Bell has delivered the first three of 40 single-engine 505 Jet Ranger Xs to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The balance of the deliveries will occur between now and 2025. These helicopters will be used as trainers for the ROKN and the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA). Bell announced the contract for the helicopters in May 2022.
“The Republic of Korea Armed Forces’ decision to induct the Bell 505 is a testament to their need for an advanced helicopter training platform,” said Sameer Rehman, Bell's managing director for Asia-Pacific. Other countries using the 505 as a military trainer include Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, UAE, Montenegro, and Jordan.
Announced in 2013 and operational in 2017, more than 400 Bell 505s have been delivered, and the combined fleet has logged more than 100,000 flight hours. The 505 features the Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft engine with dual-channel fadec controls and 3,000-hour TBO, Garmin G1000H glass panel avionics, a customizable five-seat cabin, tie-downs, and two-bladed rotor system and drivetrain.