Marshall Aerospace’s new contract with the Norwegian Armed Forces is first global certification for a role change modification, from civilian to military, of this type.
The Cambridge-based auxiliary fuel tank specialist has installed its first set of Medevac Role Change modification equipment for Norway’s Armed Forces. It’s the first role range modification of its type in the world to be used by a civilian airline.
The equipment was designed to change a civil aircraft into a new class of ‘air ambulance’ / mobile intensive care unit. It was installed and demonstrated for the first time to the Norwegian defence minister Grete Faremo and European Aviation Safety Authorities at Gardermoen Airport, Oslo on September 21.
Minister Faremo said: “We are now able to transform a civilian aircraft into a large air ambulance in less than 24 hours. This has significantly strengthened the Armed Forces’ medical evacuation capacity. This is not only important for our troops in Afghanistan; it’s a good example of how the military can contribute to civilian society.”
Marshall Aerospace’s engineering director Brian Phillipson said: “Marshall Aerospace is extremely proud of this capability, which was designed to meet the NDLO’s exacting requirements including full Civil Aviation certification. This is a unique product within the Industry with significant international appeal.
“Following on from the mobile hospital facilities delivered by our Land Systems colleagues last year, we are also pleased to be continuing to support Norway as the country demonstrates effectively its commitment to humanitarian support both for NATO and for the wider international community.”
Photos show: A senior aeromedical nurse shows the new capability to the Norwegian Minister of Defence; (small) Interior shot showing forward half of the Medevac cabin with capacity for 10 stretcher bound patients
