Sky’s the limit for Kawasaki with sale of new BK117 D-3 chopper

KUALA LUMPUR: Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd has released the new H145//BK117 D-3 helicopter (BK117 D-3), jointly developed with Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH.

Central Helicopter Service Ltd, the operator of 10 BK117 helicopters for emergency medical services (EMS), disaster prevention operations and VIP transportations in Japan, will be the first customer to use H145//BK117 D-3 in Asia.

According to a statement, the BK117 D-3 features a 150kg increase in useful load with a five main rotor blade system and shortened maintenance downtime.

It inherits features preceding BK117 D-2 that has earned high acclaim, such as versatility, wide clamshell doors at the rear, outstanding hovering performance and low noise level.

The BK117 is a medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter used for various purposes, including EMS, firefighting, disaster relief, law enforcement, broadcasting, and personnel and cargo transport.

Following delivery of the first model in 1983, BK117 has been continually improved over the years and Kawasaki has successfully delivered 178 units as of March 5 this year. Including those delivered by Airbus, the number exceeds 1,500 units worldwide, making the BK117 a global bestseller.

Kawasaki will continue making performance improvements to the BK117, and develop new equipment and component as needed. It will leverage the strong customer trust fostered through past business operations and its comprehensible customer support system.

For more information, contact https://global.kawasaki.com. Bernama