Sikorsky contracts for medevac interiors

DENVER, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft Co. has contracted Air Methods Corp. for the company's medevac configuration for the interior of the U.S. Army's Black Hawk helicopter.

Colorado-based Air Methods will provide 48 HH-60M Black Hawk Multi-Mission Medevac Interior Systems to U.S. defense contractor Sikorsky under a contract worth more than $17 million. The HH-60M medevac configuration is designed to provide critical life support for Army medical evacuations in combat zones.

Air Methods' officials say their medevac interior can support critical care for up to six patients with on-board oxygen technologies, patient monitors and other vital medical accessories. The HH-60M configuration also equips the Black Hawk with specialized avionics to support locating and rescuing injured soldiers.

"Through this contract, Air Methods is pleased to continue to be part of the U.S. Army's historic efforts to modernize its air ambulance fleet," Art Torwirt, Air Methods products division vice president, said in a statement.

"Our interior system allows this proven airframe to convert from one configuration to another in a matter of minutes, which maximizes the effectiveness, utility and overall value of the HH-60M."