Often named as one of the two safest helicopters in the world, the MBB Bo 105, also known as the Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105, is a light multipurpose helicopter with twin engines. First developed by Bölkow, a Stuttgart-based German aircraft manufacturer, in 1970, the MBB Bo 105 is used by the German Army, the Indonesian Army, the Spanish Army, and the Philippine Army because of the safety and security it offers. Today, it remains in service in approximately 20 countries.
What makes the MBB Bo 105 such a safe, secure, and comfortable option for commercial use? Let’s take a look.
A Hingeless Rotor System
Arguably, one of the most defining features of the MBB Bo 105 is its unique hingeless rotor system. The rotor head is comprised of four blades, each composed of reinforced-plastic glass-fiber composite material, bolted to a single solid titanium block. This design not only simplifies the maintenance of the rotor system, it also extends its lifespan significantly and minimizes the risk of failure. In fact, there have been no rotor head failures in over 9 million hours. This unique hingeless rotor system also maximizes the helicopter’s agility and responsiveness to ensure its maneuverability.
High Levels of Maneuverability
The MBB Bo 105 is widely recognized as one of the most maneuverable helicopters. In fact, it was one of the first rotorcrafts ever developed with the ability to do aerobatic maneuvers, such as inverted loops. Because of this, it is often used for promotional purposes in a commercial context. Thanks to its responsive and steady controls and an excellent flight attitude, the MBB Bo 105 can easily do steep dives, loops, rolls, and turnovers in addition to a variety of aerobatic maneuvers. In addition, it has actually been approved for a maximum of 3.5 positive and 1 negative G-force — a significant range.
While this maneuverability is certainly great for doing aerobatic tricks, in a commercial context, this also helps maximize the passenger experience. Because this specific type of helicopter is agile and easy to handle and maneuver, it boasts outstanding takeoff performance. Furthermore, it is also resistant to catastrophic dynamic rollover.
Twin Turbines to Ensure Resilience
Each MBB BO 105 boasts a twin turbine, and if one of these goes, it can operate on a single engine to carry out the mission. This is particularly advantageous when carrying out critical missions, like transporting government employees. It minimizes the risk of accident and ensures that the mission is carried out safely and successfully. That’s why the MB Bo 105 is widely regarded as one of the two safest helicopters in the entire world.
Spacious & Comfortable
The design of the MBB Bo 105 has space for two pilots, as well as a rear bench that can fit three passengers. This ideal if the helicopter will be used in a context that requires the transport of passengers, such as for tourism. However, if necessary, this rear bench can also be taken out to allow for space for cargo. For example, in a maritime scenario, the helicopter can easily be outfitted with a range of emergency equipment, such as supplementary fuel tanks, rotor blades that fold, emergency flotation equipment, high skid landing gear, and an inflatable raft.
An Excellent Option for Your Commercial Needs
At Adventure Helicopters, we’re committed to proving you with commercial helicopters that are safe, secure, and comfortable for a range of different contexts and scenarios, from scenic flights to frost protection work to firefighting. No matter what kind of commercial situation you need a helicopter for, the MBB Bo 105 is without a doubt one of the best options out on the market. It will ensure you get the job done safely and securely, without having to sacrifice comfort.
Call Ross now to talk about hiring the BO105