Jamaica orders Bell 505s
The Jamaican Defence Force (JDF) is growing its fleet of Bell helicopters to ten aircraft after signing a purchase agreement for six Bell 505s.
These helicopters will be configured to support public safety missions in Jamaica as well as for rotary-wing pilot training at the JDF-run Caribbean Military Aviation School (CMAS).
Bell Textron did not disclose the value of the deal when announcing it on 8 February.
The other four Bell helicopters operated by the JDF (such as the similar Bell 429) are used for SAR and medevac missions, as well as natural disaster relief, national security and military training operations.
The five-seat Bell 505 can reach a top speed of 125kt carrying weight of 680kg.
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