Join Together To Offer Helo For Polish EMS Contract
Representatives with
AgustaWestland and PZL-Swidnik told Aero-News this week of their
new partnering agreement, that will see the two companies
cooperating to win a Polish Ministry of Health contract for 23
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) helicopters.
AgustaWestland, in partnership with PZL-Swidnik, will offer the
most advanced EMS helicopter in service today, the AgustaWestland
Grand. PZL-Swidnik already manufactures the complete Grand airframe
-- and if selected, PZL-Swidnik will provide product and customer
support services after delivery of the aircraft.
PZL-Swidnik and AgustaWestland have cooperated successfully for
over 10 years, with production of the AgustaWestland Grand, A119
Koala, A109 Power, A109 LUH and AW139 airframes all being carried
out in Poland. PZL-Swidnik says over 1000 jobs at its plant are
supported by AgustaWestland programs.
The AgustaWestland Grand is a new top-of-the-range light twin
helicopter developed to meet a wide range of roles and provides
levels of cabin space and payload that until now could only be met
by larger, more expensive helicopters. The Grand's spacious,
unobstructed passenger cabin and wide sliding cabin doors, each
1.40m wide, provides easy access for stretchers and patients.
With its large cabin, high performance and low vibration levels
the Grand sets a new standard in the EMS/air ambulance helicopter
market. The Grand's medical interior has been designed utilizing
feedback from specialist user groups in Europe, North America and
Australia to provide the most ergonomic and practical layout for
paramedics and doctors. Additionally, the large cabin windows of
the Grand provide excellent external visibility avoiding crew
disorientation and the cause of air sickness.
Powered by two PW207C engines, each rated at 960 shp for
takeoff, the Grand has exceptionally good hot and high performance,
and importantly for EMS operations provides unmatched emergency
single engine performance and safety. Also with a maximum speed of
311 km/h the Grand has a significant advantage over its
competitors, being able to get to critical patients to hospital 20%
quicker, giving them a greater chance of survival.
The Grand with its wheeled landing gear, like all current
medical helicopters in Poland, can operate safely from unprepared
surfaces with the additional benefit of being able to be easily
maneuvered and taxied on the ground.
The AgustaWestland Grand has achieved healthy sales in the EMS
market. Recently, the Swiss Air-Rescue Service, REGA, ordered eight
Grand helicopters to equip its rescue bases.
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (05.02.24)
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