When the concept of a dedicated aeromedical operation was envisaged, a search ensued to find the most suitable aircraft to fit the purpose.
A number of key factors determined the IAI 1124A Westwind II as the aircraft of choice for the aeromedical operation. Among these factors are the following:
- The comparative operating costs of a Westwind II vs. other aeromedical solutions
- The inherent high performance specifications
- The capability to maintain and modify the aircraft in-house
- The availability of type rated engineering and flight crew
- The structural strength to allow for the complex custom modifications
- Avionic suites supported by manufacturer dealerships held in-house
- Cabin size compatible for dual stretcher fit-out
Aircraft performance data analysis compares the Westwind with other aircraft types available as an aeromedical solution within Australia.
These include:
- PC-12 NG
- King Air B200
- Hawker 800XP
- Cessna Citation C680
The Westwind II boasts characteristics that match or exceed most of these aircraft’s capabilities:
- A range at maximum payload: 4430km (2390nm)
- Maximum speed: 868km/h (469kt)
- Cruise speed: 723km/h (390kt)
- MTOW: 23,500 lbs
Operational Equipment
Aircraft operational features not only exceed regulatory requirements but also permit international operations.
- Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
- Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS)
- Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADSB)
- Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM)
- Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 10
- Full privacy flushing toilet and hot water vanity
- Cold galley storage
Independent power supply
During normal airborne operations, most aeromedical equipment is powered by the aircraft electrical system. An independent power supply with auto-transfer enables dedicated on-ground and emergency back up power, delivering the required level of redundancy that ensure patient comfort and care.
Please see the medical retrieval page for more information.