Bell 525 passes heat test

The Bell 525 helicopter recently completed hot-weather testing in Yuma, Arizona, at temperatures up to 120 degrees F, as well as high altitude operations to density altitudes of 14,000 feet, according to a project update from the manufacturer.

“The aircraft performed very well and we are gathering test data for certification,” stated Troy Caudill, chief test pilot with the Bell 525 program.

Earlier this year, the Bell 525 completed cold-weather testing at temperatures down to minus-37 degrees F in North Manitoba, Canada.

The Bell 525 flight test program has now accumulated over 1,000 hours of total test time with speeds exceeding 200kts at maximum gross weight limits. The aircraft performance continues to meet or exceed all design specifications, according to the company.

The Bell 525 is preparing for FAA flight test participation in the fourth quarter of this year, and certification is expected in 2019.

For more information, visit bellflight.com.