South Korea to train with Bell 505
South Korean army and navy pilots will train with the Bell 505. (Photo: Bell)
The new helicopters will replace decades-old training platforms to train South Korean army and navy pilots.
South Korea's Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed a KRW170 billion ($132.6 million) deal with Bell Textron Asia to purchase 40 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters and eight simulators on 6 May.
Seoul will receive the full order by 2025 to train its army and navy pilots. Pilots will begin using the new rotorcraft as early as next year.
‘The introduction of new helicopters is expected to address concerns about safety accidents caused by the operation of ageing training helicopters,’ DAPA official Lee Jong-hwa said in a 16 May statement.
South Korea currently uses MD 500 and UH-1H helicopters to train army and navy pilots, respectively.
The Bell 505 is equipped with a Garmin G1000H integrated avionics suite and dual-channel full-authority digital engine control.
It has a high-inertia rotor system and is designed with a flat floor, increased cabin volume and clamshell doors to undertake various missions.
The Bell 505 was confirmed through the third round of bidding. The first and second bids had failed because candidates offered by foreign aircraft makers did not meet DAPA's required performance and price.
More from Training
-
![UK to expand weapons training for Ukraine]()
UK to expand weapons training for Ukraine
Ukrainian soldiers are being trained in the UK on artillery and Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems.
-
![New Zealand Army to select BISim]()
New Zealand Army to select BISim
Bohemia Interactive Simulations will deliver the contract through its local subsidiary and will provide New Zealand with a common simulation software.
-
![Rheinmetall to announce LVCTS team]()
Rheinmetall to announce LVCTS team
A new land vehicle training system for the Canadian Army will transfer a substantial amount of individual and collective live training to simulations. Once the LVCTS is fully operational, it will serve as the flagship interface for CA’s future live, virtual and constructive training environment.
-
![Australia to begin Integrator UAS training course]()
Australia to begin Integrator UAS training course
The Australian Army’s first Integrator UAS Pilot course is an important part of the Land 129 Phase 3 effort to ensure operational readiness.
-
![UK and Japan to strengthen ties with naval training]()
UK and Japan to strengthen ties with naval training
As the Royal Navy increases its presence in the Pacific and threats grow across the world, Japan and the UK believe closer cooperation is necessary to promote maritime order.
-
![USAF aims to integrate joint ops principles into military education]()
USAF aims to integrate joint ops principles into military education
Air University representatives travelled to Hurlburt Field to begin initial discussions on joint all-domain operations principles implementation at all levels of USAF Professional Military Education.
