New chopper launched in Yorkshire
Yorkshire Air Ambulance has announced the launch of its second new H145.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), in the UK, has announced the launch of its second new H145. The £6-million aircraft (US$7.4-million) is now fully operational after receiving a full kit out and crew training, says the service. Based at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s base at RAF Topcliffe, the new vehicle replaces the service’s final MD902 Explorer as its rapid response vehicle. The first H145 went into service in September 2016 and is based at the service’s base in Nostell, near Wakefield.
YAA says that air ambulance doctors and paramedics have been involved in the fit out of its new aircraft to ensure that the helicopters are carrying the latest medical equipment. The total fleet update cost the service £12 million, but the upkeep of the previous MD902 Explorer aircraft were becoming ‘increasingly costly’ for the service.
“To see the second helicopter in operation is hugely exciting and a very proud day for us as a charity,” said YAA chairman Peter Sunderland. “These helicopters belong to the people of Yorkshire and will do so for the next 10 to 20 years. I am very proud to say we now have a level of service which is probably the best of any air ambulance charity in the UK.”