The Milwaukee Regional Medical Center’s (MRMC) Flight For Life air medical program has ordered two state-of-the art EC145 helicopters from American Eurocopter. The EC145 is a twin-engine, heavy-lift helicopter with lots of interior room for patients, medical staff, and medical equipment. Due for delivery in 2008, the two EC145s will take over from Flight For Life’s current pair of Eurocopter BK117 helicopters. These are currently based in two locations; one at MRMC’s campus in Milwaukee, and the other at the Centegra Northern Illinois Medical Center campus in McHenry, Illinois. In service since 1984, Flight For Life has logged over 24,000 accident-free missions transporting patients from accident scenes and between hospitals.
“For the past 20 years in Wisconsin and 5 years in northern Illinois, our BK117s have served our customers well,” says Tammy Chatman, Professional Relations Manager. “However, with the current changes in industry regulations, growth in demand for our services, and the extra capabilities offered by today’s generation of helicopters, we felt it was time to upgrade our fleet. This is why we selected the EC145. Besides its extra carrying capacity, speed, and spacious interior, the EC145s we are purchasing will be equipped with both single and dual pilot IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) control systems.”
“We also chose the EC145 because it is Night Vision System-compatible,” Chatman adds. “This means our pilots can wear Night Vision Goggles to see clearly in the dark, and know that they’ll be able to read the instrument panel.”
Providing ample room for a pilot and up to nine passengers, the EC145 is powered by two Turbomeca ARRIEL 1E2 turbine engines for reliable flight performance. It comes with a standard MEGHAS glass cockpit, and can be purchased with an optional IFR configuration with digital autopilot, for both single or dual pilot applications. The EC145 has a service ceiling of 17,200 ft, a fast cruise speed of 132 kts, and can operate in temperatures ranging from -35 to +50 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Requesting agencies depend on Flight For Life for rapid transport and excellence in patient care,” Tammy Chatman says. “This is why we have relied on American Eurocopter in the past and will continue to count on their products for years to come.”
About American Eurocopter (www.eurocopterusa.com)
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 markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-publichelicopters offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. American Eurocopter’s headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large new manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
