Bell 427 vs Kawasaki BK117 B-2
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Bell 427
- For sale now
- 8
- Model years available
- 2000–2009
Kawasaki BK117 B-2
No active listings right now.
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Bell 427 | Kawasaki BK117 B-2 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 0 | — |
| Fatalities | 0 | — |
| % Fatal | 0% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Bell 427 | Kawasaki BK117 B-2 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $926,300 – $2,675,000 | $1,195,000 |
| Category | Twin Turbine Helicopter | Twin Turbine Helicopter |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | — |
| Horsepower | 710 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 138 kts (256 km/h) | — |
| Range | 394 nm (730 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | — |
| Useful Load | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $150,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turboshaft | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBell 427
Fuel$302/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$150,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$290,000/yr
Kawasaki BK117 B-2
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Bell 427 or Kawasaki BK117 B-2?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 427 cruises at 138 kts with 394 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Bell 427: from $1,250,000.
Kawasaki BK117 B-2: from $1,195,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell 427 and Kawasaki BK117 B-2?
427 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D (710 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
427: about $700/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
427: 8 seats / 2,200 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
427: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data