Story ID: 376
Aero-Dienst and Vaeridion Study Electric Air Ambulance
By: David Donald
Caption: The aeromed concept is based on the Microliner nine-seater
Word Count: 304
Aero-Dienst is teaming with Munich-based Vaeridion to study an air ambulance version of the latter’s Microliner nine-seat electric-powered aircraft, as well as to develop a maintenance concept for the aircraft’s propulsion system and batteries. Aero-Dienst has an established maintenance network in Germany and Austria,in addition to being a major air ambulance operator.
The Microliner is a relatively conventional high-wing T-tail aircraft design. Its electric power unit comprises two or more battery-driven, isolated electric motors driving a single tractor propeller. The main benefit of this configuration is the robustness of the power unit against motor failures. Vaeridion began functional validation tests of a two-engine system in April, and it is aiming to certify and deliver the aircraft by 2030.
Aero-Dienst and Vaeridion will jointly conduct a feasibility study of using the electric conventional takeoff/landing (eCTOL) aircraft for air ambulance operations. Aero-Dienst’s experiences in both aeromedical and maintenance sectors will be leveraged to design concepts for internal layouts, as well as study both operational and maintenance scenarios.
“With this cooperation agreement, we want to contribute to the further development of aviation and check the aspect of sustainability as an option for our ambulance fleet,” said Aero-Dienst CEO Oliver Kosing. “The use of eCTOL ambulance aircraft would offer a tactical advantage for patient repatriations, as patients and med crew could be transported faster than with ground transportation in an ambulance, and emission-free.”
In the meantime, Aero-Dienst is expanding its maintenance services. From the end of June, the company’s Vienna facility will begin performing line maintenance on the Embraer Phenom 300. The Part 145-approved facility, which began operations in 2006, can perform scheduled and maintenance work up to 2,400-flight-hour and 48-month inspections. It also offers component, battery, and wheel maintenance, as well as 24/7 AOG service.