Bell positions 505 as military trainer – but not for the US

FARNBOROUGH, England – Bell helicopter has been quietly marketing its 505 commercial chopper as a potential military trainer around the globe, but executives believe it is not the right design for a potential American Navy helicopter trainer program just getting underway.

Bell president and CEO Mitch Snyder told reporters at the Farnborough Airshow that his company is actively offering the 505 as a trainer to several militaries around the world, although he declined to say which ones.

“When you look at militaries that are wanting a low-cost trainer solution, we’re showing off that that capability is there,” Snyder said Monday. “You know, it’s a great aircraft. The cost per flight hour is fantastic. So, it would be a great trainer.”

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The 505 is a light helicopter with a 125 knots cruising speed and 1,500 pounds of load, designed for up to five people. It has only been purchased for commercial use so far.

However, Snyder noted that the early requirements from the U.S. Navy means Bell still believes its 407 design is the best option for the U.S.

The 407 has a cruising speed of 140 knots, with 2,550 pounds of useful space and room for up to six people, making it a larger aircraft than the 505.

The Navy announced earlier this year that it plans to buy a new training helicopter in fiscal 2020. For years, the service has put out requests for information asking industry for training helicopter options with the latest coming out in October 2017.

That RFI left some requirements ambiguous such as whether the aircraft should have one or two engines, but has asked for the helicopter to be Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) certified, an obvious requirement when flying over sea or in reduced visibility. It’s also assumed the Navy wants a commercial off-the-shelf aircraft.

Bell manufactures the incumbent TH-57 training helicopter used by the Navy.

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