RUAG repurposes H135Ms for coronavirus patients
RUAG MRO Switzerland has reconfigured two Airbus Helicopters H135Ms for Swiss procurement agency armasuisse and the Swiss Air Force, to enable the helicopters to safely transport COVID-19 patients and protect pilots.
A new spatial separation between the cockpit and the cabin is being installed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus to pilots, and tests are being conducted to analyse any potential for signal interference created by additional medical equipment.
Andreas Baumann, General Manager of Helicopters at RUAG MRO Switzerland, said: ‘In this way, it is possible for us to elaborate effective solutions together in order to aid those who are dependent upon our help.’
The H135M (formerly known as EC635) helicopters is usually used by the Swiss for training aircrew but it is also equipped with standard medical equipment.
In the coming weeks, an unspecified number of H135s are expected to be similarly adapted to assist Swiss authorities in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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