- Yes
- No
During the late 1980s and early 1990s the West German Bundeswehr realised the threats to their air power were ever increasing from both the ground and the air. To combat these new threats, a new kind of helicopter was needed: the escort helicopter. The concept behind the escort helicopter was simple: it would accompany anti-tank and transport helicopters and use anti-air rockets or infrared guided missiles to eliminate any aerial threats.
To fulfil this role, it was decided to use the venerable Bo 105 which was already in widespread service in the Bundeswehr for anti-tank, reconnaissance, and transport duties, the Bo 105’s excellent flight characteristics making it ideal for engaging in ‘dogfights’ with enemy aircraft. This new Bo 105 would be designated as the Bo 105 Begleitschutzhubschrauber (BSH-1) and was tested in various configurations, mostly with the stingers mounted on pylons on either side of the fuselage.
Perhaps the most advanced configuration however, was a Bo 105CB modified with a turret made by Lucas Industries on the underside of the fuselage which could hold four stinger missiles. This variant of the BSH-1 also featured new landing skids for increased ground clearance, and a helmet mounted sight for aiming the turret.
With the end of the Cold War and development of the new PAH-2 helicopter progressing, the BSH-1 program was cancelled in 1993.
Specifications
Crew: 2
Length: 11.86 m
Height: 3.00 m
Airfoil: NACA 23012
Empty weight: 1,276 kg
Max takeoff weight: 2,500 kg
Fuel capacity: 570 L
Powerplant: 2 × Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engines, 310 kW (420 shp) each
Main rotor diameter: 9.84 m
Main rotor area: 76.05 m2
Maximum speed: 242 km/h
Never exceed speed: 270 km/h
Range: 657 km at 1,525 m (standard fuel, maximum payload)
Ferry range: 1,112 km at 1,525 m (with auxiliary tanks)
Endurance: 3 hr 30 min (standard fuel, maximum payload)
Service ceiling: 5,200 m
Rate of climb: 8.00 m/s
Armament: 4x ATAS
