LifeNet acquires Bell 407 GXi helicopter
Air Methods-operated, Nebraska-based air ambulance service LifeNet of the Heartland has acquired a new Bell 407 GXi helicopter
The aircraft was fitted with a new certified helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) interior by Air Methods’ helicopter completion center subsidiary United Rotorcraft and will replace LifeNet’s old Bell 407 GX helicopter.
The 407 GXi features a Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/4 turboshaft engine with a dual digital full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system. It has a maximum cruise speed of 246km/h, a maximum range of 624km, and a maximum useful load capacity of 1,043kg.
The aircraft’s interior can accommodate a single patient, incubator or specialty transport, and comes standard with the articulating litter loading system (ALLS), track-mounted IV hangers, as well as an ‘optional’ Pilot Isolation Barrier (PIB), flashlight, mount and equipment shelf.
Estabished in 1978, LifeNet of the Heartland is a full-service air medical transport provider which serves northeast Nebraska, western Iowa, northwest Missouri and northern Kansas, operating close to 400 flights annually from five bases in St Joseph, Missouri; Clarinda, Iowa; Norfolk, Nebraska; and two bases in Omaha, Nebraska.
Air Methods featured as the subject of a Provider Profile in AirMed&Rescue’s June 2022 issue.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.