Bombardier has proudly delivered another Challenger 650 aircraft converted into an air ambulance to longstanding customer Swiss Air-Rescue Rega. The Swiss air ambulance service will soon take possession of a third Challenger 650 aircraft, completing the replacement of its earlier-generation Challenger 604fleet.
In a shining example of Bombardier’s diverse fleet of business jets being put to specialized use, these robust, spacious and high-performing Challenger 650 aircraft are specially outfitted with intensive care units, representing the next generation of airborne medical evacuation.
“Over the years, Bombardier Challenger aircraft have proven their reliability and endurance, and helped Rega come to the aid of so many people. We are extremely proud to have our aircraft continue to play a part in life-saving work,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The Challenger 650 aircraft is an ideal air ambulance vehicle, robust and versatile with a smooth ride that is essential when delivering in-flight medical care.”
Swiss Air-Rescue Rega, a non-profit foundation and one of the world's pioneers in aeromedical evacuation, carries out air-rescue operations in Switzerland with a fleet of 17 rescue helicopters and repatriates patients from abroad with three ambulance jets. A long-standing Bombardier customer, Rega acquired its first Challenger aircraft in 1982 and has operated Challenger aircraft ever since.
The Challenger 650 aircraft combines the tried-and-true performance upon which Rega has depended for decades, with the enhancements and technology to be the life-saving fleet of a new generation. Its higher-thrust engines will allow for a shorter take-off distance, and the Bombardier Vision flight deck reduces pilot workload. The Challenger 650 aircraft offers a quieter cabin and a smooth ride, for the comfort of both patients and crew, as well as an impressive range of 4,000 nautical miles.
Bombardier delivered the second Challenger 650 aircraft to Rega on July 25 in Peterborough, Canada.
Rega’s first Challenger 650 aircraft was delivered on April 9 of this year, while the third and final aircraft in Rega’s next-generation fleet will be delivered later in 2018.
This landmark year between Bombardier and Rega is the culmination of decades of successful co-operation and mutual respect.
The Challenger 650 aircraft, a member of the world’s best-selling large business aircraft series, has the versatility to carry out various special missions. It features the highest wing loading of any aircraft it its class, providing an exceptionally smooth ride that benefits passengers, minimizes pilot fatigue and extends the life of mission equipment. Pilots benefit from both Enhanced and Synthetic Vision thanks to the Bombardier Vision flight deck, as well as the unmatched capabilities of the industry-leading MultiScan weather radar.
Bombardier boasts more than 1,000 specialized aircraft in service around the world. From its Learjet, Challenger and Globalfleet of business aircraft to its versatile Q400 multi-role aircraft, Bombardier offers a wide variety of platforms for government missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to medical evacuations or VIP transport.
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