Bell Helicopter's model 525 Relentless
super-medium twin has resumed flight test activity after receiving experimental
certificate renewal from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The program was suspended in July 2016 when
the first prototype crashed during a test flight near the company’s facility in
eastern Texas, killing both pilots.
“Today we have resumed a key element of the
Bell 525 program,” said Mitch Snyder,
president and CEO. “Bell Helicopter has worked with the National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA since the accident and we are confident in the
resumption of flight test activity. The team is focused on certification in 2018
and we are committed to bringing this innovative and high-performing helicopter
to market” he added.
The Bell 525 is the world’s first fly-by-wire
commercial helicopter and is designed to operate safely and reliably in austere
environments with decreased pilot workload. The aircraft features the first
fully-integrated touch screen avionics suite designed for helicopters, the
Garmin G5000H. Best-in-class payload, cabin, cargo volumes, and passenger
comfort complement the technological advancements on the aircraft. |