Since the first BK117 was delivered in 1983, which has been jointly developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Airbus Helicopters Germany, the model has undergone constant evolution.

The BK117 D-3 features a useful load increase of 150 kg with a five-blade main rotor and shortened maintenance downtime. It inherits features of the BK117 D-2 that preceded it, including versatility, wide clamshell doors at the rear, good hover performance and low noise levels.

The executive version of the BK-117 carries a pilot and five passengers, but given the volume of 3.22m3 there is ample room for nine passengers in the high density version. Behind the passenger cabin is a large baggage hold with a capacity of 1.34m3, which is reached through two hinged doors at the rear of the fuselage.