News
Bell 505 helicopters delivered to Kingdom of Bahrain
March 16, 2023 By Helicopters Staff
Bell’s February delivery marks the first 505 helicopters for Bahrain and includes a package with training, tooling, and spares. (Photo: Bell Textron) Bell Textron, during an inspection and acceptance event in February 2023 at its Mirabel facility delivered three Bell 505 helicopters to the Royal Bahrain Air Force.
“We are honoured to provide the Bahrain Defense Force another premiere Bell asset to train the next generation of Bahrani pilots,” said Sameer Rehman, managing director, Africa and Middle East, Bell. “Generations of Bahraini pilots have flown in Bell helicopters, and the Bell 505 will continue the tradition of excellence for years to come.”
The Bahrain Defense Force has flown the Bell 212 and multiple generations of AH-1 attack helicopters. This delivery marks the first 505 helicopters for the country and includes a package with training, tooling, and spares.
“With low operating costs and high reliability, the Bell 505 has emerged as a customer favorite to prepare cadets for a safer and more effective transition to advanced helicopters,” Rehman added.
The Kingdom of Bahrain joins other countries in the region employing the Bell 505, including Horizon International Flight Academy in the UAE which operates 12 Bell 505s, and the Royal Jordanian Air Force signed an agreement for 10 Bell 505s in November 2022. More than 30 Bell 505 helicopters operate throughout the Middle East and Africa. Additionally, the Bell 505 is the military training helicopter for the Montenegro Air Force, Republic of Korea Army and Republic of Korea Navy.
Bell has delivered more than 400 Bell 505 helicopters to domestic and international customers. The Bell 505 program has collectively achieved more than 100,000 flight hours.
