Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the order of another Bell 525 in VIP configuration to a customer in the Middle East. With over 60 letters of intent for the advanced aircraft around the world, demand for the Bell 525 Relentless is intensifying with momentum gaining in the Middle East.

“The Bell 525 Relentless is a game changer,” said Patrick Moulay, vice president of global sales and marketing at Bell Helicopter. “Its payload and range performance enables operators to perform a diverse mission set more cost effectively than any aircraft available on the market today. The final preparations for the first flight are underway and we expect to see it flying in a matter of weeks with deliveries planned to begin immediately following certification in early 2017.”

The Bell 525 is also the world’s first fly-by-wire commercial helicopter, designed to operate safely and reliably in austere environments with decreased pilot workload. The aircraft integrates critical systems data to be easily accessible at-a-glance with the first fully-integrated touch screen flight deck designed for helicopters, the Garmin G5000H®. Best-in-class payload, cabin, cargo volumes, comfort and egress complement the technological advancements on the aircraft. The Bell 525 is being tested in Bell Helicopter’s fully integrated System Integration Lab (SIL), allowing for virtual flight testing of the Bell 525 before first flight, which is scheduled in the coming weeks.

“We have seen significant interest in the Bell 525 configured for VIP missions,” added Moulay. “With the aircraft’s spacious interior and ability to be equipped with advanced technologies and entertainment amenities, the Bell 525 provides the customer with a space that is fully customizable for their needs.”