About the EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH MBB-BK 117 C-1
The Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH MBB-BK 117 C-2, also known as the EC145, is a versatile twin-engine light utility transport helicopter. It has its origins in the collaborative efforts of Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB), a German company, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan. Initially developed as the BK 117 in the 1970s, it aimed to combine the strengths of MBB's BO105 and Kawasaki’s KH-7 designs. The blend of engineering expertise led to a helicopter that balanced robustness, capability, and adaptability, catering to a wide range of aviation needs, including emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, search and rescue (SAR), and corporate transport. The development capstone aimed to provide top-notch aircraft for various civilian and parapublic operations. Production began in the early 1980s, and the aircraft quickly gained popularity for its reliability, excellent performance, and adaptability to different roles. The BK 117 C-2, now more commonly known as the EC145, represents a significant model evolution introduced in 1999. As Eurocopter, nowadays known as Airbus Helicopters, entered the picture, they aimed for a model that would incorporate advanced avionics, improved aerodynamics, and more powerful engines. The EC145’s features include a spacious cabin, rear clamshell doors for easy loading and unloading, and state-of-the-art flight displays. It also offers enhanced safety features like Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and a highly responsive autopilot system. The EC145’s ability to operate in diverse environments and conditions, from urban centers to mountainous regions, makes it exceptional in the general aviation market. It continues to be the aircraft of choice for many of the world's leading EMS operators due to its reliability, versatility, and superior operational capability, highlighting its importance in saving lives and supporting critical missions where every moment counts.