Bell 505 - Cargo Hook

My name is Yan Lavallée, helicopter test pilot at Bell.

Today, we’re doing this short video to demonstrate the external-load capability of the Bell 505.

The Bell 505 was approved in December 2016 as a light utility helicopter with a five-seat configuration. It can be flown from either the right or left seat, depending on the work that needs to be accomplished.

The left seat can also be used with the doors removed to provide better visibility of the external load during long-line operations.

Today’s demonstration aircraft is equipped with air conditioning, a leather seat, and multiple kits, making it about 100 pounds heavier than a utility aircraft. Even so, it is still able to lift four drums of Jet-B with the net, for a total load of 1,660 pounds.

It is also fueled with 320 pounds of fuel, which is the equivalent of approximately one hour and 30 minutes of flight.

With the 2,000-pound cargo hook certification, the light utility Bell 505 can lift its maximum external load of 4,475 pounds.