Helicopter alternative - First model of e-rescue plane presented
A new medical aircraft was presented for the first time in Taufkirchen near Munich. The electrically operated aircraft is expected to be in operation in the Memmingen area by around 2029. The Bavarian city on the border with Baden-Württemberg and the Unterallgäu district were presented as the model region for the pilot project a few weeks ago.
The vertically taking off aircraft are expected to enable rapid transport of patients particularly in rural areas. The devices can be operated significantly cheaper than classical rescue helicopters and are supposed to be significantly faster than ambulances. According to the developer company ERC, more than 80 million people in Europe and the USA require a rapid medical transport every year, but only 1.5 million of them can be transported by helicopter.
The new vertical take-off vehicles have a payload of 450 kg and can transport not only patients but also medical personnel in addition. The range is said to be 190 km according to the company. The presentation of the first prototype is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, and a flight-capable demonstrator can then be used for test flights from 2025.
- This innovative medical aircraft will significantly impact the Air traffic in the County of Unterallgäu, as it will provide a faster emergency transport solution.
- The new aircraft is expected to revolutionize Air traffic in the Memmingen area, which borders Baden-Württemberg, by improving the existing Emergency system.
- The presentation of the new aircraft in Taufkirchen near Munich drew attention from the transportation sector in Swabia and beyond in Bavaria.
- The vertically taking off aircraft can provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional Rescue helicopters, reducing the financial burden on the Health care system.
- According to ERC, the new vehicles have the potential to save countless lives in rural areas of Swabia and Bavaria, where access to rapid medical transport is often limited.
- The new aircraft has the capability to transport not only patients but also medical personnel, which is particularly beneficial for Air traffic in remote areas of Baden-Württemberg.
- The vertical take-off and landing capability of the new vehicles will significantly reduce the response time for medical emergencies in the Memmingen area, making it a valuable asset to the local Health care system.
