According to news published by the Philippine news agency on January 8, 2021, Philippine Army has received a BO-105 helicopter donated by Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm a German aerospace manufacturer.

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Philippine army takes delivery of BO-105 light helicopter. (Picture source Philippine Army)

Citing the Philippine News Agency, the BO-105 helicopter was turned over to the PA’s Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment by the business tycoon through the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Foundation in a ceremony at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on January 8, 2021.

The BO-105 is a light, twin-engine, multi-purpose helicopter developed by Bölkow of Ottobrunn. The development of the BO-105 started in 1964 and the first public demonstration was held in May 1967.

Since the helicopter’s first delivery in 1970, more than 300 customers around the world have purchased a total of some 1,400 aircraft which have been operated in air rescue, as a police and military helicopter, as well as for VIP, passenger, and cargo transportation. The largest customer was the German Armed Forces with more than 200 orders. Some of these aircraft remained in service until December 2016.

The BO-105 is powered by two Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engines, each developing 310 kW (420 shp). It can fly at a maximum speed of 204 km/h with a maximum range of 657 km. The helicopter has a crew of two and can carry up to four passengers.