Ehime Prefecture Orders Kawasaki BK117C-2 Disaster Relief Helicopter
Oct. 14, 2014
Kawasaki BK117C-2 helicopter
Tokyo, October 14, 2014 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that the Ehime Prefectural Government has signed a deal for the latest Kawasaki BK117C-2 helicopter. It is the eleventh C-2 model to be used for firefighting and disaster relief. The new helicopter is scheduled to replace a retiring firefighting helicopter deployed by the Ehime Fire Fighting Disaster Prevention Air Corps.
Developed jointly by Kawasaki and European helicopter manufacturer Airbus Helicopters, formerly Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB), the Kawasaki BK117 is the first domestically manufactured commercial helicopter to have been granted type certification.
The large clamshell doors at the rear of the BK117 facilitate the quick transfer of stretchers and other equipment in and out of the helicopter. Its spacious cabin, compact body, as well as superior safety and mobility have earned the BK117 high marks. Suitable for multiple purposes, the BK117 is used for a wide range of applications including transporting cargo and passengers, police work, emergency medical services, broadcasting, and more. Since its market debut in 1983, Kawasaki has delivered 163 BK117s to date. Together with those delivered by Airbus Helicopters, there are over 1,100 in use around the globe, making the BK117 the world's bestselling model.
Kawasaki continues to maintain its competitive edge with proven superior technological capabilities and outstanding customer services as it actively markets its BK117C-2 helicopters.
Specifications of Kawasaki BK117C-2 helicopter (basic model)
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Length:
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13.03 m
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Width:
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1.73 m (body)
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Capacity:
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11 (maximum number of seats)
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Cruise speed:
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246 km/h
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Cruise range:
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700 km (standard tank)
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Major equipment:
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automatic pilot system, rescue winch, television transmitter, etc.
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