Pilatus PC-24, in Swedish Medevac configuration, completes maiden flight
The first of six Pilatus PC-24s, in medevac configuration for the Swedish Air Ambulance Organisation (SAAO), successfully completed its maiden flight this week (July 22nd).
Dressed in the national colours of Sweden – blue and yellow – the PC-24, HB-VVB – made her maiden flight from Buochs Airport, near Lake Lucerne. The flight follows less than a year after the aircraft manufacturer agreed a deal for the six PC-24s with Sweden’s National Air Ambulance, called Kommunalförbundet Svenskt Ambulansflyg (KSA).
The medevac PC-24s will provide advanced medical assistance and access to fast, professional aeromedical care, to everyone living in Sweden. The full KSA fleet will comprise six PC-24s, with all aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2021. “The maiden flight heralds the start of numerous flight tests to be performed by Pilatus,” according to the company.
Medevac interior
After testing, the PC-24s for KSA will be transferred to Aerolite AG, the specialist Swiss company appointed to oversee the installation of the medevac interior.
Pilatus claimed the flexibility of the PC-24 opens up a wealth of possibilities for use as a medevac aircraft. The cabin offers sufficient space for three patients plus medical personnel.
The PC-24’s large cargo door also facilities speedy loading and unloading of patients, it was said. “All these advantages, combined with the PC-24’s STOL [short takeoff and landing] credentials, make it the ideal aircraft for all air ambulance missions,” according to the company.
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
“After the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and the US North Slope Borough Search and Rescue Department, KSA is the third organisation to deploy the PC-24 as a medevac aircraft.” More information about the PC-24 is available here.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, Albinati Aeronautics and COOL Aviation revealed a new partnership, which involves the acquisition of a new Pilatus PC-24 to be managed and operated by Albinati Aviation, Malta. The aircraft will be operated from its headquarters in Geneva, where it also will be based. Albinati said the PC-24 will offer customer access to virtually 100% of airports globally.
Medical organisations which have, or will, operate Pilatus PC-24s
- -Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
- -US North Slope Borough Search and Rescue Department
- -Swedish Air Ambulance Organisation.
