Fort Worth, Texas (March 10, 2016) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced continued program performance and outstanding customer response for the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X.

Launched at HELI-EXPO 2014, the program has moved from a mockup to prototype in less than two years. Flight testing is underway and the company is making significant progress toward type certification.

“The Bell 505 program is proceeding with velocity. This helicopter will exceed customer desires, combining proven capabilities with leading edge technologies,” said Matt Hasik, Bell Helicopter’s executive vice president of Commercial Business. “Our customers asked for high performance and high value, and the Bell 505 delivers.”

Three flight test vehicles have amassed more than 575 flight hours and work has begun to prepare for low-rate initial production at the Louisiana Assembly Center which opened last year in Lafayette, Louisiana.  Additionally, engine partner Turbomecca received EASA type certification for the Arrius 2 R engine which will power the Bell 505.

SALES

“Customer response to this aircraft has been inspiring,” said Patrick Moulay, Bell Helicopter’s vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Since launching the program, we have received more letters of intent for the Bell 505 than our competitors have delivered for short light single helicopters in the past two years combined.”

With advancements in safety, performance and capability at roughly $1M price point, the Bell 505 has received more than 350 letters of intent (LOI) from around the world. Since January Bell Helicopter has received additional letters of intent from customers in North America, the Middle East, China and Puerto Rico.