It has been half a century since the BO105 light helicopter embarked on its maiden flight, on February 16, 1967. The helicopter is particularly notable for being the first to feature a rigid, hinge-less rotor head made of titanium and glass-fiber-reinforced rotor blades.
“The BO105 has made a name for itself above all for its versatility, robustness and reliability,” said Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Airbus Helicopters in Germany. “The fact that it is still being used 50 years after its maiden flight speaks volumes for the high quality of this helicopter. As a pioneer of modern helicopter technology, the BO105 continues to influence our product range today.”
First delivered in 1970, around 1,400 BO105s have been delivered, to more than 300 customers. Together the fleet has racked up more than eight million flight hours. Around 400 are still in service. Roles have ranged from VIP and cargo transportation to air rescue and police and military applications. The OEM has committed to the availability of spare parts in the long term. The current successor to the BO105 is the H135.
February 21, 2017
