Montenegro to acquire two Bell 505s

The Montenegro Air Force has signed a purchase agreement for two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X light helicopters, becoming the first military operator to procure the type.

In Montenegrin service, the two aircraft will be used in a helicopter pilot training role. According to Bell, the agreement will also provide “training for three pilots in France and eight technicians” at the company’s training academy in Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft will be delivered to Montenegro through Bell’s service centre in Prague, Czech Republic.

Duncan Van De Velde, managing director of Bell’s Europe and Russia division, said: “We are proud to provide the Montenegro Air Force with exceptional products and services. The Bell 505 is a phenomenal aircraft to train new military pilots.”

Bell’s 505 Jet Ranger X is integrated with Garmin’s G1000 avionics suite and dual channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC), which provide increased safety and situational awareness during pilot training. The company adds that the Jet Ranger X can reach speeds of 144mph (232km/h) and can carry a useful load of 1,500lb (680kg).

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