Bell 525 Relentless
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Al Ain
Originally Posted by the Sultan
With fake outrage the editor of the Helihub website generated an open letter "shaming" Bell for promoting the 525 as an EC225 replacement (see below):
19 May, 16, Source: HeliHub.com
Respected aviation media outlet Aviation International News has run a story quoting Bell saying that their new 525 Relentless helicopter, currently under development, is a “Super Puma replacement”. Helihub.com has requested validation of the quote from Bell, but despite opening our email within one minute of sending it over four hours prior to us publishing this piece, the company has failed to respond. We cannot believe that Aviation International News would publish wording they cannot stand by, so we have to assume the quote is correct.
How can a manufacturer of the standing of Bell stoop so low as to malign a competitor aircraft at a time when there is a significant safety focus on the AS332/H225 following the accident near Bergen in Norway on 29th April?
Now that the latest EC225 info on the latest fatal crash points to a design deficiency and the 225 is looking at another extended grounding at best (despite Airbus's press releases saying nothing to see here all is fine just a mechanic screw up), Helihub should apologize to Bell and request Airbus to apologize to all maintainers. I know they won't because they would loose all that "advertising" (payoff) money.
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 1
From: 1 Dunghill Mansions, Putney
Leathernecks deploying in a C-17, sans tactical vests. Those five-across seating pallets are 108 inches wide. For comparison, the 525's cabin width is 91 inches, so 16% narrower.
I/C
I/C
Joined: Jun 2014
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 3,899
Likes: 86
From: Netherlands
I believe Gurkha's have a higher operating ceiling without a Bell strapped to their backs.
Bell 12.000 Ft. (From a quick tour of the Bell spec)
Perhaps Vertical Freedom can tell more about the Gurkha's?
Cheers SLB
Bell 12.000 Ft. (From a quick tour of the Bell spec)
Perhaps Vertical Freedom can tell more about the Gurkha's?
Cheers SLB
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 768
Likes: 45
From: Montreal
Fuzzy memory, but the internal cabin width on an S76 was 76 inches and we'd jam 4 across in the pre-Sumburgh days. Then the 139 came out with a 80 wide cabin and we flew 5 across. So 91 for the 525 should be plenty for 5 across in some applications, just like the 189 at a slightly roomier 94. Operators don't care, it is a contract/regulator restriction to max 4 across for offshore whether it is a 332, 92, 189 or 525. NS rig pigs are double the mass of a typical Macao gambler.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,205
Likes: 276
From: GMT
The 525 will be a great aircraft, and will no doubt have numerous military applications, but the published fit is fantasy.
Its fine if the troops are in clean fatigue, but they never are - why would you want a helicopter to take you somewhere with no personal equipment? most troops will be wearing body armour, chest rigs or assault vests, drop leg holsters, probably some kind on daysack or back mounted equipment and for more than 24 hours, they will have rucks/bergans - there is no floor area to place them.
And they need to pray there is no heavy weapons platoon......
Its fine if the troops are in clean fatigue, but they never are - why would you want a helicopter to take you somewhere with no personal equipment? most troops will be wearing body armour, chest rigs or assault vests, drop leg holsters, probably some kind on daysack or back mounted equipment and for more than 24 hours, they will have rucks/bergans - there is no floor area to place them.
And they need to pray there is no heavy weapons platoon......
Joined: Aug 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 9,334
Likes: 2,182
From: Texas
Unless the Army writes a spec for that kind of troop transport, I see only foreign sales as potential options when the 525 goes live/gets certified. The Army is already looking into two other platforms for the tactical transport: Valor and Defiant.
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 21
From: Beyond the black stump!
Rather interesting bit of information on not bidding the USAF UH-1N replacement contract, that appears without any formal announcement that I've seen. The 525 would have appeared to be a serious contender for this mission.
Maybe they think it'll go through multiple bids and they'll still be in with a chance later? Bell Helicopter Declines to Compete for Huey Replacement Program
Maybe they think it'll go through multiple bids and they'll still be in with a chance later? Bell Helicopter Declines to Compete for Huey Replacement Program
Joined: Jun 2014
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 3,899
Likes: 86
From: Netherlands
Maybe they think it'll go through multiple bids and they'll still be in with a chance later? Bell Helicopter Declines to Compete for Huey Replacement Program
The contract award is expected at the end of May 2018 with deliveries beginning in 2019, industry sources have said.
I don't think that is feasible.
I think the 525 is simply not ready in time.
Cheers SLB
Joined: Dec 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 724
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From: Arlington, Tx. US