Helo Orders Take Off In Australasia

AgustaWestland tells ANN the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust of New Zealand recently purchased an A119 Koala helicopter -- one of several orders the company has won in the Australasia region.

Representatives with the helomaker say the arrival of the Koala at Base Hospital will dramatically improve the capability of the Taranaki Rescue to provide emergency medical services in the Taranaki district, ranging from Waikawau (Tirau Point) in the north, inland to Tangarakau and south to the coast at Waitotara.

With a maximum take-fff weight of 5,997 lb, the A119 Koala offers payload and range capability AgustaWestland says is unrivalled in its category. Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney 1,002 shp turbine engine, the A119 Koala excels in hot and high conditions, even at maximum gross weight.

The A119 Koala is able to convert to a Medevac/EMS configuration that can accommodate two stretchers together with full patient access for the medical attendants and without any intrusion into the cockpit area. The internal layout includes provision for the installation of all necessary medical equipment to treat patients whilst in transit.

The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust has evolved from small beginnings to become the preeminent provider of emergency medical service in New Zealand. Its activities are supported by the Government, via ACC and The Ministry of Health, which provide half the funding, the remainder being met from the community, Lotto, Pub Charities and local business sponsorship.

Since its first delivery of an A119 in the region to a private customer in September 2000, AgustaWestland says more than 30 helos have been delivered in Australia.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com, www.taranakirescue.co.nz/