External fitted components.

All external components are standard Eurocopter optional accessories, which can be found in any Eurocopter chopper manual. It is currently fitted with two Lycoming LTS 650 engines and this makes for a far more reliable and safe operating envelope in all the Sqdn duties from, mountain -, sea rescue, law enforcement, comms flight air ambulance, etc. These engines are scheduled to be upgraded to more powerful units in the near future - possibly 780hp. The only major modification done for the SAAF was the fitment of locally produced sand and dust filters. This modification has proven very successful with excellent results at major maintenance work. The SAAF also use the wider tail rotor blade, unlike the standard rotor as found on the commercial BK 117.

No two Bk117s are similar in respect to the navigation and comms aerials fitted. The same antennas are carried but located in different areas on the Bk 117. The SAAF are however looking at this issue and in the process of standardising the fitment of these antennas -  as this prove to be a maintenance  nightmare. Some have the bracket for the night sun fitted under the nose (see gallery). This is however the std Eurocopter fitting. Also, only one top window is fitted on a few of the BK 117s. The skids are not the same as found on the commercial chopper - been longer, to enable greater ground clearance. The bottom of the skids may be fitted with hardened aluminium strips, to protect the skids against scrapes, during training flights. A bottom cargo hoist can be slinged from four hooks on the internal part of the skids. The cargo hook is hooked onto the hook on the front internal corner on the left skid, when this is not in use.

The Oryx use a hydraulic hoist, but the hoist on the BK 117 is electric. One of the main tasks of these choppers in the SAAF, is search & rescue - for this reason, they are rarely seen without the hoist. A float device, for open water rescue, is fitted on top of the hook - coloured in bright orange (see top photo). Due to the modular design, the hoist can be easily removed, by one crew member - just unplug a few electrical cords and remove a few split pins. The hoist is electrically swinged outwards from the fuselage. Although, it can be moved out by 65 degrees, the SAAF normally use 35 degrees - just to clear the skids. Both crew members can operate the hoist - by selecting the changeover switch in the cockpit. The actual controls are duplicated on each crew member's collective.

Internal equipment.

As std Eurocopter accessories are used there are no classified items on the SAAF's BK117s, except for the locally produced communication suite. This suite places the cockpit area on the sensitive list. Most have GPS, but all are fitted with a full Instrument Flight Rules cockpit. This includes Horisontal Situation Indicator, Attitude Indicator, Instrument Landing System, VOR, Non-Directional Beacon and Distance Measuring Equipment, among others. For the pilots this is a natural step towards flying the mighty Oryx (the Rolls Royce of medium transport choppers). The interior is predominantly white, but will be changed in the near future, as it is too bright for night operations. Unlike other military users of the BK 117, the SAAF's clamshell doors are still functional. Therefore, stretchers may be carried in the rear, in place of the normal strengthened seats. These seats may also be swapped for plush leather for use during VIP transport. Normally nine fully kitted troops are carried, but the internal seating can be easily changed depending on the mission. Not widely known, but an internal fuel tank may also be carried to extend range.

There are 10 BK 117s (serial number 380 - 389) currently serving with the SAAF - all flown by 15 Sqdn in Durban. However, at least one is permanently based in Port Elizabeth as part of 15 Sqdn C Flight and at times, one serve with 87 Helicopter Flying School in Bloemfontein.