The US Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of the Philippines of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopters and related equipment. The approximate total cost is US $150 million (approx. A $ million).
The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopters; spare parts including main rotor blades; tail rotor blades; full length trainer shoes; pilot training for 22 pilots including ground and flight training, left seat orientation, and Instrument Meteorological Conditions and Helicopter Upset Recovery; maintenance training for six students including Bell 505 Maintenance Officer Course; field maintenance, integrated avionics, component maintenance, and Safran engine maintenance training for 22 students.
This proposed acquisition also includes Bell 505 Veris flight simulators; an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package for five years, and operator and maintenance training for six students; Field Support Representative and Logistics Support Representative for one year; ILS, tools, and ground support equipment for two operating bases supporting 22 aircraft operating 200 hours per year for a duration of five years; subscriptions including electronic online; technical publications for 20 years; Garmin subscription for five years; Program Management Reviews for three years hosted once annually; delivery and reassembly of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopters; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by addressing aircraft competency gaps in operating rotary wing aircraft as part of an upgraded Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopter modern aircraft equipped with advanced system and thereby enhancing comprehensive training.
This enhanced capability will facilitate the smooth transition for pilots to more complex rotary aircraft within the Armed Forces Philippines.
The principal contractor will be Bell Textron, located in Fort Worth, Texas.