Kawasaki Receives Order for Latest Model of the H145/BK117 D-3 Helicopter from Central Helicopter Service
Jun. 09, 2025
Tokyo, June 9, 2025 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today the receipt of an order from Central Helicopter Service, Ltd. for the latest model of its H145/BK117 D-3 helicopter (hereafter, "D-3"). This is the fourth order for the D-3 from the same company, and it is intended to be used for various applications, including emergency medical services, pilot training, and personnel transport. As of today, Kawasaki’s orders for the D-3 have reached 35 in total.
With its excellent maneuverability and high-speed capability, the D-3 enables prompt delivery of emergency medical intervention. The D-3 boasts the most spacious cabin of any air ambulance helicopter currently in operation in Japan. This permits the largest number of flight doctors and nurses to be on board, as well as a great deal of medical equipment, allowing onboard healthcare professionals to provide more advanced medical services during flight.
The latest model also offers rear clamshell doors which make it easy to load and unload a patient on a stretcher, and high-altitude hovering performance. The D-3 is also equipped with a cutting-edge, 5-blade main rotor system, which results in less vibration and easier maintenance than previous models. Moreover, its state-of-the-art avionics reduce pilot workload, strongly supporting the safe and secure flight required for emergency medical services.
The BK117 is a medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter jointly developed with the European company Airbus Helicopters, and is used for various purposes, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, broadcasting, and personnel and cargo transportation, in addition to firefighting and disaster relief applications. Since delivery of the first unit in 1983, the BK117 has been undergoing consistent upgrading, and thanks to its sophisticated technological features and proven reliability, Kawasaki has successfully delivered 204 units as of today. Taking into account deliveries made by Airbus Helicopters, more than 2,000 units have been delivered worldwide.
Moving forward, Kawasaki will continue to improve the performance of the BK117, including the development of new equipment and components for various applications. With the mission of achieving comfortable and safe air mobility, Kawasaki will leverage strong customer trust fostered through successful deliveries in the past, as well as the company’s comprehensive customer support system which encompasses everything from development to manufacturing, and sales to after-sales services, in the pursuit of further business for the BK117, both domestically and internationally.
| Basic Specifications for the H145//BK117 D-3 Helicopter | |
|---|---|
| Length | 13.54 m |
| Width | 1.73 m (fuselage) |
| Height | 3.98 m |
| Capacity | 10 (standard number of seats) 12 (maximum number of seats) |
| Maximum take-off weight (MTOW)* | 3,800 kg |
| Maximum speed | Approx. 263 km/h(at 5,000 ft and MTOW) |
| Cruising Range | 723 km (standard tank, at 5,000 ft and MTOW) |
| Primary equipment | Automatic pilot system, GPS map display unit, and helicopter terrain awareness and warning system (HTAWS) |
| * | Combined total weight with full loads of specified items/personnel including fuel, crew, passengers, etc. |
Related Links
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Web Media "ANSWERS": High-Performance, Twin-Engine, Multipurpose Helicopter BK117 D-3
https://answers.khi.co.jp/en/mobility/20210131e-01/
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