Bell 505 visits Bordes
Bell’s new light single-engine rotorcraft landed in front of the Joseph Szydlowski plant in Bordes (France) today. The Bell 505 is equipped with a Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft.
The Bell team was welcomed by Nicolas Billecocq, Safran Helicopter Engines Vice President Light Helicopter Engines Program. “Watching the Arrius-powered Bell land right in front of our factory is both an emotional moment and a powerful symbol of the new partnership that binds Bell and Safran into an innovative and competitive team”, commented Nicolas Billecocq.
After visiting the production areas, the Bell team briefed over 300 Safran employees on the B505 program.
The Bell 505 is currently involved in a large demonstration tour across Europe. With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h), a range of 340 nautical miles (629 km) and a useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the helicopter is designed to be safe and easy to fly, while providing significant value to the operator.
Its Arrius 2R is designed to deliver performance and power throughout the 500 shp range, while improving safety and lowering pilot workload via its dual-channel FADEC. It is the only turbine in the power range with this feature. Built around a proven core engine, the twin-module configuration delivers high reliability, with low maintenance and operating costs.
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