The US group Textron announced in the past few hours that it has delivered the first three single-engine Bell 505 light helicopters to the Royal Bahrain Air Force during an event held at the end of February this year. It is the first rotorcraft of this model sold in the Gulf country. The contract also includes training services, technical support and spare parts.

"With low operating costs and high reliability, the Bell 505 has emerged as a customer favorite to prepare cadets for a safer and more effective transition to advanced helicopters", said Bell's Chief Executive Officer for Africa and the Middle East, Sameer Rehman. 

The Bell 505 helicopter was presented at the "Paris Airshow" on June 17, 2013, the first flight dates back to November 10, 2014, while entry into service took place on March 7, 2017. The aircraft can accommodate a pilot and up to five passengers, has an empty weight of 989 kg, is powered by a Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft engine (377 kW) and has a maximum speed of 232 km. Finally on 2022 February 10 this model reached the milestone of 100,000 flight hours.