Las Vegas, Nevada, 12
October
2004
Making its debut at the National Business Aviation Association Convention 2004 held in Las Vegas, Nevada, EADS Socata presented the AeroSled PLUS system for use in the 2004 TBM 700 and installed and developed by Lifeport, Inc. of Woodland, Washington (USA).
Adding a new dimension to medical evacuation (medevac) operations, the TBM 700 has near-jet performance for a lower cost, as well as the ability to operate out of short and unimproved runways. The TBM 700’s single turbine engine operation offers shorter preflight and turn-around times, providing operators with a rapid evacuation capability.
Stephane Bernard, Vice-President Sales & Marketing of EADS Socata and CEO of Socata Aircraft Inc. stated, “The TBM 700 is an ideal aircraft for medevac operations. Operating in an industry traditionally dominated by jets and helicopters, the TBM 700 provides both economy and performance.”
The Patient Loading Utility System (PLUS) is a self-contained module with full life support capabilities that can be installed in an aircraft in the same time it takes to refuel. The PLUS system mounts directly to existing hard points and tracks and weighs less than 160 pounds. The AeroSled is an aviation-designed stretcher, which is structurally rated and designed to fit into aircraft with space restrictions. A unique loading ramp allows the stretcher to be loaded through the door level and requires no lifting inside the aircraft.
“Lifeport has designed a system allowing use to get the maximum benefit out of the available cabin space while allowing enough room for one patient and two crew and two medical staff to travel comfortably,” Bernard added. “The PLUS system can also be removed and the original TBM interior re-installed in under an hour, ensuring multi-role capability.”
Lifeport Inc. began operations approximately 14 years ago and uses 3-D computer technology and experience to create new products and customize systems. The corporation consists of three divisions, with a total of 106 employees, all manufacturing aviation equipment. The Woodland division has over 700 medical systems in the field worldwide.
About EADS Socata
EADS Socata is the leading general aviation manufacturer in Europe and an industrial partner of major aerospace programs. Wholly owned by EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world, EADS Socata generated $200 million USD in sales in 2003 and employs 1,080 people in France and the United States. Socata Aircraft, Inc., a subsidiary of EADS North America, represents EADS Socata in the Americas.
