A Light, Affordable Single for Emergency Medical Missions

Bell Textron and Arrow Aviation have announced their newest configuration for the Bell 505, a medical kit designed and manufactured by Arrow partner, HELIFAB. When looking for an affordable, modern, light helicopter perfectly suited to emergency medical transportation, Arrow found the Bell 505 the perfect aircraft for the job.

Arrow Aviation and its collocated partner, Helifab, work together to bring a variety of STC products to market, with full support for maintenance and installation across a range of helicopters. The medical configuration will allow one stretcher to lay lengthwise, with the patient’s head alongside the forward-facing rear seat and their feet beside the pilot’s control station.

Bell boasts that their 505 has improved visibility with floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass cockpit for pilots, as well as a roomy, flat-floor cabin, along with the performance to complete point-to-point patient transfers. In medical trim, the space is used economically, maximizing the utility of the small helicopter. The 505 is capable of cruising at 125 knots max, or going 306 miles at VLRC, or carrying a 1,500 pound internal payload.

The Helifab Emergency Medical Kit will allow prospective operators the option of a light, maneuverable, and economical platform for patient transport. Larger helicopters can be cost-prohibitive for smaller air services, or rescue operations with infrequent patient volume. Helifab’s Designated Airworthiness Rep. Mark Evans said “We are thrilled to purchase our fourth Bell 505 in addition to partnering with Bell to provide mission-ready, cost-effective aircraft that will deliver critical, lifesaving care to patients.”

“As the world’s most advanced short light single platform, the Bell 505 is capable of completing critical EMS missions at a low cost,” said Jay Ortiz, vp of Commercial Business for the Americas at Textron. “This agreement with Arrow Aviation enhances the aircraft’s mission capabilities and positions the Bell 505 as the premier light aircraft for medical transport.”

FMI: www.bellflight.com