BK 117
Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB)/Kawasaki Heavy Industries · Utility / transport · Germany · Cold War (1970–1991)
The MBB / Kawasaki BK 117 (later Eurocopter / Airbus Helicopters BK 117 + EC-145 + H145) is a German-Japanese twin-engine medium utility helicopter — one of the most-successful international helicopter co-production programmes. MBB (Germany) + Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Japan) jointly developed the BK 117 in 1977-1982; the prototype first flew on 13 June 1979. About 1,500 BK 117s have been built between 1982 and 2026 across MBB / Eurocopter / Airbus Donauwörth + Kawasaki Gifu plants. The aircraft serves military + civil + EMS operators worldwide through 2026 — production continues as the Airbus H145.
The BK 117 uses two Honeywell LTS101-650B-1 (or later Lycoming LTS101) turboshaft engines (~570 shp each). Maximum speed 270 km/h, range 700 km, service ceiling 4,575 m. Capacity: 8 passengers + 2 crew, or 1,500 kg external sling load. The aircraft inherits the Bo 105's hingeless main-rotor system + extends it with refined Fenestron tail rotor + enlarged passenger cabin + improved range. The BK 117 is one of only two helicopter types ever cleared for unrestricted aerobatic flight (the other being the parent Bo 105).
BK 117 service is global. Military operators include the German Heer + Royal Netherlands Air Force + Spanish Guardia Civil + Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force + Brazilian Air Force. Civilian EMS operators worldwide — German ADAC Luftrettung, Royal Flying Doctor Service Australia, Italian Croce Rossa, and many others — operate thousands of BK 117 medical helicopter missions. Police + Coast Guard operators including Japanese Coast Guard + Italian Carabinieri + German Bundespolizei. The MBB → Eurocopter → Airbus Helicopters lineage has continuously updated the BK 117 as EC-145 (2000) + H145 (2014). Modern Airbus H145 production continues at Donauwörth + Kawasaki Gifu through 2026.
For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version
The BK 117 is a helicopter made by two companies working together. MBB from Germany and Kawasaki from Japan teamed up in 1977. The first BK 117 flew on June 13, 1979. That was the start of something special.
This helicopter has two engines. Each engine makes about 570 horsepower. It can fly up to 270 kilometers per hour. It can travel up to 700 kilometers on one trip. That is longer than many road trips!
The BK 117 can carry eight passengers plus two crew members. It can also lift heavy loads using a sling under the belly. The cabin is bigger than the one on its older relative, the Bo 105. It is one of only two helicopters ever allowed to do aerobatic tricks in the air.
About 1,500 of these helicopters have been built since 1982. They are used all over the world. You can find them working as air ambulances, police helicopters, and military aircraft. Saving lives is one of its most important jobs.
The BK 117 is still made today. It has grown into a newer helicopter called the Airbus H145. So this great German-Japanese design lives on!
Fun Facts
- The BK 117 was designed by a German company and a Japanese company working as a team.
- The very first BK 117 took to the sky on June 13, 1979.
- About 1,500 BK 117 helicopters have been built since 1982 — that is a huge number!
- This helicopter can carry eight passengers, which is bigger than most people expect.
- The BK 117 is faster than a car on a highway, reaching 270 kilometers per hour.
- It is one of only two helicopter types ever allowed to do full aerobatic tricks.
- The BK 117 grew up into the modern Airbus H145, so its story is still going strong.
- Air ambulance crews love this helicopter because it is roomy enough to treat patients inside.
Kids’ Questions
Who made the BK 117?
Two companies built it together. MBB was a German company and Kawasaki Heavy Industries is a Japanese company. They started working on the design in 1977. Teamwork across two countries made it happen!
What is the BK 117 used for?
The BK 117 does many important jobs. It flies as an air ambulance to help sick or hurt people. Police forces use it to watch over cities. Armies around the world use it too.
Can the BK 117 do tricks in the air?
Yes it can! It is one of only two helicopters ever cleared to do aerobatic moves. That means it can do loops and rolls that most helicopters cannot. Its strong rotor system makes this possible.
Is the BK 117 still made today?
The BK 117 design lives on as the Airbus H145. Building started in 1982 and has kept going past 2026. So this helicopter family has been around for a very long time!
Variants
- BK 117 (basic)
- Original 1982-2000 production. About 450 built.
- Eurocopter EC-145 (refined)
- 2000+ Eurocopter refinement. About 700 built.
- Airbus H145 (modern)
- 2014+ Airbus production. ~350 built through 2026; production continues.
Notable Operators
- Worldwide EMS operators
- ADAC, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Italian Croce Rossa, others. Thousands of medical missions.
- German Heer + Royal Netherlands Air Force + Japan Ground Self-Defense Force + Spanish Guardia Civil + Brazilian Air Force
- Combined ~250 military airframes.
- Worldwide police + coast guard operators
- Japanese Coast Guard, Italian Carabinieri, German Bundespolizei, many others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the BK 117 different from the Bo 105?
The Bo 105 is the smaller predecessor (4-5 passenger). The BK 117 is the larger successor (8 passenger) with refined Fenestron tail rotor + improved cabin layout + better range. Same hingeless main-rotor system from Bölkow's original design — both aircraft share the unprecedented helicopter aerobatic role that the Bo 105 pioneered.
Why did MBB partner with Kawasaki?
1970s-era German-Japanese aerospace cooperation. MBB (Germany) wanted to expand into Asian helicopter markets; Kawasaki (Japan) wanted to enter helicopter production after limited Japanese rotorcraft industry. The BK 117 partnership shared design costs + production capacity + market access. The partnership has continued through corporate ownership changes: MBB → Eurocopter (1992) → Airbus Helicopters (2014). Modern Airbus H145 production continues at both Donauwörth + Kawasaki Gifu plants through 2026.
How many BK 117 / EC-145 / H145 have been built?
About 1,500 airframes 1982-2026 across all variants. Split: ~450 BK 117 1982-2000 + ~700 Eurocopter EC-145 2000-2014 + ~350 Airbus H145 2014-2026. Production continues at Donauwörth + Kawasaki Gifu.
Sources
See Also
- Bölkow Bo 105 — Direct smaller predecessor
- Airbus H145 — Current production variant
- Airbus H135 — Sister Airbus light-twin helicopter