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INFO:
Role Utility/transport
National origin Germany / Japan
Manufacturer Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) / Kawasaki Heavy Industries
First flight 13 June 1979
Introduced 9 December 1982
Status Production
Produced 1979-
Number built 400
Developed from MBB Bo 105
Variants Eurocopter EC 145
The MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 is a twin-engined medium utility/transport helicopter. It was a joint development between Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) of Germany and Kawasaki of Japan. MBB was later purchased by Daimler-Benz and eventually became a part of Eurocopter. The BK 117 is popular for passenger and VIP-transport, seating from seven up to 10 people. It is also used for aerial crane and sling work, law enforcement, military transport, and is exceptional as an air ambulance and search and rescue platform. A developed version of the BK 117 is produced as the EC 145.