Bell Textron Canada has secured a new contract to deliver maintenance and repair services for the Bell 505 and 412 helicopters utilized by the Montenegro Armed Forces. This agreement aims to enhance the reliability and longevity of the helicopter fleets that were acquired by Montenegro between 2018 and 2020.
Currently, Montenegro operates two Bell 505 helicopters and two Bell 412 helicopters as part of its aerial capabilities. These aircraft play crucial roles in diverse operations, including aircrew training, rapid response efforts, public safety initiatives, and support for civil institutions.
Chris Schaefer, the Vice President of Global Customer Solutions at Bell Textron, expressed the company’s honor in partnering with the Ministry of Defense of Montenegro. He emphasized the importance of providing exceptional customer support to ensure the effective operation of the Bell 505 and 412 fleets, which were originally manufactured at the Bell Commercial Centre of Excellence in Mirabel, Canada. Schaefer also acknowledged the fruitful collaboration with the Canadian Commercial Corporation, which facilitated comprehensive lifecycle support from the manufacturing phase to ongoing aftermarket services provided at their Europe Service Center located in Prague, Czech Republic.
The Bell 505 is a versatile rotorcraft measuring 43 feet in length, with a rotor diameter of 37 feet. It can accommodate four occupants and has an impressive internal payload capacity of 1,500 pounds or an external payload capacity of 2,200 pounds. The helicopter is powered by a Safran Arrius engine that delivers 505 horsepower, enabling it to achieve a maximum speed of 125 knots (approximately 144 miles or 231 kilometers per hour) and operate at altitudes of up to 18,600 feet, with a range of 380 nautical miles (approximately 437 miles or 704 kilometers).
On the other hand, the Bell 412 is a larger helicopter, extending 56 feet in length with a rotor diameter of 46 feet, capable of seating up to 13 passengers. It features a substantial external payload capacity of 6,600 pounds. The Bell 412 is driven by a powerful engine, providing 1,250 horsepower from Pratt & Whitney Canada, alongside a 900-horsepower emergency engine. This helicopter can reach speeds of up to 140 knots (approximately 161 miles or 259 kilometers per hour), capable of operating at a service ceiling of 20,000 feet and with a range of 530 nautical miles (approximately 610 miles or 982 kilometers).
Through this latest contract, Bell Textron is set to play a critical role in ensuring that Montenegro’s helicopter fleet remains operational and effective, further enhancing the country’s aviation capabilities.
