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.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com