MBB/Kawasaki BK 117

MBB/Kawasaki BK117
Australian police BK117.
Role Lightweight helicopter
National origin Germany & Japan
Manufacturer MBB and Kawasaki Heavy Industries
First flight 1979
Introduction 1982
Status Active
Produced Production stopped in 2004.
Number built 443

The MBB/Kawasaki BK117 is a twin-engine, lightweight helicopter designed and built in Germany and Japan. It has both civilian and military uses. To 1992 it was built by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Later, it was built by Eurocopter and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Some were built under licence in Indonesia as NBK117. Eurocopter EC145 is a newer type of BK117, but without a Japanese partner.

Bibliography

  • Jackson, Robert, Helicopters: Military, Civilian, and Rescue Rotorcraft (The Aviation Factfile). London: Grange Books Ltd, 2005. ISBN 1-84013-812-2.
  • Gaillard, Pierre, Avions et hélicoptères militaires d'aujourd'hui Paris, France : Larivière éditions, 1999. ISBN 2-907051-24-5.
  • Frawley, Gerard, The international directory of military aircraft 2002/2003 . London: Aerospace Publication, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.