ADAC Luftrettung the largest emergency medical helicopter operator in Germany, has upgraded two of their BK117-B2 aircraft with the enhanced LTS101-850B-2 engines, making the aircraft Cat A / Class 1 compliant at Maximum All Up Weight (MAUW). After completion of the STC and installation of the -850 engines the model is marketed as the BK117-850D2. Airwork, a global aviation provider based in New Zealand, developed and owns the STC.

The BK117-850D2 is approved by FAA, EASA, TC and NZCAA. The BK117-850D2 provides ADAC with enhanced performance and increased safety margins. One of the key features of the BK117-850D2 is the ease and simplicity of the upgrade. The upgrade took only three days and was carried out by ADAC’s own engineers. There are now over 40 BK117-850D2 helicopters flying in various countries around the world, across a range of sectors including EMS, Police, Oil & Gas, Utility and Fire Fighting.

Thomas Hütsch, CEO at ADAC Luftfahrt Technik GmbH “is excited to be the first European operator of the BK117-850D2 which continues the strong relationship we have with Airwork.”

Airwork has also provided parts maintenance support to ADAC for their fleet of BK117-B2 aircraft under an Airwork Support Plan (ASP) since 2013. During this time the supported helicopters have accumulated more than 16,500 flight hours and achieved 99% technical fleet availability. The installation of the LTS101-850B-2 engines further represents an extension to the support offered by Airwork.

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