> EC145 for MS

> Afghanistan
EC145 Becoming an Air Ambulance Standard

Just four years after its introduction in North America, the EC145 is becoming a standard aircraft for U.S. Air Medical Service (AMS) operators.


©Eurocopter/ G. Deulin

"There are over 30 EC145s currently in operation or booked for AMS providers throughout the United States,” says Terri Ragsdale, American Eurocopter’s Air Medical Marketing Specialist.
“The reason is simple: The EC145 is ideally suited to the AMS mission.”

The EC145 is equipped with twin Turbomeca ARRIEL 1E2 engines that deliver a fast cruise speed of 132 kts. Besides its speed, advanced MEGHAS glass cockpit, and exceptional all-round visibility, the EC145 is notable for its extra-large cabin.
In fact, depending on the AMS configuration chosen, the EC145 can carry one or two patients plus two pilots and medical personnel.
Such is the degree of usable interior space, performance, and reliability of this aircraft that was chosen by the U.S. Army to serve as its new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) (see page 6).
Based on its quick uptake in the U.S. market, the EC145 is clearly a preferred choice of AMS operators here.


© Eurocopter/G. Deulin

Danae Jenkins

> Back to top     > Print
TESTIMONIALS

STAT MedEvac of Pittsburgh, PA – the largest private rotary wing AMS provider in the United States – has already deployed four EC145s and is considering acquiring two more.
“For those situations where we need extra lifting capacity and interior space – during the transport of cardiac patients with circulatory assistance equipment and the technicians to operate it, for instance – we need the added lift and room that the EC145 delivers,” says Jim Bothwell, President of STAT MedEvac.

STAR (Shock Trauma Air Rescue) Flight, an AMS helicopter unit operated by Travis County in Texas, has decided to upgrade its fleet by replacing its current two rotorcraft with larger, heavierlifting EC145s.
“We put out an RFP for heavy-lift helicopters that could handle a mix of EMS, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, and law enforcement support missions,” explains Willy Culberson, STAR Flight’s director of aviation.
“We looked at all the helicopters that were available in this class, and saw that the EC145 best met our mission parameters.
With the tough missions we have to fly, we appreciate the EC145’s combination of safety features, tremendous capabilities, and high performance,” he adds. “It will help STAR Flight do our job even better than before.”