Air Methods to Supply Additional Medical Systems for US HH-60M Black Hawks

Sikorsky Aircraft has awarded a contract to Air Methods to supply its MEDEVAC Interior Systems for installation on the US Army's new HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. Featuring a five-year performance period, the $44.8m contract forms part of the $7.3bn eight multi-year Black Hawk production contract awarded by the US Department of Defense (DoD) to deliver multiple Black Hawk variants in July 2012.

Under the new contract, Air Methods' United Rotorcraft division will supply undisclosed units of MEDEVAC Interior Systems to help Sikorsky upgrade the army's air ambulance fleet. United Rotorcraft president Tom Curtis said that the medical interior system is designed to offer the helicopter's medical crew with an ability to provide advance care and safeguard the patients.

''The system can convert from one configuration to another in a matter of minutes, which maximises the effectiveness, utility and overall value of the HH-60M helicopter,'' Curtis added. Capable of providing critical care for up to six patients, the company's medical systems include a patented Litter-Lift Patient Loading System, an on-board oxygen generation system, medical suction, electrical power for medical equipment, as well as high intensity, night vision goggle (NVG) compatible lighting.

United Rotorcraft has also supplied 48 HH-60M Medevac Interior Systems to Sikorsky as part of a $17m contract received in October 2008. Equipped with an environmental control system, oxygen generating system, enroute medical care, suction, patient monitors, the HH-60M is the medical evacuation configuration variant of Black Hawk helicopter, and is used in support of medical, personnel or cargo transport missions.

Initial deliveries under the contract will start in the first quarter of 2013, with estimated completion by the fourth quarter of 2017.

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