For more than seven decades, Bell has supplied the U.S. military with iconic aircraft—combat-proven designs like the UH-1 Iroquois “Huey,” AH-1 Cobra, and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, as well as purpose-built trainers that have shaped generations of aviators.

By Jarryd Sinovich

The U.S. Army’s TH-67 Creek remains the Department of Defense’s longest-serving training helicopter, logging over 1.9 million flight hours and preparing more than 25,000 pilots for advanced aircraft. The U.S. Navy’s TH-57 Sea Ranger, in service since 1981, has been central to the Helicopter Training Squadrons, including HT-28 “Hellions.” The TH-57B/C fleet has amassed more than 3.32 million flight hours, helping produce over 33,800 naval aviators across the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and allied nations.

“The TH-57 has been the foundation for every maritime helicopter and tiltrotor pilot in the sea services for more than four decades,” said Commander James Gelsinon, Commanding Officer of HT-28. “Every rotary-wing and tiltrotor pilot in the sea services has flown the TH-57, solidifying its legacy as a cornerstone of naval aviation training.”

As Bell prepares to respond to the U.S. Army’s upcoming Flight School Next (FSN) solicitation, it aims to build on this heritage with the modern Bell 505. Drawing on the proven TH-67/TH-57 lineage—descended from the Bell 206—the 505 incorporates a drivetrain and blades from the 206L4, refined autorotational handling, and an integrated glass cockpit. Bell positions it as the most versatile and capable light helicopter in its class, tailored to the needs of 21st-century rotary-wing training programs.

Bell’s FSN proposal will go beyond delivering airframes, offering an integrated training solution that combines the 505 with advanced simulation and modern instructional methods. This approach reflects Bell’s enduring role as a trusted partner in preparing military pilots for the demands of complex mission environments, from their first solo flight to frontline operations.