China's Beijing 999 Emergency Rescue Center (Beijing 999) has ordered one Airbus Helicopter H145 to be fitted with a hoist for medical, search, and rescue purposes.

The rotorcraft is expected to be delivered by 2019 and will be used for airborne mountain rescue services in time for the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.

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Beijing 999, a subsidiary of Beijing Red Cross Foundation, currently has two H135s used for emergency medical services (EMS) around Beijing, Hebei, and Tianjin.

Meanwhile, Bell Helicopter and Air Method's subsidiary United Rotorcraft have delivered one unit of Bell 429 helicopter to Reignwood Investment, representing its first EMS in China.

United Rotorcraft installed a medical interior including machined aluminum floor, additional crew seating configurations, and product improvements for optimum patient care and assess. The helicopter also has a rescue hoist and other program-specific support equipment.

The Bell 429 is the only light twin-engine helicopter on the market with true two-liter capability. It has sufficient room to accommodate two medical attendants and two other crew members plus an extra-large 60-inch side doors. It also boasts of an exceptional flight performance, with a fully integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system, and an SBAS navigation and instrument flight rules capability.

The Bell 429 is also the first helicopter to receive an MSG-3 process certification, resulting in lower maintenance costs for operators.

"There is a critical need for HEMS in China, and we are honored Reignwood has selected the Bell 429 to assist in life-saving missions," Patrick Moulay, executive vice president of commercial sales and marketing of Bell Helicopter, said.

TagsBeijing 999, Airbus Helicopters, Airbus Helicopters 145, EMS, Bell 429