to-jamaica-defence-force |publisher=Bell Textron |access-date=March 27, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Alport |first=Dave |title=Military News |magazine=Air International |date=April 2021 |volume=100 |issue=4 |page=10 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref> ;{{JOR}} *Royal Jordanian Air Force, received Bell 505 in November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-23 |title=The Royal Jordanian Air Force Receives Its First Five Bell 505 Ranger X Helicopters |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2023/11/23/the-royal-jordanian-air-force-receives-its-first-five-bell-505-ranger-x-helicopters/ |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=Overt Defense |language=en-CA}}</ref> ;{{JPN}} *Japan Coast Guard - received four Bell 505s in April 2018.<ref name=ai1218p589>{{Harvnb|Frain|2018|pp=58–59}}</ref> ;{{KOR}} *Used as trainer by South Korean Army and Navy from 2023 .<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/214507-republic-of-korea-selects-bell-505-as-its-new-military-helicopter-trainer | title=Republic of Korea Selects Bell 505 as its New Military Helicopter Trainer | date=May 17, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2022/05/18/south-korea-selects-bells-505-helicopter-for-military-training/ | title=South Korea selects Bell's 505 helicopter for military training | date=May 23, 2022 }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Huber |first=Mark |title=Bell Delivers First Batch of Forty 505 Helicopters to Korea |date=November 13, 2023|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-11-13/bell-delivers-first-batch-forty-505-helicopters-korea |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=Aviation International News}}</ref> ;{{MNE}} *Montenegrin Air Force - received first of two Bell 505s in September 2020,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/montenegro-receives-first-bell-505-helicopter|title=Montenegro receives first Bell 505 helicopter|publisher=IHS Jane's|date=September 17, 2020|access-date=September 17, 2020}}</ref> and second in March 2021.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Alport |first=Dave |title=Military News |magazine=Air International |date=April 2021 |volume=100 |issue=4 |page=12 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref> ;{{NPL}} *Simrik Air, delivered in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cuenca |first=Oliver |title=Simrik Air receives Bell 505 |url=https://www.airmedandrescue.com/latest/news/simrik-air-receives-bell-505 |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=AirMed&Rescue |language=en}}</ref> ;{{NZL}} *Oceania Aviation, delivered in 2018<ref>{{Cite web |title=Second Bell 505 Jet Ranger X In New Zealand |url=https://www.helicopterinvestor.com/news/92910/second-bell-505-jet-ranger-x-in-new-zealand/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Helicopter Investor |language=en-US}}</ref> ;{{Flagu|Uganda}} * BAR Aviation Uganda<ref>{{cite web| work=BAR Aviation Uganda | url=https://www.baraviationug.com/fleet/ |title=Rotary Wing Aircraft Fleet |author=Bar Aviation Uganda |date=26 October 2023 | access-date=26 October 2023 |location=Entebbe, Uganda}}</ref> ;{{SIN}} *Systematic Aviation Services{{cn|date=November 2025}} thumb|A Bell 505 in Singapore thumb|Bell 505 Jetranger X of Heli Alps at EBACE 2019, Switzerland ;{{CHE}} *Mountainflyers<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Edward |date=2021-03-19 |title=Exploring the Swiss Alps with a Bell 505 |url=https://news.dupontregistry.com/the-lifestyle/aviation/exploring-the-swiss-alps-with-a-bell-505/ |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=duPont REGISTRY News |language=en-US}}</ref> *Heli Alps<ref>{{Cite web |title=HB-ZYN Bell 505 by swissheli.com |url=http://www.swissheli.com/history/hb-zyn.htm |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=www.swissheli.com}}</ref> ;{{Flagu|United States}} *Alameda County Sheriff's Office<ref>{{cite press release|title=Alameda County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit Begins Operating First Public Safety Configured Bell 505 Jet Ranger X|url=https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/191182-alameda-county-sheriff-s-office-air-support-unit-begins-operating-first-public-safety-configu|location=Fort Worth, TX|publisher=Bell Helicopter|date=August 27, 2020|access-date=August 30, 2020}}</ref> *Butte County Sheriff's Office<ref>{{cite web|title=Butte County Air Operations|url=https://www.buttesar.org/air-operations/|location=Chico, CA|publisher=Butte County Sheriff's Office|date=May 20, 2022|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref> *Fort Worth Police Department<ref>{{cite news|title=One of Fort Worth's biggest companies built this helicopter for Fort Worth police|url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/aviation/article248372570.html|publisher=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|date=January 8, 2021|access-date=January 11, 2021}}</ref> *Sacramento Police Department<ref name=ai1218p58>{{Harvnb|Frain|2018|p=58}}</ref> *Stockton Police Department<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.recordnet.com/news/20190722/this-is-game-changer-stockton-police-unveil-falcon-one-zero-its-first-ever-helicopter|title=Stockton Police unveil Falcon One-Zero|website=Recordnet}}</ref> *Spokane County Sheriff's Department<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jun/03/spokane-county-sheriffs-department-unveils-its-lat/|title=Spokane County Sheriff Unveils Latest Gadget|website=Spokesman}}</ref> *Los Angeles Fire Department<ref>{{cite web | url=https://aerialfiremag.com/2023/01/31/lafd-bell-505/ | title=LAFD Bell 505 Spotted in New Mexico | AerialFire Magazine | date=January 31, 2023 }}</ref> *Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation commission<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/florida-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-commissions-aviation-unit-gets-two-bell-505s/|title=Florida's FWC signs for two Bell 505s}}</ref> ;{{VIE}} *Vietnam Helicopter Corporation received two Bell 505s on May 13, 2019<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vietnam launches tourism flights with Bell 505 Jet Ranger X|url=https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/vietnam-launches-tourism-flights-with-bell-505-jet-ranger-x/|access-date=2020-12-10|website=Vertical Mag|language=en-US}}</ref> remains one, one lost to crash on 6 April 2023.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=VnExpress |title=Tourist helicopter crashes in Vietnam, two dead - VnExpress International |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/tourist-helicopter-crashes-in-vietnam-two-dead-4589955.html |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=VnExpress |title=Pilot's body found in tourist helicopter crash near Ha Long Bay - VnExpress International |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/pilot-s-body-found-in-tourist-helicopter-crash-near-ha-long-bay-4590016.html |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam |language=en}}</ref>

