AgustaWestland announced that Norsk Luftambulanse (NLA AS) of Norway has signed a contract for one AW169 light twin-engined intermediate helicopter for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Norway. The contract was signed today at the Helitech 2014 exhibition being held in Amsterdam. The helicopter will feature an advanced EMS mission configuration including state-of-the-art avionic solutions to enable night and low visibility operations and specific mission equipment such as a unique retractable Soft Terrain Ski solution.

Perfectly suited to both primary and secondary EMS missions, the AW169 can accommodate one or two stretchers, either longitudinally or transversally, which is especially important for operations where in-flight stretcher recovery is required. The large unobstructed cabin can also accommodate wheeled stretchers and can be configured with a full suite of advanced life support equipment. This latest contract for the AW169 continues the success of the aircraft in the EMS market following orders for the type in the UK and Middle East.

The AW169’s avionic suite introduces state-of-the-art technology including a full digital NVG compatible cockpit with three 8” x 10” large area displays (AMLCD) with enhanced graphics capability for maximized situational awareness. A 4-axis digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS) with dual Flight Management System (FMS) minimises crew workload allowing single/dual pilot VFR/IFR operations. The avionics suite also complies with satellite-based navigation, communication and surveillance requirements and has the capability to perform satellite-based IFR LPV (localizer performance with vertical guidance) approaches to maximize round-the-clock utilisation of the helicopter. Safety enhancing avionics such as Terrain Awareness Warning Systems, airborne collision avoidance systems can be added to the standard avionic configuration.

The AW169 helicopter is part of AgustaWestland’s family of new generation helicopters that also includes the AW139 and AW189. These helicopters all possess the same high-performance flight characteristics and safety features whilst sharing the same common cockpit concept and design philosophy. This approach facilitates synergies for operators of these models in areas such as training, maintenance and support.

Norsk Luftambulanse AS (NLA AS) is a Norwegian air ambulance helicopter service operating eight of the country’s eleven air ambulance helicopter bases. NLA AS recently won the tender to open an additional base in Evenes in northern Norway. On October 1st, it also started delivering air ambulance services in Denmark from three new bases. NLA AS was, in 2006, the first air ambulance operator in Europe to use Point in Space (PinS) flight procedures, using satellite based navigation systems that enable them to carry out life-saving operations in adverse weather conditions. The company is owned by Norway’s largest non-profit membership organization with over 700,000 members, the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, that is committed to saving lives by strengthening the air ambulance service through research, education and development.

Agusta Westland press release