Bell 505 Achieves Over 700 Flight Hours with Blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel

(Bell Textron) In collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines, Bell shares long-term success with using SAF on the Bell 505 -- Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced during European Rotors 2025 that a single, dedicated Bell 505 has surpassed 700 flight hours using blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a key milestone that showcases Bell’s commitment to SAF usage and builds on its sustainability practices in its flight operations.

“Bell is proud to celebrate this next step in industry carbon reduction objectives,” said Robin Wendling, Managing Director of Europe, Bell. “Working alongside Safran Helicopter Engines has given us the cutting-edge advantage of exploring opportunities in greener aviation practices.”

In March 2022, Bell announced its collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines to explore technical performance and economic impacts of sustainable aviation fuel on the Bell 505 powered by the Arrius 2R engine. Nearly one year after the announcement, the Bell 505 became the first-ever single engine helicopter to fly with 100% SAF during a demonstration flight. Since July 2022, Bell has accumulated over 700 flight hours using blended SAF on a single Bell 505 helicopter at the Bell Training Academy. Assessments of engine operability and aircraft performance as well as engine inspections have yielded positive results to date.

Jean-François Sauer, Safran Helicopter Engines, EVP Programs, commented, “We are particularly pleased with these SAF flights in partnership with Bell. SAF is key towards more sustainable helicopter use. The Arrius 2R, like all our engines, are currently able to operate with up to 50% drop-in SAF. Very soon, our engines will be capable of 100% drop-in SAF, paving the way for wider use of this type of fuel for increased sustainability of helicopter operations.”

Combining its Safran Arrius 2R engine, dual channel FADEC, and Garmin G1000H NXi all-glass avionics suite with a moving map display – the Bell 505 is one of the most technologically advanced platforms in its class. The added benefit of wide panoramic windows, open cabin design, and Synthetic Vision technology has classified this five-seater aircraft as an ideal platform for a variety of missions, including public safety, utility, and military training.

About Bell

Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 90 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.

We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.

Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com. READ MORE