===Future operators=== * {{flag|Philippines}}: In May 2026, it was reported that a P9.2 billion ($150 million) sale was approved through the Foreign Military Sales program.<ref>https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/05/06/2526061/us-clears-sale-bell-505-helicopters-philippines</ref>

==Specifications== {{Aircraft specs |ref=Jet Ranger X<ref name=ai1218p59>{{Harvnb|Frain|2018|p=59}}</ref> |prime units?=imp

|crew=one pilot<ref name=Bell505/> |capacity=four passengers<ref name=Bell505/> |length m= |length ft=42 |length in=5 |length note= |height m= |height ft=10 |height in=8 |height note= |empty weight kg= |empty weight lb= 2180 |empty weight note= |gross weight kg= |gross weight lb= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg= |max takeoff weight lb= 3680 |max takeoff weight note= (Internal load), {{convert|4475|lb|kg|abbr=on}} (external load)

|fuel capacity= |more general=*'''Useful load:''' {{convert|1500|lb|kg|abbr=on}}

|max speed kmh= |max speed mph= |max speed kts=125 |max speed note=(max cruise) |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed mph= |cruise speed kts= |cruise speed note= |range km= |range miles= |range nmi=333 |range note=at {{convert|4000|ft|m|abbr=on}} |ferry range km= |ferry range miles= |ferry range nmi= |ferry range note= |endurance= |ceiling m= |ceiling ft=18610 |ceiling note=at {{convert|3680|lb|kg|abbr=on}} |g limits= |roll rate= |climb rate ms= |climb rate ftmin= |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |sink rate ms= |sink rate ftmin= |sink rate note= |lift to drag= |disk loading kg/m2= |disk loading lb/sqft= |disk loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |fuel consumption lb/mi= |power/mass=

|more performance=

|avionics= }}

==See also== {{aircontent |see also= |related= * Bell 206 |similar aircraft= * Eurocopter EC120 Colibri * Robinson R66 |lists= }}

==References== {{Reflist}}

*{{cite magazine|last = Frain |first = Ian |title = Jet Ranger X |magazine = Air International |date = December 2018 |volume = 95 |issue = 6 |pages=56–59 |issn= 0306-5634 }}

== External links ==

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BHlffjIpZI Flight over the Swiss Alps in a Bell 505 Jetranger X] * [https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/type/B505 Accidents, crashes]

==External links== {{Commons category|Bell 505}} * {{official website|http://www.bellhelicopter.com/Commercial/bell-505}} * {{cite news|url= http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/pilot-report-bell-s-new-jet-ranger-x|title= Pilot Report: Bell's New Jet Ranger X|date= Apr 27, 2017|author= Aaron Smith|work=Business & Commercial Aviation|publisher= Aviation Week Network}} * {{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/sites/default/files/pdf/ain_2018_pilotreport_bell505_v.pdf |title= Pilot Report: Bell 505 Jet Ranger X |author= Alexa Rexroth |date= March 19, 2018 |work= AIN |access-date= March 21, 2018 |archive-date= September 19, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210919204406/https://www.ainonline.com/sites/default/files/pdf/ain_2018_pilotreport_bell505_v.pdf |url-status= dead }}

505 Jet Ranger X Category:2010s Canadian civil utility aircraft Category:2010s Canadian helicopters Category:Single-turbine helicopters Category:Aircraft first flown in 2014 Category:Single-rotor helicopters Category:Aircraft with skid landing gear