MBB/Kawasaki

MBB/Kawasaki is a partnership between Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) of Germany and Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan, known primarily for co-developing the BK 117 helicopter. This organization focused on creating a versatile, twin-engine utility and transport helicopter.

The most notable product of this collaboration is the BK 117, which first flew in 1979. While the original collaboration phase is historical, the BK 117 design continues today as the Airbus Helicopters H145 (formerly EC145, inheriting from the BK 117 lineage). Kawasaki continues to build and service the H145/BK 117 family in Japan under license, representing a major ongoing product line stemming from the partnership.