Eurocopter BO 105 Light Utility / Observation / Antitank Helicopter (1970)
Authored By Staff Writer
The Bo 105 light utility helicopter has seen military and civilian use the world.
The Bo 105 is a light utility helicopter system recognized around the globe for its versatility, performance and safety record. The system has served (and continues to do so) in a military and civilian capacity in nations throughout the world, providing the ability to operate in many guises. The militarized version is capable of mounting the HOT and HOT-2 anti-tank missile system, making for one lethal and adept package.
The Bo 105 flew in prototype form in 1967, achieving full operational status by 1970. The cabin allows for a crew of two, plus three passengers and two medical litters in the medevac role. A series of two Allison-brand engines have powered most of the series, driving a four-blade main rotor system along with a two blade tail rotor. Visibility out of the cockpit is very good and several variants lengthen the cabin size, offering up more windows for improved visibility and additional storage/passenger seating space.
The German Army was the principle operator of the BO 105 series, taking on several hundreds into inventory. Anti-tank variants are fitted to fire up to six Euromissile brand HOT anti-tank missiles with later variants upgrading to the HOT 2 system with three missile launching tubes per side. The Swedish BO 105 CBS variant was similarly armed with the ESCO HeliTow anti-tank missile system.
The Bo 105 was later replaced the in Eurocopter light helicopter line by the newer Eurocopter EC 145 system, with Bo 105 production ending as recently as 2001.
Text ©2003-2013
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Specifications for the Eurocopter BO 105
Light Utility / Observation / Antitank Helicopter
Country of Origin: Germany
Manufacturer: MBB / Eurocopter - Germany
Initial Year of Service: 1970
Production: 1,406
Focus Model: Eurocopter BO 105 CB
Crew: 2 + 3
Length: 38.91ft (11.86m)
Width: 0.00ft (0.00m)
Height: 9.84ft (3.00m)
Weight (Empty): 2,822lbs (1,280kg)
Weight (MTOW): 5,291lbs (2,400kg)
Power-plant: 2 x Allison 250-C20B turbo-shaft engines driving a four-blade main rotor and a two blade tail rotor.
Maximum Speed: 152mph (245kmh; 132kts)
Maximum Range: 407miles (655km)
Service Ceiling: 16,998ft (5,181m; 3.2miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 1,773 feet per minute (540m/min)
Hard-points: 2 (AT variant)
Armament Suite:
Anti-Tank Variant:
6 x Euro-missile HOT / HOT 2 OR ESCO Heli-Tow anti-tank missiles.
Variants:
BO 105A - Initial Production Model; fitted with 2 x Allison 250-C18 turbine engines.
BO 105C - Fitted with 2 x Allison 250-C20 engines.
BO 105CB - Fitted with 2 x Allison 250-C20B
BO 105CBS - Lengthened fuselage; medical service variant.
BO 105 LS - Built under Eurocopter Canada label; fitted with Rolls-Royce (Allison) 250-C28C engines.
BO 105 LS A1 - Lengthened fuselage; 2 x Allison 250-C28C turbine engines.
BO 105 LS A3 - Increase to maximum take-off weight.
BO 105LS A3 - "Super Lifter" Heavy Lift Variant; maximum take-off weight increased.
BO 105P - Anti-tank Variant for military usage; 2 x HOT AT AGM systems.
PAH-1 - Army Designation for BO 105P model
PAH-1A1 - Army Designation for BO 105P model
BO 105M - Light Transport and Observation Platform.
VBH - Army Designation for BO 105M model
NBO-105 - Lengthened fuselage; built under license by IPTN.
NBO-105 CB - Original Designation for NBO-105 model series.
NBO-105 CBS - Original Designation for NBO-105 stretched model.
BO 105 - "Executive" model; produced under Carson Helicopters label for attempted US commercial application; stretched fuselage.
BO 105E-4 - Converted Bo 105P models for Albanian export.
Operators: Germany, Greece, Indonesia, South Africa, Argentina, Canada, Netherlands, Spain, Albania, Bahrain, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Mexico, Niger, Nigeria, Papau New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Sierra Leone, South Korea, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.
fairly popular model...