Travis County’s three AW169 EMS helicopters assist rescue efforts in south central Texas, an area with over 1.2 million people that includes Austin.

STAR Flight, Travis County’s air ambulance operator, is the only 24/7 helicopter EMS provider in Texas that performs highly specialized rescues including emergency medical transport, still and swift water rescue, search and rescue, high angle rescue, fire suppression/aerial reconnaissance, and law safety assistance. STAR Flight also transports neonatal, pediatric ICU, and high risk obstetrics medical teams and patients. Travis County’s new fleet of AW169s is equipped with a rescue hoist and 300-gallon Simplex belly tank for fire suppression. 

Travis County, part of Texas Hill Country, presents many geographic challenges for rescue crew. Called “Flash Flood Alley,” it is the number one location in the United States for flash flood rescues. With several lakes and rivers, access to patients is often difficult and remote. Operating a fleet of helicopters up to the task is crucial.

Leonardo’s AW169 EMS helicopter provides more power and range than competing light-intermediate twin engine models. The AW169 features a superior cabin size—transporting up to two patients and five medical personnel plus critical care equipment—with flexible interior layouts that provide 360 degree patient access. Wide doors offer smooth and efficient patient loading, while a roomy baggage compartment stores extra equipment and stretchers. Large windows support emergency egress, and one engine-inoperative capability offers outstanding safety. With a full ice protection system available as an option, now under development, alongside the model’s hot and high capability, challenging weather won’t hold the AW169 down.

Latest-generation avionics on the AW169 includes a four-axis, dual-duplex digital automatic flight control system and a full night-vision goggle-compatible digital glass cockpit with three 8-inch by 10-inch displays to reduce pilot workload. With speed and endurance to spare, the AW169 can travel up to 440 nautical miles, cruise at over 160 knots and climb to 14,500 feet. Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) mode allows the AW169 cabin to stay “power on” with rotor blades stopped, creating a safe, quiet and comfortable environment for care, setting a new standard for helicopter EMS operations in the United States.