MBB/Kawasaki BK117

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Image:BK 117 Rescue.jpg The MBB/Kawasaki BK117 is a twin-engined medium utility/transport helicopter. It was a joint development between MBB of Germany and Kawasaki of Japan. MBB became part of Eurocopter (itself part of EADS).

The BK117 first flew in 1979 and since then almost 400 helicopters of this type have been built.

Many variants of this type have been manufactured, both for the civilian and military markets. It is also commonly used as a rescue and EMS helicopter.

The most modern version of this aircraft is the version called BK 117 C-2 which became the EC-145 when the MBB product line was adapted to Eurocopter. This is the successor of the BK 117. Many construction characteristics from the EC 135 helicopter have been used again in the EC 145.

BK117 itself drew on previous designs, specifically the earlier Bölkow Bo 105. Kawasaki had previously made helicopters under license from Boeing Vertol, Bell Helicopters, and others (such as the Hughes H-6).