Central Helicopter Service (CHS) of Japan will be the first operator in Asia to fly the BK117 D-3 helicopter, which has been jointly developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Airbus Helicopters Germany.

CHS currently operates 10 BK117 helicopters for EMS, disaster prevention operations and VIP transportation. The BK117 D-3 features a useful load increase of 150 kg with a five-blade main rotor and shortened maintenance downtime. It inherits features of the BK117 D-2 that preceded it, including versatility, wide clamshell doors at the rear, good hover performance and low noise levels.

The BK117 is a medium-sized, twin-engine machine that has been used for emergency medical services, firefighting, disaster relief, law enforcement, broadcasting, personnel and cargo transport. Following delivery of the first model in 1983, the BK117 has evolved over the years, and Kawasaki has successfully delivered 178 units as of 5 March 2019. Including those delivered by Airbus, this number exceeds 1,500 units worldwide.

Kawasaki will continue making performance improvements to the BK117, developing new equipment and components as needed. The company is also looking to leverage the customer trust it has fostered to pursue further business around the world.