The US State Department has approved a $150-million foreign military sale of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters to the Philippines.
The proposed acquisition includes Bell 505 Veris flight simulators, spares, field sustainment, tools, program management, delivery and reassembly services, and ground equipment for two operating bases supporting 22 aircraft.
It also includes a helicopter maintenance course for six students, integrated logistics support training for another six personnel, and engine maintenance skills transfer for 22 personnel.
The package will be supported by an in-country representative and a three-year program management review to be hosted once annually.
Washington said that procurement will enhance cooperation with Manila, which serves as a critical, long-term partner to preserve “political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia.”
It will also reinforce the nation’s rotary-wing capability by addressing training gaps with modern airframes, improving pilot readiness and enabling a seamless transition to more advanced platforms.
Bell Textron’s Jet Ranger X
The 505 Jet Ranger X was developed by Bell Textron to offer a light rotary-wing aircraft for combat, training, and medical airlift.
In addition to military applications, the platform can be used for commercial and sporting flights.
The five-seat helicopter measures 43 feet (13 meters) in length, has a wing diameter of 37 feet (11 meters), and is powered by a Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft engine with an output of 505 horsepower.
The system’s military version has a maximum speed of 135 knots (250 kilometers/155 miles per hour), a range of 306 nautical miles (352 miles/566 kilometers), an operational altitude of 18,610 feet (5,670 meters), and endurance of up to four hours.
