Now that's a lot of helicopters. Aero-News learned this week that Air Methods Corporation, the largest air medical transportation provider in the United States, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with American Eurocopter to purchase 10 AS350 B2/B3 "AStar" helicopters annually, on an indefinite basis.

The AStars will join Air Methods' current fleet of approximately 200 rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, which includes Eurocopter, Bell, MD and Sikorsky helicopters.

"We need additional aircraft because of the forecasted requirements for single engine platforms in the medical field, and to replace older aircraft which are more costly to operate and maintain" says Archie Gray, Air Methods' Vice President of Technical Services. "We like the A-Star because of the open cabin, the economical cost of operation and commonality within our fleet."

Eurocopter calls the turbine engine-equipped AS350 B2 a cost-effective multi-mission workhorse. It can carry up to six people (one pilot and five passengers), cruise at 133 knots, and fly up to 360 nautical miles without using reserve tanks.

The AS350 B3 ramps that up a notch or two, by offering the B2's carrying capacity beefed up with an engine capable of boosting the aircraft's cruise speed up to 140 knots.

Asked when the current B2/B3 annual order MOU will expire, Gray replied, "Right now, we see the Air Medical Services industry continuing to grow, which is why we want to make sure that we have a supply of aircraft to meet the demand."

"We are both honored and humbled when committed, innovative customers such as Air Methods choose us as their long-term supplier of choice," said Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. "It's an expression of trust that we take very, very seriously."

American Eurocopter is the American subsidiary of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and EADS North America, the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and Defense Company in the world. American Eurocopter's headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large new factory in Columbus, MS.

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com, www.airmethods.com/