Air Methods’ United Rotorcraft has received FAA STC approval for the installation of an EMS interior in a new Airbus EC130T2 large-cabin single. United Rotorcraft completed the STC in cooperation with Airbus Helicopters in Grand Prairie, Texas, part of a 10-aircraft order from Airbus for Air Methods to support its helicopter EMS fleet.

The completion includes installation of a new avionics suite featuring Garmin equipment (G500 multifunction display, GTN 750/650 GPS/navcom), HTaws, traffic, weather and satellite tracking. Other equipment includes the NAT Internal Communications System and Technisonic tactical radios for ground communication. 

The EMS interior includes AC power, United Rotorcraft’s lowered patient loading system (for easy patient loading) and secures neonatal isolettes. Other medical systems aboard include a 10-liter liquid oxygen tank, integrated compressed air, suction and tailored mounts to secure carry-on equipment. The avionics and medical interior are night-vision compatible and STC approved by Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU).

Originally developed to meet the needs of the air-tour industry, the EC130 is becoming increasingly popular for EMS missions. Compared with the legacy EC130B4, the newer T2 offers a more powerful 950-shp Arriel 2D engine (6,000-hour TBO), a full-flat cabin floor, better fuel efficiency, more useful load, improved air conditioning, better vibration control, an optional right-side sliding cabin door, new energy-absorbing seats and a crashworthy fuel tank. Approximately 70 percent of the EC130T2’s airframe has been modified from the B4.

Air Methods is the largest Hems provider in the U.S. with more than 400 aircraft. It ordered the EC130T2s in 2012. The company’s new helicopter orders are weighted approximately 90 percent in favor of single-engine models, company CEO Aaron Todd recently told AIN.