The EC145 is the new workhorse for Life Flight. It boasts a maximum gross weight of 7,903 lbs. The normal cruise speed is over 130 Knots. Power comes from two Turbomeca ARRIEL 1E2 turbine engines. Fuel capacity allows for over 3 hours of flight in a single fuel load.
EC145 Features:
- Double load capability
- Large open cabin with excellent patient access
- Liquid Oxygen System for over 7 hours of O2 Flow
- Floor mounting provisions for Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump & Nitric Systems
- Transports Neonatal patients in a dedicated isolette equipped stretcher with on board power supply, monitoring, ventilator, & O2 supply (see photo on left and below)
- Divided Pilot and Crew stations allows medical crew to work effectively at night while the pilot retains a dark adapted cockpit
- Articulating crew seats & sliding cabin doors for clearing of aircraft & increased airspace surveillance
- Large rear clamshell doors for rapid & safe loading/unloading
- One-person loading stretcher
- Additional Medical Crew seat for patient access & additional specialty crew
(i.e.-Neonatal or Pedi Nurse,Profusionist,Respiratory Tech)
- Quick reconfiguration for double patient transport. Less than 1 minute to configure.
EC145 Safety Features:
- Dual turbine engines and fly away power with One Engine Inoperative
- Over 3 hours of fuel on board allows for multiple patient flights on a single fuel load.
- Redundant Hydraulic systems
- Redundant Electrical systems
- High mounted tail rotor for increased safety margin
- Compact size with the overall tip to tip length of 42'9" allows for landing in landing zones that would be inaccessible for other helicopters
- 3, color moving map displays, dual GPS systems
- Rigid Main Rotor System for immediate control response
- Skid landing gear with large diameter crosstubes & skid tubes for strength & rugged duty
- Dual Autopilot systems
- Traffic warning system (TCAS)
- Terrain and obstacle warning systems
- On board weather radar
- Live NEXRAD radar image feed
- Real time satellite weather information
- On screen charting system allows for paperless cockpit
- Large unobstructed views from windscreens allows excellent visibility
