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Montenegro Air Force adding two Bell 505s

June 10, 2020  By Helicopters Staff


Montenegro’s Air Force will add two Canadian-built Bell 505s, shown here during a demonstration, to train military pilots in the region. (Photo: Bell Textron)

The Montenegro Air Force signed a purchase agreement for two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters, which will be used to train its pilots. Under the agreement, Bell will also provide training for three pilots in France and eight technicians at the Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas.

The two 505s will be manufactured by Bell Textron Canada at its facility in Mirabel, Quebec. The sale was facilitated by Canadian Commercial Corporation, which helps domestic exporters access foreign government procurement opportunities, through a government-to-government contract. The two helicopters will then be delivered out of a Bell-owned service centre in Prague, Czech Republic.

“The Bell 505 is a phenomenal aircraft to train new military pilots,” said Duncan Van De Velde, managing director, Europe and Russia, Bell. “We thank Montenegro’s Air Force for continuing to grow its fleet with Bell aircraft. The Bell 505 will be a great addition to its program.”

Members of Bell and the procurement team during a 505 demonstration for the Montenegro Air Force. (Photo: Bell Textron)

The 505, with an adaptable cabin design, integrated Garmin avionics suite and dual channel FADEC, is rated for a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and a useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg).

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“We are proud to have the newest Bell 505 military trainer that is equipped with the latest technology in the Balkans Region,” said Colonel Nenad PAVLOVIC, Montenegro Air Force. “These aircraft will enable our pilots to better perform their public safety and other missions and to help protect our citizens.”

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