US approves Bell 505 sale to Philippines for pilot training

Equipped with a glass cockpit and avionics, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X can be employed as a trainer platform. (Bell Textron)

The US State Department has approved a sale of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to enhance pilot training.

The State Department said on 5 May that the Philippine government has requested the purchase of the helicopters plus spare parts, sustainment and associated equipment. The proposed sale, to be conducted under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, has an estimated value of USD150 million.

The State Department did not specify the number of helicopters requested. However, support requirements outlined in the notification indicate a fleet of up to 22 aircraft, with integrated logistics support (ILS), tools, and ground support equipment for two operating bases supporting operations of 200 hours annually per aircraft over five years.

Ground and flight training for 22 pilots is also included. Personnel will receive training in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and helicopter upset recovery (HUR), the State Department said. It added that six other personnel will receive maintenance training and will be included in the Bell 505 maintenance officer course.

The proposed sale also includes Bell 505 Veris flight simulators, an ILS package for five years, and operator and maintenance training for six personnel. Twenty-two personnel are to receive training in field maintenance, integrated avionics, component maintenance, and Safran engine maintenance.

The sale also includes delivery and reassembly of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters, and other related elements of logistics and programme support.