The Yorkshire Air Ambulance has launched it’s new upgraded helicopter, G-YAAA
The new D3 model is equipped with a host of technologically advanced features that will make the service more efficient both whilst on scene and in air.
Features include a five-bladed ridged main rotor, making the system simpler, lighter, and easier to maintain than the previous rotor. It will also help to significantly reduce vibrations, which will improve ride quality for both patients and the crew.
The new model has a whole host of technologically advanced features that will make the service more efficient. Most noticeably, a five-bladed ridged main rotor, making the system simpler, lighter, and easier to maintain than the previous rotor. The five-bladed rotor system will also help to significantly reduce vibrations, which will considerably improve ride quality for both patients and the crew.
In addition, the new aircraft has an integrated camera system which allows the pilot to see behind and below the aircraft, making take offs and landings safer. With the addition of the cameras, crew will now be able to load patients into the Helicopter with the rotors still turning, allowing for a quicker and more efficient process for incidents where time is critical.
On board Wi-Fi will also allow patient records to be updated inflight, and a cutting-edge secure communications system will also allow the crew to send patient data ahead to their destination hospital, allowing Doctors and Nurses at their destination hospital to start evaluating and assessing the patient before they arrive.
Steve Waudby, Director of Aviation said: “It is very exciting news for us to announce the arrival of our new H145 D3 Helicopter. The big difference you’ll notice is that this new helicopter has five rotor blades. It’s also slightly lighter which means we can carry another half an hour’s worth of aviation fuel, allowing us to stay airborne and go to a lot more jobs before we must return to base to refuel.”
As an independent charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies on the generosity of the public and their fundraising efforts to continue its lifesaving work. It currently costs £19,000 per day to maintain and operate the YAA’s two Airbus H145 Helicopters, based at Nostell Priory in Wakefield and RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk.
Steve added: “On behalf of everyone at YAA, we thank the good people of Yorkshire who have provided us with the vital funds to be able to purchase our new helicopters, without which, it would not have been possible. Our aim has always been to provide the best possible air ambulance service, and by upgrading our helicopters we can continue to ensure we are futureproofing and modernising our operations and service delivery.”
A second helicopter, G-YORX will arrive in Yorkshire in June.
