Bell Helicopter and Mecaer have unveiled a new VIP interior for the 505 Jet Ranger X, adding to the MAGnificent cabins already offered on the larger 429 and 525.
“It offers customers something that really makes the 505 a single-engined VIP aircraft,” says Chuck Evans, director of marketing sales and support.
Mecaer will offer several different configurations for the normally five-seat helicopter, but will have a smaller number of options available than on the larger twin-engined models.
In addition, the Silens noise reduction system, which is a key part of the MAGnificent interior on the 429 and 525, will not feature on the 505.
“It’s more about style and appearance on the interior,” says Grayson Barrows, sales and marketing director at Mecaer. “That’s the demand.”
He estimates that around 40-50% of Jet Ranger Xs could be fitted with the MAGnificent interior. “The standard helicopter comes with a very basic interior and we are hearing from clients that they want the same style and comfort on the 505 that they can have on the 429 and 525,” says Barrows.
Certification for the Safran Arrius 2R-powered 505 is scheduled for late 2016, confirms Evans, with first delivery to follow shortly after.
Production has now started at the manufacturer’s plant in Mirabel, Canada, following its transfer from Lafayette, Louisiana earlier this year.
Barrows estimates that the completion process for the MAGnificent interior could take as little as a week and costs “less than 10%” of the 505’s near $1 million list price.
Source: Flight Daily News
