AgustaWestland has unveiled a purpose-built version of its Grand light twin called the Da Vinci for the Swiss Rega air rescue operator.
Rega has orders for 11 helicopters with options for four more. The operator selected AgustaWestland after an "extensive evaluation process" and began detailing specifications for the mountain rescue and air-ambulance helicopter with the airframer in late 2006, says AgustaWestland.
Da Vinci features an avionics package developed in total by AgustaWestland, including a dual-duplex four-axis digital automatic flight control system and a 3d synthetic vision and terrain awareness warning system embedded into the electronic flight instrument system (EFIS). The suite also includes Euronav V digital mapping, an enhanced vision system (EVS) and night vision goggle compatibility.
The cabin is equipped with an emergency medical services interior developed by Rega and Aerolite.
Da Vinci helicopters will ultimately replace the AgustaWestland A109K2 high-altitude rescue helicopters that Rega first selected in 1989.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
