Helicopter Successfully Repurposed for COVID-19 Patients

RUAG MRO Switzerland has recently modified the EC 635 helicopter model for COVID-19 patients. For this time sensitive project, RUAG MRO Switzerland, armasuisse and the Air Force are working together on suitable solutions for protecting both pilots and patients to the greatest possible extent. Two helicopters have already been modified and are ready for use by the Air Force.

TheEC 635 helicopter model is normally used by the Swiss Army for educational andtraining purposes. Due to its large dimensions, however, it is also suitablefor use as a mission aircraft, and it is the most frequently used helicopterfor emergency services worldwide. For the Swiss Army too, it is used forindividual and patient transport, and for this purpose is equipped withstandard materials for medical care.

Dueto the current situation brought about by coronavirus, the Swiss Air Force hascommissioned RUAG MRO Switzerland to specifically modify the infrastructure ofthis helicopter type for the transport of COVID-19 patients. A spatialseparation of the cockpit from the cabin is necessary in order to protectpilots from the disease to the greatest extent possible, ensuring theiroperational capability for further flights, and a suitable method for disinfectingthe entire helicopter is needed. Finally, the different medical devicesrequired by COVID-19 patients have to be inspected for any possibleinterference-generating signals and taken into consideration.

Injust a few days, two helicopters have already been repurposed, and are ready foruse by the Air Force. RUAG MRO Switzerland has also ensure that the necessaryproduction mechanisms are in place for the short-term modification of furtherEC 635-type helicopters.