Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has delivered a BK117C-2 helicopter to Central Helicopter Service, Ltd. The new helicopter, the 29th C-2 model to be delivered by Kawasaki in Japan, will be used for emergency medical service.

The Kawasaki BK117 helicopter was developed jointly by Kawasaki and European helicopter manufacturer Airbus Helicopters, formerly Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB). The BK117 is a medium-sized twin-engine multi-purpose helicopter that is used for a wide range of applications including transporting cargo and passengers, fighting fires, police work, emergency medical services and more. The large clamshell doors at the rear of the BK117 facilitate the quick transfer of stretchers and other equipment in and out of the helicopter. Its spacious cabin for medical treatment, compact body and superior mobility have earned the BK117 high marks around the world for uses in emergency medical services.

Since its market debut in 1983, the BK117 has undergone continuous improvements making it the bestselling model in the world. Kawasaki’s outstanding technological know-how and proven track record have resulted in orders for 163 helicopters as of September 3, 2014. Together with those delivered by Airbus Helicopters, there are over 1,100 in use around the globe.
Kawasaki continues to maintain its competitive edge with proven superior technological capabilities and outstanding customer services as it actively markets its BK117C-2 helicopters.

Specifications of Kawasaki BK117C-2 helicopter

Length:                                        13.03 m

Width:                                          1.73 m (body)

Capacity:                                    11 (maximum number of seats)

Maximum load:                          3,585 kg

Cruise speed:                             246 km/h

Cruise range:                            675 km (standard tank)

Major equipment:                   automatic pilot system, EMS kit*, etc.

* EMS (the emergency medical services) kit includes unique medevac features like a special cabin floor, a stretcher, seats for a doctor, nurse as well as a friend or family member of the patient, a wall-mounted rack for medical supplies, ceiling and wall rails, a forward-mounted medical cabinet, lights, plus a dedicated power supply unit for medical equipment.