EASA approves 850hp engine BK117 upgrade

Airwork NZ

22 Mar, 12

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the BK117-850D2 engine upgrade.

This STC allows for the replacement of the standard BK117-B2 750hp engines with upgraded 850hp engines. This increase in power significantly improves One Engine Inoperative (OEI) performance, allowing the BK117-850D2 to achieve true Category A standard. The 850hp engines increase OEI power providing a marked increase in maximum OEI hover weight and increasing safety during single engine operations. In addition, hot day takeoff power is significantly improved, providing an increase in maximum takeoff gross weight and in climb times.

Airwork (NZ) Ltd has developed the STC in conjunction with engine manufacturer Honeywell and utilizing the skills of design & certification organizations AeroDAC (UK) and Flight Structures (NZ).

“This is the culmination of many years of effort by the team and the New Zealand and European Authorities and I would like to thank everyone involved for their support and assistance” said Richard Pitt, General Manager Airwork (NZ) Ltd.

The BK117-850D2 upgrade was developed with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) market in mind, but the improved performance delivers benefits across a range of uses, particularly where Category A performance is required or when operating in hot and high climates.

The New Zealand STC has been approved since May 2010 and to date there have been 9 upgrades (4 EMS, 1 Police and 4 Utility) and another 3 scheduled over the next 2 months.

Airwork (NZ) Ltd is part of the Airwork Group of Companies which is New Zealand’s largest general aviation business operating in multiple countries providing maintenance support, dynamic component overhaul, turbine support, design and manufacture. They are an Authorised Service Centre for Honeywell, Eurocopter, Kawasaki and Breeze-Eastern.

For more information please contact [email protected]