Engine upgrade for two ADAC Luftrettung choppers

German emergency helicopter operator ADAC Luftrettung has announced the upgrade of two of its BK117B2 aircraft. The choppers have been fitted with new LTS101-850B-2 engines, meaning that they are now aircraft Cat A/ Class 1 compliant at maximum all up weight (MAUW) and can now be classed as BK117-850D2s.

The upgrade was a relatively straightforward one, according to the company, taking ADAC’s own engineers only three days to complete. The BK117-850D2 will give ADAC enhanced performance and increased safety margins.

There are over 40 of the choppers already in use around the world for various duties including EMS, police and fire fighting roles. ADAC will be the ‘first European operator of the BK117-850D2’, said ADAC Luftfahrt Technik CEO Thomas Hütsch.