About Kawasaki Helicopters & Fuel Consumption
Kawasaki Heavy Industries builds helicopters for both civilian and defense roles. The BK117 is widely used for rescue and medical services, while the OH-1 and OH-6D are designed for observation and light military operations. The MCH-101 is a large helicopter adapted for naval transport and minesweeping, with higher fuel demand.
Factors Influencing Fuel Consumption:
- Model & Size: Light models like the OH-6D use far less fuel compared to heavy-lift helicopters like the MCH-101.
- Payload: Passengers, cargo, or rescue equipment increase fuel burn.
- Flight Profile: Hovering and low-altitude flying consume more fuel than forward cruising.
- Environment: Hot and high-altitude conditions reduce efficiency, increasing fuel demand.
Formulas Used:
- Fuel Used = Burn Rate (L/hr) × Flight Hours
- Total Cost = Fuel Used × Price per Liter
- CO₂ Emissions = Fuel Used × Emission Factor (kg CO₂/L)
Example:
A Kawasaki BK117 flying for 2 hours on Jet-A fuel at ₹95/liter:
- Fuel Used = 300 × 2 = 600 liters
- Total Cost = 600 × 95 = ₹57,000
- CO₂ Emissions = 600 × 2.50 = 1500 kg
Note: These values are approximate and vary with mission, payload, and conditions.
