Video:

https://s725.photobucket.com/albums/ww251/saurogod/?action=view&current=Bell525.mp4

Really cool! Though I think the name better fits a military helicopter, not a civil one. 

Second Bell 525 takes flight (24 December, 2015)

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/second-bell-525-takes-flight-420371/

Bell Helicopter’s second 525 flight test vehicle has lifted off in Amarillo, Texas, after completing a series of ground checks.

Supporting the development of the first commercial fly-by-wire helicopter, FTV-2 joins its orange sibling (registration N525TA) that conducted the maiden flight of the super-medium type in July.

The new aircraft, tail number N525BK, sports a blue paint scheme, and is pictured in hover on 23 December.

Powered by two 2,000shp-class General Electric CT7- 2F1 engines, the aircraft has an advertised speed of 155kts and 500nm range.

Bell disclosed to Flightglobal last week that three more test aircraft will join the campaign in 2016, starting with FTV-3 in the first quarter.

seeing that 525 FBW system , It will make a less proficient pilot, Who after flying the 525 will be worse off in less 'capable' aircraft.

and I hope that "automatic" autorotation thing is connected to radalt, hate to be hovering and have the bottom drop out.....



7 gear boxes, 3 hyd pumps (one on the tail rotor gear box,) I don't think it will do too well in the field....... control holds. auto stab. auto hover hold.

OEI automatic control ( auto return to T/O point) No no no , assisted auto entry, Hate to see the MEL as one faulted electrical system (any sensor AS ALT radalt ) that feeds the FBW and your stuck on the ground.

Most the maintenance deferred squawks where electrical faults or instruments......Press to test - "Well George lets go get more coffee"

as machines get smarter people get dumber