High And Hot Testing Being Conducted In Arizona And Colorado Near Completion

The Bell 505 Jetranger X helicopter is approaching the end of high-and-hot flight testing in Arizona and Colorado, according to the company.

Vertical magazine reports that, according to Bell 505 program manager David Smith, the aircraft has accumulated over 275 flight hours since its first flight in November of last year.

The Jetranger X marks Bells return to the light, single-engine helicopter market.

The high-altitude testing conducted Canon City, CO. The 14-hour ferry flight from Mirabel, Quebec to Canon City in June was the longest to be completed by the aircraft to date. In Arizona, temperatures have reached as high as 107 degrees. Smith said that the flights tests in those two states has been some of the most challenging in the program, but it has gone so well that it could be concluded as much as a month early.

A second test aircraft is set to begin load development testing this week, Smith said.

Work is also progressing on the Lafayette, LA manufacturing facility. Smith said that when it is completed and fully staffed in 2007, it will be capable of producing up to 200 aircraft per year.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com