The Swiss Air Force and RUAG MRO has modified two EC635 helicopters for COVID-19 patient transport.
The country’s mountainous terrain means fixed-wing craft are most suitable for accessing remote villages and locations.
The project is designed to provide a “suitable solution for protecting both pilots and patients to the greatest possible extent” during transport.
Under normal circumstances, the EC635 is relied on by the Swiss Army for educational and training purposes; however, it is used worldwide in an operational capacity, including emergency services.
The EC635 a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to eight people, including the pilot, and a range of military equipment or armaments. In order to convert the craft for medical transport purposes, RUAG was required to:
- Design an effective, convenient method to spatially separate the cockpit and the cabin;
- Design a suitable method for disinfecting the craft in-between uses; and
- Ensure compatibility between the craft’s electronics system and medical equipment (for example, testing for interference-generating signals).
RUAG stated that the project was turned around in several days, and that the “necessary production mechanisms are in place for the short-term modification of further EC635-type helicopters”.
“These extraordinary situations, in particular, demonstrate mutual trust and outstanding collaboration,” said Andreas Baumann, GM of RUAG Switzerland’s helicopter division.
“In this way, it is possible for us to elaborate effective solutions together in order to aid those who are dependent upon our help.”
