Together with its partner, Aerolite Max Bucher AG, Lufthansa Technik is developing a next generation of patient transport unit (PTU NG) for intensive care treatment in VIP and Special Mission Aircraft. The PTU NG integrates EASA and FAA approved technology from both partners and can be used in both, commercial and VIP aircraft of the Airbus and Boeing family. It offers a variety of new design features including quicker installation, robustness combined with light weight design and a high comfort bed, which is an evolutionary improvement of the first generation PTU, of which more than 50 units were sold in the past years. The first PTU NG has already been sold to a leading commercial airline. Additionally, Lufthansa Technik is currently in concrete talks with an undisclosed VIP customer for a delivery of two units.
The PTU NG offers flexible stowage and a universal power supply for medical equipment. With its internal oxygen system in the lower case module, the PTU NG supplies up to 13.000 liters of oxygen for patient respiration. Oxygen pressure and low quantity indication together with power availability, overload and failure indication is available on a central control panel located on the upper case module. The unique modular concept of the PTU NG allows for customized configurations with drawers and standard units. Further medical equipment like ventilation, monitoring, defibrillator or telemedical equipment can be fixed at the equipment rack or attachment rails around the bed.
"The new PTU NG partnership with Lufthansa Technik is very exciting for Aerolite and we look forward to this collaboration," commented Aerolite's CEO Max Bucher.
"Our unique experience with aeromedical interiors for helicopters and fixed wing aircraft was gained during countless EASA and FAA approved projects using modular designed components, quick release and installation systems for easy configuration changes. Together with lightweight materials designed to be durable and reliable, we offer customized patient transport solutions to fulfill the mission needs of our customers."
Thomas Kuhn, Director Engineering Services, VIP & Executive Jet Maintenance, said: "Building on a long-term relationship, we are very confident to partner with Aerolite Max Bucher AG for the PTU NG. Combining Aerolite's expertise in the medical air transport sector with our global VIP and Special Mission customer base is value adding for all of us. Customer feedback for this unique Patient Transport Solution is already overwhelming. We look forward to continue a beneficial and successful business relationship with Aerolite."
The modular design of the PTU NG consists of the stretcher or bed, the upper and the lower case with variable seat track adapters. An optional rack for additional medical equipment, sockets and oxygen supply is also available. The Aerolite standard interface guarantees a quick release locking system for easy installation and configuration changes. The light-weight design will enable the transportation of patients weighing up to 120 kg. The dimensions of approximately 2 m length, a height of 80 cm and a width of 65 cm guarantee a comfortable working environment for the medical crew and enough space for the patient as well as comprehensive medical support equipment.
About Aerolite Max Bucher AG:
Aerolite is a leader in design, engineering, production and installation of state-of-the-art Air Medical - and Corporate interiors. Our know how is based on over 500 delivered EMS interiors.
The company hold EASA DOA, POA and MOA approvals and is ISO 9001, EN9100 and ISO 13485 certified. The company is located in Switzerland and has subsidiaries in Germany and USA.
About Lufthansa Technik:
The Lufthansa Technik Group, with about 30 subsidiaries and 26,000 employees worldwide, is one of the leading manufacturer-independent providers of services for the aviation industry. Lufthansa Technik is licensed internationally as a repair, production and development enterprise. The Group's portfolio encompasses the entire spectrum of services in the areas of maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification and conversion, engines and components.
