Bell is collaborating with Norwegian oil and gas operator Wintershall Dea Norge to bring enhanced helicopter operational safety to the North Sea.

“Working together with Bell, we believe we will challenge industry norms and create a new standard of innovation in the oil and gas industry and North Sea operations,” says Wintershall Dea vice president, Bell 525 programme Byron Ward. “The technology integrated into the 525 is a generational leap forward and will revolutionise its operations.”

Bell designed the Bell 525 with fly-by-wire flight controls, industry leading drive system performance and fully integrated vehicle health monitoring. It has removed all high speed drives from the main rotor gearbox and put them in independent and redundant reduction and accessory drive gearboxes. This greatly simplifies the main rotor gearbox and minimises failure modes.

“Wintershall Dea is always looking into ways to improve the way the company operates. This collaboration gives us the opportunity to significantly improve how our employees travel to work offshore,” adds Wintershall Dea managing director Alv Solheim.

“Operating helicopters at the Norwegian continental shelf is demanding in terms of climate and industry regulations, as well as demanding customers and user groups. The Bell 525 is introducing a new technology level for helicopters to service the transport and SAR requirements there,” adds Ole Petter Bakken of the Norwegian Aviation & Defense Group, Bell's representative in Norway.

The Bell 525 offers a smooth ride and fast cruise speeds, and base oil and gas configured seating for 16 passengers is 20” wide. Furthermore, every passenger has good visibility and can touch their respective emergency exit window.

Senior vice president, commercial business, international Patrick Moulay notes: “The Bell 525 was designed with the oil and gas market in mind and we see an opportunity for the aircraft to enhance safety and efficiency of operations through 525 technology.”