5 March, 2019: Airbus Helicopters unveils the next-generation H160 aircraft’ new air medical interior concept at this year’s Heli Expo trade show, with a cabin-mock up on the Airbus Helicopters booth completed by Metro Aviation. Metro is a longstanding partner of Airbus and has developed this specific cabin concept design with the needs of North American air medical operations in mind.
Some of the main features of the Metro concept interior include machined aluminium cabin floor allowing multiple configurations; a Modular Medical Rack (MMR); four track and swivel medical attendant seats; and an overhead communication panel with radio, audio and touch screen controls.
The aircraft has the largest cabin in its class, positionable stretcher capacity and wide opening sliding door making it ideal for long distances critical patient or isolette transport.
The air medical configuration that will be put on display at the show is just one of the concepts that will be designed for the H160, as the helicopter has the necessary components that will allow it to be customised to meet the various patient care mission profiles delivered by air medical providers.
“At Metro Aviation, we spend a large amount of time pouring over designs to ensure any configuration that leaves our facility is one that exceeds expectations and eases the burden of air medical professionals who are already faced with a stressful job,” said Metro Aviation Managing Director Milton Geltz. “This EMS cabin concept designed for the H160 was laid out to ensure medical crews have the room and flexibility they need to work efficiently with the right equipment at their fingertips. We are excited about the possibility of completing this aircraft in the future."
“We are excited to see the wide range of H160 configurations begin to take form, as we gear up for the much-anticipated entry into service of this next-generation aircraft,” said Chris Emerson, president of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. and head of the North America region. “Metro Aviation is a trusted partner and performs completions on the entire range of Airbus products. We are impressed with their initial concept and look forward to expanding on its development.”