AEROCOR LEARNING CENTER
AIRBUS BO-105 MODELS
CB-4 / CBS-4 / CB-5 / CBS-5 / P1M / LS-A3
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS ALL MODELS
All "S" model aircraft are "stretched" (i.e. include a 10 inch cabin extension)
DESIGN WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES
CB-4 / CBS-4 / CB-5 / CBS-5
P1M
WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES
LS-A3
WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES
PERFORMANCE
CB-4 / CBS-4 / CB-5 / CBS-5
PERFORMANCE
P1M
PERFORMANCE
LS-A3
PERFORMANCE
STRUCTURAL DESIGN LIMITATIONS
CB-4 / CBS-4 / CB-5 / CBS-5
PARAMETER SPEED
P1M
PARAMETER SPEED
LS-A3
PARAMETER SPEED
Key Notes
Vne (Never Exceed): The P1M has a slightly lower limit (130 KIAS vs. 145 KIAS) due to differences resulting from higher operational torque limits and allowance for external stores
Autorotation Speeds: Identical between models
HISTORY AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Developed in the late 1960s by Germany’s Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB), the BO-105 permanently shifted the landscape of rotary-wing aviation. Entering service in 1970, it earned its place in history as the world’s first light, twin-engine helicopter and the pioneer of the revolutionary hingeless / rigid rotor system. By utilizing composite materials and a solid titanium rotor hub, this innovative design granted the aircraft unprecedented responsiveness, structural integrity, and safety, setting a bold new benchmark for utility helicopters worldwide.
Characterized by its distinct high tail boom, rear clamshell doors, and unmatched agility, the BO-105 is a legendary multi-purpose workhorse. Its extreme maneuverability—famously making it one of the few helicopters capable of performing inverted loops and rolls—combined with twin-engine reliability made it a global favorite for emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, and military operations. Though production has concluded, its rugged dependability and pioneering DNA continue to influence modern Airbus helicopters today.
BO-105 MODEL OUTLINE
CB-4 / CBS-4 – Introduced 1984
Equipped with the C20B engines and 2,500 kg max gross weight
Represents the modern configuration of the BO-105
CB-5 / CBS-5 – Introduced 1993
Equipped with swept-tip rotor blades
Offered minor reduction in max speed limits in exchange for higher lifting capacity
LS-A3 – Introduced in 1986
Equipped with more powerful C28 engines and upgraded transmission
After market STC allowed for upgrade to C30 engines, offering even more "high / hot" performance
P1M – Introduced November 2015
Demilitarized version (operated under experimental certification)
Overall similar to CB-5 but with upgraded transmission (raising max power from 86% to 100% torque)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Quick introduction and startup in the BO-105
Expanded introduction and startup in the BO-105