Even if the name means nothing to you, you’ve definitely seen a Bell Jet Ranger – certainly on film or television, if not actually in person (which you have! Ed). That’s because, since 1962, the Jet Ranger has been the go-to solution for hospitals, police, the media, pleasure flights, and military the world-over. By all accounts the Jet Ranger just worked, and worked well. In 1994 somebody even circumnavigated the world in one.
But in 2010 time finally caught up with the old bird and the familiar shape was to be built no more. However, after only a few years absence it was announced that that Bell would build an all-new version, and with development now well-underway we were treated to a look at a full-scale model of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X when it was exhibited at the Festival of Speed.
Key features of the upcoming new aircraft include superlative levels of all-round visibility, thoroughly modern flight systems, and a price-tag that’s comfortably lower than a Bugatti Veyron. With that classic Jet Ranger profile preserved as as well, it all sounds like a winning combination.
Production is currently slated for 2015/6, so while you’re waiting check out the video above for more details.
