SOFEX Appearance a Success for Textron Brand

Bell Textron has sold 10 of its Bell 505 helicopters to the RJAF at the The Special Operations Forces Exhibition & Conference (SOFEX) in Aqaba, Jordan. 

The contract will include delivery of the aircraft alongside a "comprehensive computer-based flight training package" and flight training device for basic and advanced rotorcraft training. This year, the 13th annual SOFEX proved to be a profitable trip for the company.

Established at the behest of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the conference brings in a number of defense contractors from all over the world to demonstrate new toys and fresh innovations in national security. The Bell 505 may not have fresh, show-stealing new tricks up its sleeve, but it remains a fine multi use aircraft, particularly in its modern incarnation. The current 505 offers full digital engine control, modern, safety-enhancing and workload-reducing avionics, and better performance than ever before - all traits that have led to more than 400 joining fleets around the world since its introduction in 2017. 

“It is with profound gratitude to the Royal Jordanian Air Force that we share news of this agreement to purchase the Bell 505s as the new helicopter trainer for the Air Force,” said Patrick Moulay, senior vice president overseeing International Commercial Sales for Bell.

“We are dedicated to the Armed Forces, the Air Force, and the citizens of Jordan and offer our commitment to ensure the best of service. The Bell 505 will serve alongside the men and women of the Air Force by playing a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness of its cadets,” Sameer Rehman, Bell’s managing director over Africa and the Middle East.

“We look forward to adding the Bell 505 aircraft to our fleet and providing our pilots with one of the best possible aircraft for their training. The addition of 10 new aircraft will enable us to further expand our operations in the country, in turn increasing the capabilities of the Royal Jordanian Air Force,” said Brigadier General Mohammad F. Hiyasat of the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

FMI: www.bellflight.com