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Bell Model 525 Relentless

2020 MODERN AIRCRAFT FUTURE FLIGHT

Bell Model 525 Relentless History

The Bell 525 'Relentless' is a brand new Bell Helicopter product for the medium lift commercial market. At the time of this writing (2013), the model is currently in development, with a maiden flight expected sometime in 2014. The Model 525 was unveiled at the 2012 Heli-Expo (Dallas) and takes advantage of many of the advantages previously learned from the Historical Society's rotorcraft flight.

The Type 525 is expected to make heavy use of composite materials to facilitate a lightweight yet strong airframe. Additionally, the use of digital fly-by-wire controls makes it the first commercial-grade helicopter product to be so accomplished. The aircraft is primarily aimed at customers looking for modern VIP transportation.

The Type 525 consists of a crew of two and can carry up to 16 passengers.

Power for the 525 series will come from a pair of General Electric CT7-2F1 turboshaft engines that produce 1,800 horsepower while powering a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor (facing the port). Top speed is estimated at 160 mph, service range is 460 miles, and service is capped at 20,000 feet.

Bell specifies a maximum gross weight of 19,300 lbs (8,754 kg) and a payload weight of 7,400 lbs (3,357 kg).

Visually, the Type 525 will showcase a very impressive approach to design, with clean lines throughout, while maintaining a largely traditional system. The cockpits for the two pilots were fixed to the front and rear by a short nose section.

Behind the cockpit is the passenger cabin, lined with rectangular windows. The engine is mounted on the canopy, conforming to the outline of the fuselage, and the system is ventilated through vents on either side of the rear of the fuselage.

The tail will be conventional, with a single vertical tail. The landing gear is a tricycle arrangement with two single-wheel main legs and a two-wheel front leg, while being fully retractable to maintain aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

The cockpit is streamlined and refined with the various digital kits on board. Sidestick cycling/collective controls are available in both positions, while four 12-inch touchscreen displays occupy the dash. Avionics include the Garmin G5000H kit.

The 525 model is expected to compete directly with the Sikorsky S92 as well as the AgustaWestland AW139 series. In addition to its obvious corporate focus, Bell intends to market its Model 525 to offshore refineries, fire departments, medical evacuation and the U.S. Coast Guard.

PHI, Incorporated of Lafayette, Louisiana, was the launch customer for the Model 525. PHI, Incorporated was a rotorcraft transportation company for the oil and gas, mining, engineering and medical industries.