The Aircraft

aircraft_supportWhen 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.cockpit

  • 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

medical_panel_3During 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.