Aircraft overview

The Airbus Helicopters H145 / EC145 / BK117 is a twin engine light utility helicopter family with roots in the MBB and Kawasaki BK117, which first flew in 1979. The EC145, developed by Eurocopter from the BK117 C1 with a larger cabin and modernized systems, entered service in the early 2000s. The aircraft was later rebranded as the H145 under Airbus Helicopters, with major updates including the H145 D2 and the five blade H145 D3. It is widely used for emergency medical services, law enforcement, offshore support, corporate transport, utility work and government missions because it combines a compact footprint with a large unobstructed cabin and rear clamshell loading doors.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speed for the H145 is about 130 to 135 knots, with maximum range commonly published at about 350 nautical miles depending on configuration, fuel, payload and reserves. The H145 D2 has a maximum takeoff weight of 8,378 lb, while the H145 D3 increased this to 8,598 lb. Service ceiling is published at 20,000 feet for current H145 variants. The H145 D2 and D3 use two Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engines with dual channel FADEC. Earlier EC145 models use Arriel 1E2 engines, while BK117 variants may be found with either Honeywell LTS101 or Turbomeca Arriel powerplants depending on version.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin is one of the defining features of the Airbus Helicopters H145 / EC145 / BK117 family. Typical layouts seat one or two pilots and up to eight or nine passengers, although EMS and special mission interiors vary substantially. The flat floor, high roofline and rear clamshell doors support stretcher loading, mission equipment and quick reconfiguration. H145 D2 and D3 aircraft are equipped with the Airbus Helionix avionics suite, including large glass displays, four axis autopilot on many aircraft and integrated engine and vehicle monitoring. EC145 aircraft commonly have earlier glass cockpit and vehicle monitoring systems, while BK117 examples often reflect their age and may include analog panels or aftermarket upgrades.

Buying & value

Used market value depends strongly on variant, mission history, component times, avionics standard, engine status and interior equipment. Buyers should distinguish BK117, EC145, H145 D2 and H145 D3 aircraft carefully, since performance, avionics, maintenance programs and resale demand differ. EMS aircraft may offer desirable medical provisions but can have high cycles and extensive equipment history. Corporate and law enforcement examples may have lower cabin wear but specialized avionics or mission systems. Common value drivers include Helionix fit, four axis autopilot, five blade D3 conversion or factory build, engine program status, remaining life on dynamic components and documentation quality. In the used market, the family typically sits above older light twins in capability and cabin volume, while remaining below medium helicopters in operating weight and acquisition cost.