The Bell 505 cargo hook has been approved by EASA to carry up to 2,000 pounds, giving the aircraft an external gross weight capability of 4,475 pounds.

“The cargo hook capabilities are an important enhancement for the aircraft and an added capability for utility and public safety operations,” says Duncan Van De Velde, MD for Europe and Russia. “The Bell 505 is built for versatility and being able to adapt quickly, and the cargo hook will be a great addition for our utility customers in Europe.”

In November 2018 Storm Heliworks, a helicopter operator based in Sweden, tested out the 505 cargo hook while in Canada. The company performed a wide range of specialised operations, such as building power lines, clearing trees from power lines, forest inspections, mosquito control and firefighting.

“Our experience with flying the 505 was very positive and it proved to be an excellent aircraft for our missions,” explains Dennis Sundqvist, Storm Heliworks deputy flight operating manager. “Cargo hooks are pertinent for our work. The Bell 505 is the strongest helicopter we've flown for its size, and we're excited to see this added capability for the aircraft certified.”

One of Bell's North American 505 operators, Rocky Mountain Rotors, utilises its 505 cargo hook for SAR and utility missions. “The Bell 505 is very diversified as far as the missions it can do,” says founder, co-owner and chief pilot Mark Taylor. Rocky Mountain Rotors provides helicopter services in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. “There's been multiple times we've had to turn it into a cargo ship versus a passenger ship, and most of those times it's involved search and rescue. The performance of the helicopter is impressive. There's a big pricing difference between a 505 and a long light single's cost of operations. “If I need to move more weight, I'm looking at my larger single engine aircraft, but the 505 is right there as a contender, and I can operate it for quite a bit less than the other aircraft. Being competitive with an aircraft that's capable of performing in rugged terrain in Montana, it definitely has helped.”

With a speed of 125 kts and useful load of 1,500 pounds, the Bell 505 is designed to be safe and easy to fly while providing value to the operator. The customer-driven design of the aircraft places safety, performance and affordability at the forefront, blending proven systems with advanced technology and a sleek, modern design.