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MBB Bo 105

From Alfawiki
Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB)
Company typeCompany
IndustryAerospace, Helicopter manufacturing
PredecessorBölkow
Founded1968; 58 years ago (1968)
FounderLudwig Bölkow (founder of Bölkow)
Defunct1989
FateAcquired by DASA in 1989; merged into Eurocopter in 1992
SuccessorEurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters)
Headquarters
Ottobrunn
,
West Germany
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsHelicopters (notably Bo 105)

The Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 is a versatile, light twin-engine helicopter originally developed by Bölkow in West Germany. It holds the distinction of being the first light twin-engine helicopter globally and the inaugural rotorcraft capable of performing aerobatic stunts such as inverted loops. Featuring an innovative hingeless rotor design, it entered operational service in 1970. Production commenced under the merged entity Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB).

Primary manufacturing took place in Germany and Canada, with additional production facilities established in Spain, Indonesia, and the Philippines to meet strong international demand. Following MBB’s acquisition by DASA in 1989, its helicopter division merged with France's Aérospatiale in 1992 to create Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), which continued Bo 105 production until 2001. The Bo 105 was eventually replaced by the newer Eurocopter EC135. Over 1,400 units were produced in Germany alone, with total licensed production reaching approximately 1,640 helicopters.

Development

The development process began in 1964 at Bölkow with a focus on the revolutionary hingeless rotor system. The second prototype took flight on 16 February 1967 at Ottobrunn, followed shortly by public demonstrations. Early testing incorporated components from other helicopter models before integrating new MAN Turbo engines. A partnership with Sud Aviation involved modifying an Alouette II to evaluate rotor characteristics. Six pre-production aircraft were constructed for further evaluation.

The German Civil Aviation Authority granted certification on 13 October 1970, with initial deliveries to ADAC Air Rescue and the Bavarian State Police. FAA and UK CAA certifications obtained in 1972 opened export opportunities to the United States and United Kingdom markets. The more powerful Bo 105C variant quickly superseded earlier versions. Although a cabin-widened model called the Bo 106 flew in 1973, it never proceeded to full production.

In 1976, the Bo 105CB introduced Allison 250-C20B engines; meanwhile, the extended Bo 105CBS variant was designed to meet US emergency medical service requirements and marketed as the Bo 105 Twin Jet by Boeing-Vertol, a US partner involved in its production and sales. Licensing agreements enabled manufacturing by Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation, Indonesian Aerospace (IPTN), and Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA) alongside German production lines.

The Bo 105LS variant debuted in 1984, combining the CBS fuselage extension with upgraded Allison engines to enhance takeoff weight and performance in hot-and-high conditions; this model was produced jointly with Eurocopter Canada. Development updates continued through to 1995.

Eurocopter concluded Bo 105 manufacturing in 2001 after delivering more than 1,400 helicopters across 55 countries worldwide. Including licensed builds, overall production totaled around 1,640 units.

Design

The Bo 105 is widely recognized for its exceptional agility; certain variants were specifically engineered for aerobatic displays and promotional flying, notably by professional pilot Aaron Fitzgerald for Red Bull. During the 1970s, it boasted a superior useful load capacity and faster cruise speeds compared to many rivals. While its appearance may not be universally admired, the Bo 105 is acclaimed for its steady and responsive handling characteristics along with a favorable flight attitude. Most versions are capable of steep dives, rolls, loops, and other aerobatic maneuvers; MBB certified it to withstand up to +3.5 G and -1 G forces. Its flight dynamics enable excellent takeoff performance combined with strong resistance to dynamic rollover, aided by its lightweight structure and twin-engine setup that supports rapid climbs.

A standout element is its rotor system: a fully hingeless rotor head machined from a solid titanium block onto which four blades are mounted. The flexible glass-fiber composite blades absorb aerodynamic forces typically managed by hinges, thereby simplifying maintenance requirements and extending blade lifespan. This advanced rotor technology exhibited outstanding reliability with zero failures recorded over six million flight hours as of 1991. The rigid rotor design significantly enhances agility and responsiveness—an uncommon trait among helicopters of its era.

Military users often operate the Bo 105 at very low altitudes to minimize detection; its flight characteristics help mitigate risks associated with such missions. Equipped optionally with auxiliary fuel tanks, a standard Bo 105 can achieve approximately five hours of endurance under load conditions. In case of one engine failure, it can continue flying at reduced speed and range. The cabin is configured for two pilots plus up to three passengers on a removable rear bench or can be adapted for cargo or stretcher transport using large rear clamshell doors. For maritime assignments, features may include auxiliary fuel tanks, emergency flotation devices, an inflatable life raft, folding rotors, and elevated skid landing gear.

