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New RNZAF Air Ambulance

The Royal New Zealand Air Force is developing an Aero-medical Evacuation (AME)—air ambulance—capability to enable patients to be transferred safely around the world in its Boeing 757 aircraft.

Action stations: The high dependency pallet (foreground), work station pallet (mid-ground), and medium dependency pallet (rear), with ample seating at the rear of the aircraft. AK-10-0331-110.
Action stations

A unique multi-role aircraft, the 757 is capable of being used for many different tasks, including:

  • passenger only
  • freight only
  • combination of passengers and freight, and
  • AME.

The AME platform will provide care for a wide range of situations, from minor illness and injury to critical care. Due to its unique set up, it has the ability to complete a bed-to-bed (hospital-to-hospital) transfer on one single stretcher. It is designed as a roll-on roll-off palletised system and includes a:

  • High Dependency pallet for a critical care patient
  • Work Station pallet, and
  • Medium Dependency pallet that cares for two patients.

The AME pallets were installed inside the Boeing 757 and test flown on Monday 14 June 2010. The medical systems were tested in flight and, with the exception of minor alterations to equipment and procedures, it was very successful.

The RNZAF Aero-medical Evacuation Staff Officer, Squadron Leader Jude Telford said, “It’s been a long time in the planning and a huge milestone has been achieved to get to this stage. We had several health professionals—two doctors from Middlemore Hospital Auckland and one from Bay of Plenty DHB Tauranga, plus an ICU flight nurse from Care flight—aboard with us and they were very impressed with what we have achieved.”

Versatile capability: RNZAF No. 40 SQN’s Boeing 757-200. WB-07-0029-03.
Versatile capability

Wing Commander Steve Hunt, AME Project Manager said, “The recent Antarctic operations to the Ross Sea ice shelf and the AME capability are examples of the huge utility and versatility of the B727. The AME capability is a national asset and provides choice and flexibility to the New Zealand government.

“It contributes greatly to New Zealand’s range of defence outputs, which could include the need to provide:

  • disaster relief
  • contribution to a military coalition
  • evacuation of injured New Zealand citizens in an area of sudden conflict (e.g. Thailand), or
  • response to a terrorist attack whether or not New Zealand nationals were involved.”

Using the Air Force Boeing 757 gives New Zealand modern economic airline running costs while delivering military multi-role capabilities. It is expected to be between 12–18 months before the AME capability is fully realised within the Defence Force.

Specifications

Aircraft Boeing 757-200
Manufacturer Boeing (USA)
Power plant 2 x Rolls Royce RB211535E4/4B turbofans
Length 47.32 m
Wingspan 38.05 m
Height 13.56 m
Basic weight 57,180 kg
Gross weight 115,680 kg
Max payload 22,460 kg
Max fuel 43,490 L
Range 4000 nm (7400 km)
Cruising speed Mach 0.8 (850 km/h at 10,675 m)

Fleet History

No. 40 Squadron RNZAF currently operates two Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The fleet undertakes operations to many points around the globe and flies varied mission profiles. The Boeing 757 provides a very flexible and reliable air transport capability that enables the Defence Force to achieve its objectives.

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