The first upgrade of an H135 ambulance helicopter from T2 + to T3 was successfully completed by HeliAir engineers.
Reinhard Kraxner: “Managing Director of ÖAMTC Air Rescue”For us, it goes without saying that we are always evolving to provide the highest quality and safety to our patients in all areas, so it makes sense to invest not only in new helicopters but in existing state-of-the-art technology bring to.”
Comprehensive modernization work
The main rotor blades, the main gearbox, the tailplane and some cockpit instruments were exchanged among others. “Four technicians worked on the helicopter for about eight weeks,” reports Martin Weger, Maintenance Director of HeliAir. As HeliAir’s technicians are licensed for both the 135 Series and Turbomeca turbines, no additional training was required to complete the retrofit work. “With over 190,000 hours of flight experience, our technicians know the helicopter down to the last detail,” says Weger.
Further inspection and service work
In addition, the time of the conversion was used to carry out various periodic checks, service work and electronic updates. As part of the work, the helicopter was also equipped with the KOKON , the first self-supporting interior trim of aviation, which was designed and developed by HeliAir. In total, the ÖAMTC air rescue has invested around 600,000 euros in the modernization of the helicopter. After successful test flights – which took more than two and a half days – and the obligatory official acceptance, the helicopter has now been put back into service as Christophorus 1 in Innsbruck .
Reinhard Kraxner: “With this upgrade, which will now be carried out gradually on our helicopters, it is ensured that the ÖAMTC air rescue will continue in the coming decade, a fleet that is state-of-the-art and ensures successful rescue operations.”