Bell brings 525 Relentless mock-up to Farnborough

Bell Helicopter, part of Textron, displayed its newest helicopter design, the Bell 525 Relentless as a full size mock-up at the Farnborough International Airshow 2012.

Corporate Jet Investor took the opportunity to take a quick look at the mock-up during the show. The helicopter could be used in a number of roles but the primary role will be in the oil and gas industry, transporting rig workers to and from the oil and gas fields. The helicopter can seat a maximum of 16 passengers with two flight crew and has space at the rear for vital equipment and baggage.

The mock-up was fitted in a 16 seat configuration and with the Garman G5000H avionics suite that includes the ARC Horizon Flight Deck with Synthetic Vision and fly by wire technology, and this will be standard in the helicopter.

The Relentless will be powered by two General Electric CT7-2F1 engines, capable of flying at 140 knots (260 kph) with a range of 400 nautical miles (740 kms).

Dave King, Technical Director of Bell Helicopter was on hand to explain that the aircraft can be used as a corporate shuttle helicopter, a parapublic aircraft used by the police or as an air ambulance as well as in the energy, oil and gas industry.

Another use would be as a search and rescue helicopter, with an external hoist and winch and the large rear door allowing easy access to the cabin space.

Hopefully by the next Farnborough International Airshow, Bell Helicopter will have a real Relentless for everyone to look at.