Relentless: Bell’s Game-Changing 525
rotor special
Commercial aviation is heading for a troubling new phase, with more stand-downs likely and domestic travel all but halted. I’m writing this during Sydney’s doubled-down, hard lockdown, wondering quite when things will revert to the new normal, let alone the old.
Yet much of our rotor sector will continue regardless, because much of what we do with helicopters is essential, from the military to EMS, mustering and aerial firefighting. It’s been a welcome relief to help compile this special digital edition, which is full of upbeat stories.
None more so than the upcoming release of the forever delayed, yet hugely anticipated, Bell 525 Relentless. It’s best-known as the first fly-by-wire commercial helicopter, but Bell promises it will change how we think about rotors, a true generational leap. Feature writer Chris Frame speaks to Bell to discuss what it’ll offer, while also charting its troubled development history.
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