Press Release

Issued by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd..

February 9, 2024

Kawasaki Heavy Industries has delivered the latest H145//BK117 D-3 helicopter (hereinafter referred to as D-3) to Japanese rotary operator Central Helicopter Service Co., Ltd. This is the third D-3 delivered to the company and, like the first and second, it is scheduled to be used as an aeromedical helicopter. This will also be the 13th D-3 delivered by Kawasaki.

The BK117 series features a generous cabin space with a fully flat floor and a highly versatile rear cargo door. This makes it possible to carry a total of five people including patients and carry large medical equipment for use as a medical helicopter, and it also allows for smooth treatment and the loading and unloading of patients on board, making it suitable for use not only in Japan but also elsewhere. It is highly rated all over the world.

In addition, the D-3 features features such as lower noise, higher manoeuvrability thanks to its high-performance engine, improved hovering performance at high altitudes and reduced pilot workload by installing the latest avionics. While inheriting the features of the -2, the performance has been improved as shown below with the latest main rotor system (five-blade main rotor).

- Increased effective payload by approximately 150 kg: In addition to increasing the maximum fully equipped weight by approximately 100 kg, the aircraft weight has been reduced by approximately 50 kg, resulting in an approximately 150 kg increase in effective payload compared to the D-2.

- Shortened maintenance time by approximately 50 %: Maintenance time has been shortened by reducing inspection items and adopting a state-of-the-art main rotor system with an easy-to-maintain structure.

The BK117 helicopter is a medium-sized twin-engine aircraft jointly developed with Europe's Airbus Helicopters and is used for news reporting, emergency medical care, firefighting, disaster prevention, police, personnel transportation and goods transportation. Since the delivery of the first aircraft in 1983, Kawasaki has continued to improve the aircraft, and due to its superior technology and high reliability, it has delivered 195 aircraft as of the announcement date, and more than 1,900 aircraft worldwide including those delivered to Airbus. This is Kawasaki's best-selling machine.

It will continue to improve the performance of the BK117 helicopter and develop equipment tailored to various uses, while also maintaining the high reliability backed by its track record and the quality of service that covers all aspects of development, manufacturing, sales and after-sales service. Taking advantage of its detailed support system, Kawasaki will actively conduct sales activities both domestically and internationally, contributing to comfortable and safe air travel.