Bell Debuts TRU Simulation’s Veris VR Bell 505 Flight Simulator

Bell Textron has unveiled TRU Simulation + Training’s Veris Virtual Reality (VR) Bell 505 Flight Simulator at the Singapore Airshow 2026, marking the system’s Asia-Pacific debut and underlining Bell’s growing emphasis on advanced training solutions to complement its light helicopter portfolio.

Developed by TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Bell Textron Inc., the Veris VR simulator has been qualified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Level 7 Flight Training Device (FTD), the highest fidelity classification currently available for helicopter training devices. The Level 7 standard reflects the simulator’s ability to deliver high levels of realism in visual presentation, flight dynamics, motion cues and aircraft systems modelling, enabling pilots to rehearse a wide range of operational scenarios with a high degree of accuracy.

The Veris simulator is purpose-built for the Bell 505, providing an immersive training environment that closely mirrors the aircraft’s real-world cockpit and handling characteristics. The system incorporates Bell’s proprietary data package, including detailed 3D aircraft models for virtual representation in the VR environment, along with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) hardware from Bell and Garmin. This ensures close alignment between the simulator and the operational aircraft, both in terms of flight behaviour and cockpit layout, supporting more effective transition from simulated training to live flying.

According to Bell, the Veris platform is designed to enable pilots to practise normal, abnormal and emergency procedures in a safe and controlled environment. The simulator supports training for a wide range of system malfunctions and emergency scenarios that would be impractical or unsafe to replicate in the aircraft itself. This capability is particularly relevant for training organisations and military operators seeking to improve preparedness while reducing operating costs and aircraft wear.

“The Bell 505, combined with TRU Simulation’s Veris simulator, provides an unmatched training ecosystem for the next generation of helicopter pilots,” said David Sale, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Bell. “Students gain essential flight experience on an aircraft featuring modern glass cockpit avionics and dual-channel full authority digital engine control, while the Veris simulator enables safe, cost-effective mastery of emergency procedures and complex scenarios, supported by the OEM flight data package.”

The Bell 505 has steadily established itself as one of the most technologically advanced light single-engine helicopters in its class. Powered by the Safran Arrius 2R engine and equipped with dual-channel FADEC and the Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite, the aircraft offers modern systems architecture aligned with contemporary training and operational requirements. The open cabin design, glass cockpit and wraparound windows further enhance situational awareness, making the type well-suited for both ab initio training and operational conversion roles.

The debut of the Veris simulator in the Asia-Pacific region reflects growing demand for integrated aircraft-and-simulator training ecosystems, particularly among military and government operators modernising their rotary-wing training pipelines. In June 2025, Bell delivered 40 Bell 505 helicopters and eight simulators to the Republic of Korea Army and Navy, positioning South Korea among a growing group of government agencies adopting the type as a primary rotary-wing trainer. The programme represents one of the largest institutional Bell 505 training deployments to date and highlights the importance of high-fidelity simulation in reducing training costs while improving safety outcomes.

Other government users of the Bell 505 include the Indonesian Navy, Jamaican Air Force, Japan Coast Guard, Armed Forces of Montenegro, Iraqi Army Aviation Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force. Collectively, these operators reflect the platform’s increasing penetration into military and government training markets, complementing its established presence in civil and commercial training environments.

More than 75 Bell 505 helicopters are currently in service worldwide in dedicated training roles. With the introduction of the FAA-qualified Level 7 Veris VR simulator to the Asia-Pacific market, Bell and TRU Simulation are positioning the Bell 505 as part of a comprehensive, digitally enabled training solution that aligns aircraft capability with modern simulation standards, an increasingly critical factor as operators seek to train pilots more efficiently while maintaining high levels of safety and operational readiness.