ARINC Engineering Services has introduced a modular pallet system that converts any standard cargo aircraft into a high-capacity aerial evacuation ambulance. The system can also convert passenger aircraft to carry patients on standard NATO medical litters. The ARINC Aeromedical Pallet System (AAPS) was developed for the U.S. Air Force, and is now being offered to the world's defense and civilian emergency agencies for use with existing aircraft.

The AAPS system is based on an aluminum cargo pallet that can be equipped with seats to carry ambulatory patients or upright stanchions to carry medical litters. Each AAPS pallet can carry up to 8 patients. Depending upon the aircraft type, cargo planes using the AAPS system can carry from 30 to 168 patients. The system stanchions can also be fitted on the seat-mounting rails of passenger aircraft, converting them to carry medical litters.

The AAPS system is shipped in fitted storage containers that allow a complete pallet module (with seats and/or litter stanchions) to be delivered as air cargo, and stacked as needed in storage facilities. When the AAPS system is pre-positioned at an airfield, cargo aircraft can be reconfigured to carry patients in less than 30 minutes.

AAPS pallets can also be used on transport trucks, inside medical tents in the field, or aboard ships for patient transport or stationary care. ARINC is planning additional pallet configurations including a lavatory pallet, sleeping pallet, and VIP pallet with four seats mounted around an adjustable work table.

FMI: www.arinc.com