Jamaica orders Bell 505 helos
Jamaica has ordered six new Bell 505 JetRanger X helicopters to be used for civilian support and pilot training operations.
The JDF augments its recently acquired Bell 429 GlobalRanger and 412 helicopters in supporting public safety, as well as using them to train international rotorcraft pilots at the Caribbean Military Aviation School. (Bell)
The JetRanger X procurement, announced by Bell on 9 February, will see the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) augment its recently acquired Bell 429 GlobalRanger and 412 helicopters in supporting public safety, as well as using them to train international rotorcraft pilots at the Caribbean Military Aviation School (CMAS).
“This new aircraft delivery will grow JDF’s current fleet to 10 Bell helicopters, which serve in search-and-rescue (SAR) missions, medical evacuations, natural disaster relief, national security, and military training operations,” Bell said. The company did not disclose a contract value or delivery timeline for the new helicopters.
The 505 is a relatively new design from Bell, although it incorporates proven dynamic components carried over from the 206 and the Garmin G1000H cockpit from the 407. It has a top speed of 125 kt, and useful load of 680 kg. The JDF is the second military operator of the type, after the Montenegrin Air Force signed for two in September 2020.
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