Operational history

In 1975, the German Army acquired the Bo 105 PAH-1, an anti-tank model equipped with up to six Euromissile HOT missiles. Between 1979 and 1984, a total of 212 units were delivered. Although initially planned as a temporary solution, the PAH-1's limitations in night fighting and self-defense prompted the development of the Eurocopter Tiger to succeed it. Additionally, in 1977, the German Ministry of Defence selected the Bo 105C for its light observation helicopter program, procuring another 100 helicopters. After accumulating over 1.38 million flight hours, this type was officially withdrawn from German Army service on 13 December 2016.

During the 1970s, MBB granted a production license for the Bo 105 to Indonesian Aerospace (IPTN), which achieved complete local manufacturing within ten years. Indonesian military forces have deployed Bo 105 helicopters in operations including the 1999 East Timorese crisis and the Papua conflict, as well as in joint military exercises.

The Mexican Navy utilized armed Bo 105s for maritime surveillance and outfitted several Uribe-class patrol vessels to support their offshore deployment. In 2005, eleven Mexican Navy Bo 105s underwent modernization featuring FLIR sensors, GPS systems, search radars, updated rotor blades, and weapon pylons. November 2014 marked Mexico’s introduction of its first dedicated civilian air ambulance service utilizing a Bo 105, launched by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.

In the late 1990s, the Republic of Korea Army aviation procured Bo 105 helicopters through a co-production agreement between Eurocopter and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), with this variant designated as the Korean Light Helicopter (KLH). KAI also promoted this model on the international market.

The Bo 105 has seen extensive use among emergency medical service (EMS) providers. By 1998, MBB commanded approximately a 35% share of the EMS helicopter market with both the Bo 105 and its successor, the MBB/Kawasaki BK 117. Scotland introduced its first EMS-configured Bo 105 in 1989; the last British air ambulance Bo 105 was retired in November 2015, largely replaced by the Eurocopter EC135. The final new Bo 105 was acquired in 2009 by Canadian EMS operator Dam Helicopters.

As of May 2014, Airbus Helicopters reported that around 700 Bo 105s remained operational globally, having collectively logged eight million flight hours.

Variants

The German Army mainly operated the Bo 105P and Bo 105M models.

Bo 105A
The initial production variant designed for civilian applications, equipped with two Allison 250-C18 turbine engines.
Bo 105ATH
An anti-tank helicopter armed with HOT missiles, used by the Spanish Army and designated as HA.15.
Bo 105C
Introduced in 1972, this version featured two Allison 250-C20 turbine engines.
Bo 105CB
The principal production model from 1975, powered by a pair of Allison 250-C20B engines.
Bo 105CBS
A utility transport variant with an extended fuselage and an additional window.
EC-Super Five
A high-performance adaptation of the Bo 105CBS.
Bo 105CBS-5 (Superfive)
Enhanced lifting capacity comparable to the LS A3 Superlifter.
Bo 105D
Offshore variant certified in the United Kingdom.
Bo 105GSH
Armed reconnaissance model for the Spanish Army, bearing the designation HR.15.
Bo 105HGH
A high-speed experimental version featuring aerodynamic improvements and fixed auxiliary wings.
Bo 105 KLH
Korean license-built CBS-5 combat helicopter outfitted with mission-specific equipment such as communications, navigation, electronic warfare, and target acquisition systems; twelve units remain operational.
Bo 105LOH
Observation helicopter for the Spanish Army, also known as HR.15.
Bo 105LS A1
Released in 1984, this model has a lengthened fuselage and is powered by two Allison 250-C28C turbine engines.
Bo 105LS A3
Introduced in 1986, it supports a maximum takeoff weight of 2,600 kg.
Bo 105LS A3 "Superlifter"
A 1995 model capable of a maximum mission weight of 2,850 kg.
Bo 105M
Liaison and surveillance helicopter used by the West German Army under the designation VBH, later phased out and replaced by modified PAH1s.
Bo 105MSS
Maritime variant equipped with search radar systems.
Bo 105P/BSH
Planned escort modification for PAH-1s armed with Stinger missiles, but cancelled in 1993.
Bo 105P/PAH-1
Anti-tank helicopter armed with wire-guided HOT missiles for the West German Army (designated "PAH-1"); some units were retired or downgraded following the introduction of the Eurocopter Tiger.
Bo 105P/PAH-1A1
An upgraded version of the PAH-1 anti-tank helicopter.
Bo 105P/PAH-1 Phase 2
Proposed enhancement including infrared sights for night attack capabilities, cancelled in 1993.
Bo 105S
Variant designed specifically for search and rescue operations.
Bo 105/Ophelia
Experimental aircraft equipped with a mast-mounted sight system.
NBO-105
Produced under license by IPTN from MBB (now Airbus Helicopters) between 1976 and 2011, initially as NBO-105 CB and later as the stretched NBO-105 CBS starting with the 101st unit; production ended in 2008 after manufacturing a total of 122 helicopters.
NBO-105S
Extended fuselage version developed by IPTN.
Bo 105 Executaire
Licensed stretched Bo 105 variant marketed by Boeing Vertol and Carson Helicopters for the U.S. market, though sales were limited.
Bo 105E-4
Twelve Bo 105Ps from the German Army upgraded under a €10 million contract and donated to Albania beginning in 2006, with further conversions under consideration for future sales.
Bo 106
Featured a widened crew cabin accommodating seven seats instead of five, powered by Allison 250 C20B engines; only one prototype was constructed in 1973 before being reverted to standard configuration for air rescue duties until retirement in the early 1990s.
Philippine Aerospace Development CorporationHummingbird
An unlicensed derivative of the Bo 105C featuring a redesigned cockpit structure.

