UK-based Aerospeed Limited is to be the first European recipient of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, which was recently displayed in a vip configuration mock-up at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

“As a long term operator of several Bell 206s, we have been eager to find a new aircraft that combines the proven capabilities of the Jet Ranger with next generation performance and reliability,” says Steve Purchase, owner of Aerospeed. “As soon as the Bell 505 was introduced at such an affordable price point, it was an easy decision to move quickly and become one of the first customers for the new aircraft.”

The Bell 505 is a five-seat, single-engine helicopter with increased cabin volume and clam shell doors. Pilot workload is reduced by the Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine with dual channel FADEC, and the aircraft is also equipped with a Garmin G100H glass flight deck.