Bell(e) of the Bahrain Ball
November 15, 2024
The five-seat Bell 505, previously known as the Jet Ranger X, and before that as the as the Bell SLS (Short Light Single), was designed as a light utility, executive/passenger and law enforcement helicopter to replace the original Model 206 Jet Ranger. It is increasingly being selected by air forces for use as a pilot trainer.
On 15 March 2023, Bell Textron announced that the ‘first of three’ Bell 505s had been delivered to the Royal Bahrain Air Force for helicopter pilot training. These are now operated by No.10 Squadron at Rifa. There has been speculation that more may be on order.
Other military operators include the Montenegrin Air Force which received first of two Bell 505s in September 2020, and the second in March 2021. The Indonesian Navy received two Bell 505s in December 2021, and the South Korean Army and Navy have operated the type since 2023. The Royal Jordanian Air Force, received the first of ten Bell 505s in November 2023, and the Iraqi Army Aviation Command has 15 on order, receiving the first seven in July 2024. Six Bell 505s were ordered by the Jamaica Defence Force for the support of public safety operations and training.
RBAF Commander Major General Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al Khalifa observed that: “Meanwhile the new Bell 505 helicopters are very good for lead in helicopter training and we might order more, but the priorities right now are the new F-16s and the new Patriots. We have payments to make!”
The Royal Bahrain Air Force became the third operator of the Bell 505 in the Middle East following the UAE’s Horizon International Flight Academy (which flies 12 from Al Ain), and the Royal Jordanian Air Force which has ten.
Our thanks go to AGN’s good friend Tim Robinson, editor of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s magazine, ‘Aerospace’ for generously providing photos accompanying this piece. Thanks Tim!
