Eurocopter is developing a new medical evacuation variant of its NH90 helicopter, in response to a German military initiative to increase availability of protected transport for wounded personnel that has identified a need for 12 helicopters.
Eurocopter says the project can be completed within 20 months. To minimise the approval procedure, part of the development work originally planned for the full operational capability NH90, which also includes ballistic protection, has been moved forward.
The medevac NH90 is equipped with two intensive care bays for treating personnel and seats for the medical team. A mission package with similar capability is being offered as a retrofit for the tactical transport helicopter variant of the NH90 for combat search and rescue missions.
Options for the CSAR variant include up to three machine guns (one on each side door and one on the tail ramp), ballistic protection, a rappelling system, a double rescue hoist, an emergency flotation system, sand filters, an obstacle warning system and electronic countermeasures self-protection.
Source: Flight International
