Announces Updates At HAI Heli-Expo

Enstrom Helicopter Corp., in cooperation with LifePort, Inc., has added medical evacuation capabilities as an affordable option to the Enstrom 480B helicopter. The Enstrom 480B can be used for air ambulance missions with the inclusion of the LifePort, Inc. pivoting MedDeck. This enhancement was announced at the HAI Expo held in Las Vegas (NV).

"This further expands our capabilities for the 480B turbine model," said William Taylor, director of engineering. "It's one more option for our broad range of uses for the 480B." Certification is expected later in 2004. This medically equipped 480B will allow operators the lowest acquisition cost and direct operating cost for medical work.

The removable kit installs in the seat tracks without any modifications to the helicopter's floor and without the use of any tools. Once the attachment plate is secured, the pivoting MedDeck is installed in seconds and the aircraft is Medevac capable.

The patient is loaded into the aircraft by releasing a single handle latch to unlock the MedDeck. The patient can then be moved forward/aft and laterally at the same time to allow for smooth transition in and out of the aircraft without any lifting. The entire MedDeck can be removed from the aircraft in minutes, and the aircraft can be reconfigured to fly other missions making it a true multi-mission platform.

This is the latest development in Enstrom's ongoing product improvement program to enhance its turbine model.

FMI: www.enstromhelicopter.com