Bell delivers first 505 helicopters to Bahrain
The five-seat Bell 505 was originally designed for the utility, executive/passenger and law enforcement markets but is gaining traction as a military trainer. (Photo: Bell)
Bahrain already operates other Bell helicopter models and has now received the first three 505 aircraft.
Three Bell 505 light single-engine helicopters have been delivered to the Royal Bahrain Air Force during an inspection and acceptance event in February 2023, Bell Textron announced on 15 March.
The delivery marks the first 505 rotorcraft for the Gulf country and also includes training, tools and spare parts.
‘With low operating costs and high reliability, the Bell 505 has emerged as a customer favourite to prepare cadets for a safer and more effective transition to advanced helicopters,’ said Sameer Rehman, managing director for Africa and the Middle East at Bell.
The Bahrain Defense Force has flown the Bell 212 and multiple generations of AH-1 attack helicopters.
Other military customers for Bell 505 are Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Montenegro and South Korea.
The five-seat Bell 505 was originally designed for the utility, executive/passenger and law enforcement markets. It can reach a top speed of 125kt carrying a weight of 680kg.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
-
![Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read]()
Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read
Autonomous advantage: Unlocking the potential of VTOL UAS in the battlefield resupply role
