UK’s KSSAAT orders AW169 helicopter for emergency medical service missions

AgustaWestland’s AW169 twin-engine light intermediate helicopter has been selected by the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust (KSSAAT) helicopter to carry out emergency medical service missions.

Selected following an extensive evaluation process of several competing types by the Charity, the new helicopter will be operated by Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) for the KSSAAT from autumn 2015.

SAS managing director Henk Schaeken said: "We selected the AW169 two years ago at the previous Farnborough International Air Show, as it offered the best capabilities and performance in its class and we felt that it could greatly enhance the operations of ourcustomers.

"The decision by Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust supports our early commitment to the AW169, and strengthens the long-standing and excellent relationship between our organisations.

"We are engaging with KSSAAT in defining the final aircraft configuration and medical fit, which will be designed to meet their requirements and expand the medical capabilities they bring to the incident scene."

The aircraft offers improved performance, inherent safety features, payload, cabin size and design, in addition to several advanced features that make it suitable for missions to be executed by KSSAAT.

Kent, Surrey &Sussex Air Ambulance CEO Adrian Bell said: "KSSAAT has been operating a 24/7 Emergency Medical Service for over a year now and has learned considerably from nine months plus of full night flying operations.

"We have therefore undertaken an exhaustive review of all relevant aircraft types and the AW169 is the only helicopter that fully meets our increasingly demanding clinical and operational requirements."

The 4.5t, twin engine light intermediate category helicopter integrates several new technology features in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems.

The AW169 forms part of the company’s new generation helicopters including the AW139 and AW189 models that boast same flight characteristics and safety features while sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance/training concept.

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Image: KSSAAT will commission AW169 helicopter in Autumn 2015. Photo: courtesy of AgustaWestland – A Finmeccanica Company.