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The US Department of State has approved the possible US$150 million foreign military sale of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopters to the Philippine government.
The US Congress was notified of the possible sale for the helicopters and equipment on 5 May this year.
Under the possible sale, the Philippines has requested to buy Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopters as well as spare parts, including main rotor blades, tail rotor blades and full length trainer shoes.
In addition, the possible sale includes pilot training for 22 pilots, including ground and flight training, left seat orientation and instrument meteorological conditions and helicopter upset recovery; maintenance training for six students including Bell 505 Maintenance Officer Course; field maintenance, integrated avionics, component maintenance, and Safran engine maintenance training for 22 students.
The proposed acquisition also includes Bell 505 Veris flight simulators, an integrated logistics support package for five years, and operator and maintenance training for six students; field support representative and logistics support representative for one year; ILS, tools and ground support equipment for two operating bases supporting 22 aircraft operating 200 hours per year for a duration of five years as well as delivery and reassembly of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopters.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a treaty ally that continues to be an important partner for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Southeast Asia,” according to a public statement from the US Department of State.
“The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by addressing aircraft competency gaps in operating rotary wing aircraft as part of an upgraded Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopter modern aircraft equipped with advanced system and thereby enhancing comprehensive training.
“This enhanced capability will facilitate the smooth transition for pilots to more complex rotary aircraft within the Armed Forces Philippines, and it is a cost-effective solution for developing rotary wing pilots.
“The principal contractor will be Bell Textron Inc … There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
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