Military

Government

Former

Serial Number Military Registration ID Number Service Period in Försvarsmakten Remarks
S-0722 09413 93 1985–1991 Wrecked
S-0723 09414 94 1985–1994 Returned to Germany; later sold as OH-HMS
S-0731 09415 95 1985–1994 Returned to Germany; later sold as OH-HKI
S-0732 09416 96 1985–1994 Returned to Germany; later sold as 9Y-TJF

Arméflyget operated the Hkp 9A variant, comprising 21 Bo 105CB3 helicopters armed with SAAB HeliTOW missiles between 1987 and 1998, divided between AF 1 Boden and AF 2 Linköping. In 1998, these were transferred to Försvarsmaktens helikopterflottilj for light transport and training roles until their retirement in 2009.

Civilian Use

  • United Kingdom: The Cornwall Air Ambulance operates the Bo 105, marking the UK's inaugural Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).

Incidents and Accidents

  • 17 August 2010: A Philippine Navy PADC/MBB Bo 105C, serial number 411, crashed near Zamboanga City, resulting in two fatalities.
  • 21 August 2012: During search operations for Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, a Philippine Navy PADC/MBB Bo 105C experienced engine failure and ditched in Masbate; all on board survived without injuries.
  • 27 June 2017: A Bo 105 hijacked by Venezuela's CICPC was employed in an assault targeting the Supreme Tribunal of Justice and the Interior Ministry in Caracas.

Germany

  • Since 2011, a Bo 105 painted in yellow rescue colors has been featured as part of Alfred Gockel’s art installation at the Kamener Kreuz, the junction of Autobahns A1 and A2.
  • The Bo 105P prototype MSN V-04 (registration D-HAPE), which first took flight in 1969, is preserved at the Deutsches Museum.
  • Bo 105S MSN S-868 (D-HILF), adorned in ADAC’s yellow livery, is displayed at Munich Airport’s Besucherpark.

Indonesia

  • The Bo 105C with registration P-4005 from the Indonesian National Police is exhibited at the Aceh Tsunami Museum in Banda Aceh.
  • Indonesian National Police’s Bo 105CB registered P-4004 is showcased at the Police Staff and Leaders School located in Lembang, West Java.
  • Two Indonesian Navy Bo 105CB helicopters, registrations HE-4103 and HE-4116, are on display at both the Indonesian Naval Aviation Museum and the Indonesian Navy Central Museum in Surabaya, East Java.
  • The Bo 105CB registered HR-1525 from the Indonesian Air Force/National Search and Rescue Agency is exhibited at the Transportation Museum within Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta.

Philippine Navy

  • Bo 105C serial number 402 can be found at Air Power Park within the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City.
  • The Bo 105C bearing serial 142 is on exhibit at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila.
  • Serial number 422 of the Bo 105C is part of the Philippine Navy Museum collection located at Fort San Felipe, Cavite City.

Philippine National Police

  • The Integrated National Police’s Bo 105CBS with serial number 972 is preserved for static display at the Philippine National Police Museum, Camp General Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City.

Cornwall Air Ambulance

  • The Bo 105DBS-4 registered G-CDBS is presented at the Cornwall Air Ambulance Exhibit situated at Land's End, Cornwall.

Bibliography

External links

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