Eurocopter/Kawasaki BK 117
Eurocopter/Kawasaki · Germany/Japan · first flew 1979 · helicopter
The BK 117 is a medium twin-turbine helicopter jointly developed by MBB of Germany and Kawasaki of Japan, widely used for emergency medical and utility work.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.91 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Boxy square-section cabin with rear clamshell doors
- Four-blade rigid rotor and open tail rotor
- High-set tailplane with twin endplate fins
Identify the slab-sided cabin, rear clamshell loading doors, four-blade rigid rotor and the distinctive tailplane carrying small endplate fins.
Specifications
- The Eurocopter/Kawasaki BK 117 has a length of 9.91 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown on 13 June 1979, it married MBB's BO 105 rotor technology to a larger square-section Kawasaki fuselage. Production lines ran in both Germany and Japan, and the design later evolved into the EC 145.
Variants
Marks progressed from the A-series through the B and C models with more powerful engines and higher weights. The airframe was ultimately reworked into the EC 145 / BK 117 C-2.
Where you'll see it
The type became a favourite air-ambulance and police helicopter across Europe and Asia, including UK EMS and support operators. Its wide flat-floor cabin suited stretcher and cargo work.
Related aircraft
- Aérospatiale AS355 Écureuil 2
- Agusta-Bell AB412 Grifone
- Bell 412
- Eurocopter AS 355 Ecureuil 2 / AS 555 Fennec
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