Newly acquired aircraft will be configured to support public safety missions

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has purchased six Bell 505 helicopters from Bell Textron Inc.

The Texas-based company revealed today that it has signed a purchase agreement for the six Bell 505 aircraft for the JDF.

Bell Textron said the purchase agreement was signed earlier today.

The newly acquired Bell 505s will be configured to support public safety missions in country and will be used by the Force’s Caribbean Military Aviation School (CMAS) to train international rotorcraft pilots.

New helicopters will supplement existing fleet

The new Bell 505 helicopters will supplement the JDF’s existing fleet of Bell 429s.

“Bell and JDF share a rich history of more than 55 years, and we are committed to delivering the most advanced and economically viable aircraft on the market,” said Nicholas Peffer, managing director of Bell Textron Inc. Latin America.

Peffer added that “the Bell 505 is a proven asset for public safety operations around the world. We look forward to growing our long-standing relationship with JDF and sustaining their forces with the highest quality aircraft for many more years to come”.

In 1963, the JDF began its operations with two Bell 47G aircraft and has expanded its fleet and relationship with Bell throughout the years. This new aircraft delivery will grow JDF’s current fleet to 10 Bell helicopters, which serve in search-and-rescue missions, medical evacuations, natural disaster relief, national security and military training operations.

“Expanding our Bell fleet to incorporate the Bell 505 adds more versatility to our capability portfolio and supports our mission to protect and serve the citizens of Jamaica,” stated Lt. Colonel Brian Lundy, commanding officer of the Air Wing, JDF.

Lundy remarked that, “our team of pilots and maintenance technicians are extremely happy with the training, support and customer service from Bell”. 

Specifics of the new helicopters

With a speed of 125 knots (232 kilometers per hour) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms), the Bell 505 is Bell Textron’s newest five-seat aircraft designed for safety, efficiency and reliability using advanced avionics technology.

Its similarities with the Bell 429 platform allow for a smooth pilot transition as the JDF begins training operations. With a Garmin G1000, the platform shares similar avionics with JDF’s Fixed Wing Trainer aircraft and reduces pilot workload, enhancing the students’ learning experience.