Helikopter - Bell 525 Relentless - Sertifisering forventes til neste år - AIN

March 7, 2022

Bell Seeking Icing Approval for 525 upon Market Entry

While still circumspect about certification timing, Bell is conducting a series of tests on its Model 525 in preparation to have icing approval in hand when the super-medium-twin helicopter enters service. Bell has fitted a fully kitted 525, S/N 14, with shapes that simulate various forms of icing for testing of loads and handling qualities.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based rotorcraft manufacturer anticipates those tests to be completed and the aircraft ready to fly to Marquette, Michigan, in the next few days for testing in actual icing conditions. Tests are anticipated to continue into April.

Bell executives said plans call to obtain an amended type certification (TC) for icing as it secures full approval for the 525. “We’re doing that a little differently,” said Bell 525 program director Derek Mookhoek. “Rather than having the basic TC, having [the helicopter] enter into service, and then do a follow-on amended TC, we want to work that in parallel.”

Bell president and CEO Mitch Snyder was encouraged by the headway the program has made overall toward certification, saying it has advanced not only in the flight tests “but also in the documentation.” He further expressed confidence that “we’ll make tremendous progress this year. This is going to be a good year.”