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Airbus Helicopters (MBB) Bo 105

Airbus Helicopters (MBB) Bo 105 History

The Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter / MBB) Bo 105 is a light utility helicopter system known worldwide for its versatility, performance and safety. Since its introduction in the early 1970s, this product has served (and continues to serve) in both military and civilian environments.

Operators are seen around the world providing general transport, reconnaissance, assessment and anti-tank (AT) functions on the battlefield. Militarized versions can be fitted with HOT and HOT-2 (or similar) anti-tank missile systems to provide a lethal and proficient battlefield solution.

The Bo 105 was flown as a prototype on 16 February 1967, and two more prototypes were subsequently built. The aircraft is equipped with two Allison 250-C18 turboshaft engines that drive its four-blade main rotor and two-blade tail rotor.

As the project progressed, composite main blade assemblies were introduced and the Allison engines were replaced with 2 x MAN-Turbo 6022 series units. By the time of the second pre-production aircraft, the series again used Allison 250 series engines.

After production started in 1967, it entered service in 1970 and by 2001 production of around 1,500 helicopters (from Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm - "MBB") was recorded. The first models to enter service were the Bo 105A and Bo 105C, the latter appearing in 1972 and powered by the Allison 250-C20 engine. The Bo 105Cb doubles as a light observation and utility transport and appeared in 1976 with the -C20B engine. The Bo 105CBS becomes a stretch transport model.

Other specialized forms soon emerged, including the British Bo 105D model for offshore platform operations, the Spanish Army's Bo 105ATH anti-tank helicopter, and the Bo 105MSS maritime patrol system (with search radar).

Bo 105 continues to play a role in the front lines of various military, political and cultural circles. Military personnel range from Albania and Bahrain to Sudan and Uruguay.

The West German army became one of the largest military operators of helicopters, adopted by hundreds with the available reconnaissance and anti-tank masks. Police services in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa and Spain were also mentioned.

Some armed forces, including the NYPD, have retired their fleets of Bo 105 helicopters.

Fewer than 700 Bo 105 helicopters are flying today and the product has been replaced by the updated EC 145 in Eurocopter. The Eurocopter name has now given way to the Airbus Helicopters brand label.