Bell Helicopter has unveiled what it bills as the world’s first “super-medium” helicopter with the launch of the Bell 525 ‘Relentless’.
Aimed at the offshore oil and gas industry, the 16 passenger twin features a range of more than 400nm and a top speed near 150kt. Bell pitches the aircraft as offering the economics of a medium helicopter with the comfort and capabilities of a larger machine.
Offshore helicopter service provider PHi has been announced as launch customer for the 525, though Bell has yet to begin taking orders. The company said the 525 will also be offered in configurations for search and rescue, emergency medical services and VIP/corporate transport.
The 525 will feature the state-of-the-art new ARC Horizon glass flightdeck coupled with an advanced fly-by-wire flight control system and the Garmin G5000H integrated avionics suite. It will be powered by GE CT7-2F1 engines.
