Your flying ambulance has arrived.
Urban Aeronautics Ltd. has signed an agreement with Hatzolah Air to develop, produce and market its CityHawk aircraft for emergency medical service, company executives announced.
CityHawk is a “revolutionary” vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a uniquely compact footprint and no external wings or rotors, resulting in an aircraft with unparalleled “fly anywhere, land anywhere” access under almost any weather conditions, the company said.
“We are excited to partner with Hatzolah Air on the development of our CityHawk EMS vehicle,” said Rafi Yoeli, CEO of Urban Aeronautics. “Its compact size will enable it to land in the middle of a busy city street, making it a perfect fit for medical evacuation missions by dramatically decreasing the time it takes to arrive on-scene, treat and transport sick or injured patients to appropriate medical facilities.”
It will accommodate a pilot, a patient plus companion, two EMT personnel and life support equipment.
Hatzolah Air is the aviation division of Hatzolah, an EMS organization founded more than 50 years ago with divisions in dozens of cities across several continents.
“Based on our initial estimates, we foresee a potential market of at least 800 CityHawks for Hatzolah and other EMS operators, with the possibility to save thousands of lives every year,” said Eli Rowe, President of Hatzolah Air.
The CityHawk is planned to complete its development and FAA certification for emergency use and be ready for production within three to five years.