Kagoshima orders new AgustaWestland EMS helicopter for emergency medical service missions

Kagoshima International Aviation has placed an order with the AgustaWestland and Japan’s Kaigai for a new GrandNew light twin helicopter for deployment in emergency medical service missions for Hakodate City Hospital in Southern Hokkaido.

Being acquired as part of the Doctor Heli system programme aimed at offering latest airborne EMS coverage to all prefectures in Japan, the aircraft will join Kagoshima’s already existing GrandNew aircraft currently operational in the Kagoshima Prefecture.

Upon being commissioned in early 2015, the helicopter will be based at the Hakodate Airport.

Features of the GrandNew helicopter include a comprehensive EMS configuration with a cabin layout that houses one litter plus four medical attendants or two litters plus medical attendants, in addition to skis and ice detector.

Claimed to be the first type certified light twin (CS/JAR/FAR 27) to be commissioned with a new EFIS featuring Synthetic Vision, the helicopter is also the first to comply with the latest advanced global positioning system-based navigation standards for all weather operations.

Grand series helicopters are capable of being deployed for performing several tasks such as EMS, SAR, electronic newsgathering, VIP/corporate transport, passenger transport, harbour pilot shuttle, maritime patrol and water pollution monitoring.

Kagoshima International Aviation offers a range of operational services including Doctor Heli support, disaster relief support, electronic news collection for local broadcasting firms, pilot and technician training for governmental agencies and emergency medical services, in addition to aircraft MRO services.

Image: The new GrandNew light twin helicopter will be deployed in emergency medical service missions for Hakodate City Hospital in Southern Hokkaido. Photo: courtesy of AgustaWestland – A Finmeccanica Company.

---