Bell 525 Relentless
| Bell 525 Relentless | |
|---|---|
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| Prototype of the Bell 525 in flight | |
| Role | Medium-lift utility helicopter |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter |
| First flight | 1 July 2015 |
| Status | Under development |
The Bell 525 Relentless is an American medium-lift helicopter, under development by Bell Helicopter. The Bell 525 was unveiled at the 2012 Heli-Expo in Dallas, Texas in February 2012. The helicopter first flew on July 1, 2015.
The Bell 525 is being developed to meet a requirement for a medium-lift helicopter. It will be constructed primarily from composites and metal and is to be the first commercial helicopter to incorporate fly-by-wire flight controls, with tactile cues. The system is triple redundant, and is developed in two simulator environments. The 525 will be powered by a pair of GE CT7-2F1 turboshaft engines, with a new composite five-blade main rotor system. The cost of the 525 has not yet been determined, but it is expected to be cost competitive on missions between 50 and 400 nmi, performed by helicopters such as the AgustaWestland AW139 and Sikorsky S-92.
The Bell 525 is designed to fit the emerging "Super-Medium" size category suited ideally to support offshore oil and gas operations, with 50% of the customers coming from that sector. Helicopters under development in the same class are the Airbus Helicopters H175 and the AgustaWestland AW189. The Bell 525's maiden flight was planned for late 2014.PHI, Inc. is the launch customer for the type.
After a six-month delay, the Bell 525 made its first flight on July 1, 2015. Bell expects certification in 2017. The FAA suggested special rules in May 2016. On July 6, 2016, a Bell 525 crashed during a test flight, killing both occupants. The aircraft broke up in flight while travelling about 229 mph at an altitude of about 2,000 feet. The crash delayed certification.
Data from Bell Helicopter
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