Certification tests of the Bell 525 Relentless “are finishing” says Bell, but the date when the super-medium, twin-engined helicopter will cross the finish line remains undisclosed.
Federal Aviation Administration certification testing yet to be complete include avionics and autopilot, handling qualities and performance, engine and auxiliary power unit operation, electrical system and lighting, and functional and reliability assessments.
The Bell 525 Relentless has moved a step closer to becoming the first certified-commercial fly-by-wire helicopter in the market with the completion of the helicopter’s acoustic signature testing.
The Relentless has a 16-seat capacity, a marinised airframe, a 580nm (1,074km) range and a max cruise speed of 160kt (296km/h) a five-blade main rotor and canted tail rotor, the Garmin G5000H glass cockpit, side-stick controls and a Honeywell RE-100 APU. It also would be the first commercial helicopter with fly-by-wire flight controls. Bell has built corrosion protection into the hull, knowing the 525 will be operated over salt water, those features would make it ideal to safely transport workers to and from offshore oil & gas rigs.
In the passenger cabin, sliding 54-inch doors allow easy entry and exit. Large windows and a roomy 84-inch cabin width allow for comfortable club row seating. The baggage bay is spacious and will be appreciated by operators.
