The Aircraft Also Offers Internal Cargo Loading Using A Roller Floor System

Columbia Helicopters has unveiled a Multi-Mission Helicopter Program, featuring the Columbia Model 234 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter.

"With larger and more intense events taking place with increased frequency around the world, such as fires, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, demand is on the rise for helicopters with increased year-round, interchangeable capabilities," says Santiago Crespo, Columbia Vice President of Growth and Strategy.

"Our proven heavy-lift fleet has supported these calls for decades. With our Multi-Mission Helicopter Program, our aircraft can be quickly reconfigured in the field to support several missions, year-round, providing opportunities for increased rapid response, interagency cooperation, and cost efficiencies."

The Multi-Mission Helicopter Program uses Columbia's Model 234 Multi-Mission Chinook helicopter and Columbia's turnkey operational, training and lifecycle sustainment support. The base configuration of the Columbia Model 234 is not subject to military surplus aircraft restrictions or ITAR. It features the largest internal cabin of any helicopter, capable of lifting external loads up to 25,000 lbs, and a suite of customizations designed to reconfigure the aircraft between mission requirements.

In addition to the Columbia Model 234 Chinook's internal and external fire suppression and long-line cargo capabilities, the aircraft is a capable transport. The helicopter can transport 19 passengers with side facing crash resistant seat configuration, and up to 44 passengers in an airline seat configuration. The aircraft offers internal cargo loading using a roller floor system that supports the loading and unloading of the HCU-6/E, or 463L Master Pallet oft used for transporting military air cargo. Another feature that the aircraft provides is the ability to rapidly respond to mass casualty events with multiple stackable stretchers, side and rear rescue hoists, and advanced life support patient loading utility systems. The aircraft can also be configured for extended range operations giving it up to seven hours of endurance.

FMI: www.colheli.com