Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
Well I hope all those who slagged this Helicoper off saying it wouldn’t go fast , wouldn’t lift 900kg , wouldn’t get built etc etc are now eating humble pie ( hat) !!
I had a good poke and prod at the 505 parked at RotorTech 2018 on the Sunshine Coast today, and got some replies to a few questions such as the 900kg on the hook; apparently the Max Gross is increased by 360kg for load ops, and an operator in NZ is reported as working 700-760kg with an hour and a half of fuel.
The interior is very reminiscent of the EC120, although a bit more basic with little in the way of trim: even the solid overhead (no windows there) looks likely to be a source of drumming noise and just looks dismal. Seats are comfortable but I was told that prior to take off the front seats must be adjusted fully forward; but maybe I misunderstood as it seems a peculiar requirement.
Luggage access is on the pilot's side and fuel on the left side, a reversal of the JR family: the access door for the luggage is relatively small and certainly won't allow large cases to be loaded, eg production company's Pelican cases or large suitcases. The fuel filler is recessed under a flush cover, with what seems to be a large unused area at the top of the tank. Ripe for an after market range extender?
The skids are very average and will be a challenge for most pilots if landing on a trolley, as the skid toe is pretty much level with the pilot's backside and well out of the line of sight. As mentioned the tail treatment is very average, and a tail cone cover is Work In Progress.
Very superficial observations, the Bell pilot is of the opinion that it flies very nicely at 120-125kias, but thinks most operators will stick around 115 cruise for better fuel economy.
My two cents worth: and apparently the current new price is up around $US1.3mil, and fully optioned will bump that out to $US1.4 - 1.5.
The interior is very reminiscent of the EC120, although a bit more basic with little in the way of trim: even the solid overhead (no windows there) looks likely to be a source of drumming noise and just looks dismal. Seats are comfortable but I was told that prior to take off the front seats must be adjusted fully forward; but maybe I misunderstood as it seems a peculiar requirement.
Luggage access is on the pilot's side and fuel on the left side, a reversal of the JR family: the access door for the luggage is relatively small and certainly won't allow large cases to be loaded, eg production company's Pelican cases or large suitcases. The fuel filler is recessed under a flush cover, with what seems to be a large unused area at the top of the tank. Ripe for an after market range extender?
The skids are very average and will be a challenge for most pilots if landing on a trolley, as the skid toe is pretty much level with the pilot's backside and well out of the line of sight. As mentioned the tail treatment is very average, and a tail cone cover is Work In Progress.
Very superficial observations, the Bell pilot is of the opinion that it flies very nicely at 120-125kias, but thinks most operators will stick around 115 cruise for better fuel economy.
My two cents worth: and apparently the current new price is up around $US1.3mil, and fully optioned will bump that out to $US1.4 - 1.5.
With all the extras it will be around $1.6 as a guess . I didn’t bother with synthetic vision and TCAS but went for Radalt , Frahm damper and hook provisions.
Think 900kg is possible with standard weight pilot and 40 mins fuel so probably one drop at a time .... but still impressive!!
Think 900kg is possible with standard weight pilot and 40 mins fuel so probably one drop at a time .... but still impressive!!
Irrelevant I think ! You are also higher than the used S76 , A 109 Power . And you could buy 3 Agusta 109 Mk2 ,s for the same price !!!! Mine is now below £350k fresh out of annual !!
or flashy I chickened out and went for the dark blue with tan leather ... classic ! May do a crazy wrap if I can find out more about it and check legals but being on the G it is bound to be a no !!!
Ps Did cruise the other day at steady 130 knots right on edge of yellow line !
Ps Did cruise the other day at steady 130 knots right on edge of yellow line !
Join Date: May 2010
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John, I had a look at one at Warbirds over Wanaka early this year and from what i understand you need to push the seat right back to be able to get in and out easily, which is why you slide it forward for flight. I think its a W&B thing, and i guess where you can reach the pedals.
I climbed in with the seat right forward, it was a bit difficult, as the door pillar is in the way, but not sure how easy that is going to make it to sling out of? or what happens if you crash and cant slide the seat back....
I climbed in with the seat right forward, it was a bit difficult, as the door pillar is in the way, but not sure how easy that is going to make it to sling out of? or what happens if you crash and cant slide the seat back....
John, I had a look at one at Warbirds over Wanaka early this year and from what i understand you need to push the seat right back to be able to get in and out easily, which is why you slide it forward for flight. I think its a W&B thing, and i guess where you can reach the pedals.
I climbed in with the seat right forward, it was a bit difficult, as the door pillar is in the way, but not sure how easy that is going to make it to sling out of? or what happens if you crash and cant slide the seat back....
I climbed in with the seat right forward, it was a bit difficult, as the door pillar is in the way, but not sure how easy that is going to make it to sling out of? or what happens if you crash and cant slide the seat back....
That makes sense, maybe I wasn't listening: as usual.
There's another 505 down at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, but the crowds have put me off bothering to visit. May be worth having a look if it has an overall better interior although the one at RotorTech has the leather seats and they looked quite smart.
Our hook is rated for 3500lbs, but it does not mean we're able to lift anywhere close to that legally or not...
I'll order pie when I see it lift a 900kg air conditioner
Otherwise, I doubt you'll be doing that sort of work so it should probably be a great machine for you. All the best with it.