Jordan Buys Bell 505s For Rotary-Wing Training

The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) has signed up to purchase 10 Bell 505 single-engine light helicopters for rotary-wing training. 

The contract, signed Nov. 1 at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX) and Conference held in Aqaba, Jordan, also includes a flight training device and computer-based training package. 

The Model 505s are likely to replace a fleet of Robinson R44s currently used for training at the King Hussein Air College at Mafraq airbase. 

Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hiyasat, the commander of the RJAF, said the helicopters would enable the air force to expand its capabilities. 

“We look forward to adding the Bell 505 aircraft to our fleet and providing our pilots with one of the best possible aircraft for their training,” he said. 

The contract’s value and aircraft delivery dates were not disclosed. 

Jordan joins a growing number of militaries selecting the Model 505 for training.  

Others include Jamacia, North Macedonia, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea.