Bell Textron 505 Jet Ranger X

Single Rotorcraft

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X represents Bell's modern reimagining of the legendary Jet Ranger lineage for the 21st century, entering service in 2017 as a clean-sheet design rather than an evolution of the venerable Model 206. Powered by a single Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft engine with dual-channel FADEC, the 505 was engineered from the outset for simplified operation and reduced pilot workload, featuring a Garmin G1000H NXi glass cockpit—a first for Bell's light single-engine helicopters. Its spacious five-seat cabin and flat floor make it popular for corporate transport, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and flight training. The 505's performance envelope includes a maximum cruise speed of 125 knots, a service ceiling of 13,400 feet, and a range of approximately 300 nautical miles with standard fuel. Its rotor system employs composite main rotor blades and a two-bladed teetering design optimized for hot-and-high operations, while the skid landing gear keeps acquisition and maintenance costs competitive with piston helicopters. The type competes directly with the Airbus H125 and Robinson R66 in the light single-turbine market, offering a blend of modern avionics, proven Bell reliability, and lower operating costs than its predecessor, the Bell 206L-4. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.