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Following one of the worst fire seasons in our home state of Colorado’s history, on Monday, August 16, we announced that the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) signed a contract with United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, to complete and deliver a Sikorsky S70i FIREHAWK® helicopter.
We are proud that United Rotorcraft is the exclusive completion center for the FIREHAWK® helicopter. Firefighting and life-saving missions hold a special place at the heart of the United Rotorcraft community. We realize it is critical to increase the state’s capacity to respond to wildfire incidents and we appreciate the trust that the people of Colorado have put in us, and plan to deliver a product unlike any other.
Configured by United Rotorcraft with a 1,000-gallon water tank attached to the belly of the aircraft, extended landing gear to accommodate the tank, a retractable snorkel that can refill the tank in less than one minute, and a rescue hoist, S70i FIREHAWK® helicopters are designed to stop fires in their tracks before they have the chance to grow. These helicopters will allow fire crews to aggressively attack and suppress wildfires, transport up to twelve fully equipped ground firefighters to the fire line, and rescue firefighters and civilians when in need.
From rockslide and avalanche prevention to wildlife counts and livestock preservation, this helicopter’s multi-mission capabilities will be used across Colorado performing a wide array of missions.
The aircraft is projected to be delivered to Centennial, Colorado, and United Rotorcraft in early 2022, at which point it will begin its transformation into an elite multi-mission, firefighting machine that will serve the residents of Colorado for many years into the future. DFPC anticipates the State will take delivery of the FIREHAWK® Helicopter sometime in the later part of 2022. Learn more here.
(ENGLEWOOD, Colorado, August 16, 2021) – The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) announced today the signing of a contract with United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, to complete and deliver a Sikorsky S70i FIREHAWK® helicopter.
Configured by United Rotorcraft with a 1,000-gallon water tank attached to the belly of the aircraft, an extended landing gear to accommodate the tank, a retractable snorkel than can refill the tank in less than one minute, and a rescue hoist, S70i FIREHAWK® helicopters are designed to stop fires in their tracks before they have the chance to grow. These helicopters will allow fire crews to aggressively attack and suppress wildfires, transport up to 12 fully equipped ground firefighters to the fire line, and rescue firefighters and civilians when in need.
“Following one of the worst fire seasons our state has seen, coupled with the trend of increasing wildfire occurrence and impacts, it is critical to increase the state’s capacity to respond to these incidents,” said DFPC Director Mike Morgan.
Larry Alexandre, President of United Rotorcraft, adds, “We are incredibly proud to be the exclusive completion center for the FIREHAWK® helicopter, and even more proud to deliver one to our home state. Firefighting and life-saving missions hold a special place within the heart and values of our company. We appreciate the trust that the people of Colorado have put in us, and plan to deliver a product unlike any other.”
Senate Bill 21-113, signed by Governor Polis on March 21, 2021, authorized the purchase of the S-70i™ helicopter, capable of performing both firefighting and non-fire missions.
Not only will the FIREHAWK® be an additional resource for aggressive and early initial attack on a wildfire, but it can also be used for longer duration wildfires in the state.
“A State-owned aircraft will increase DFPC’s capacity to respond to wildfires on a year-round basis,” said Vince Welbaum, DFPC Aviation Unit Chief.
With its multi-mission capabilities, this helicopter is able to be used across a plethora of missions within Colorado. It can be used from rockslide and avalanche prevention to wildlife counts and livestock preservation. The FIREHAWK® ® can continue to save lives through search and rescue and medical evacuation mission
The aircraft is projected to be delivered to Centennial, Colorado and United Rotorcraft early 2022, at which point it will begin its transformation into an elite multi-mission, firefighting machine that will serve the residents of Colorado for many years into the future. DFPC anticipates the State will take delivery of the FIREHAWK® Helicopter sometime in the later part of 2022.
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About United RotorcraftUnited Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, ( www.unitedrotorcraft.com) specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of ground and aerial mission critical equipment for front line workers, from firefighting and law enforcement, to HEMS and Medevac. For more information on the FIREHAWK® aircraft and/or United Rotorcraft, please contact *protected email*or Ramy Nasralla at *protected email*.
Media Contacts:Caley Pruitt*protected email*
Ramy Nasralla*protected email*
Vita Inclinata Technologies, which stabilizes load-swing and spin with the touch of a button, and United Rotorcraft (a division of Air Methods), a provider of superior aerospace products and system integrations, including FIREHAWK® helicopter modifications and U.S. Military MEDEVAC helicopter cabin modifications, have announced a joint manufacturing capability partnership.
The partnership will focus on investigating in a joint manufacturing capability for Vita’s U.S. Army-tested Rescue System technology used by Vita’s military and civilian customers.
Over the last 20 years, United Rotorcraft has been the exclusive supplier of HH-60M and UH-60L Medevac interiors to the U.S. Army, with expertise across both military and commercial applications including: Patient Litter Lift Systems, modularity, crashworthy ambulatory patient/troop seats, oxygen generation systems, and more.
Vita’s Rescue System, which has been certified safe-to-fly by the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL), provides platform- and litter-agnostic control to stabilize swing, oscillation and spin under any rotorcraft. Sensors and proprietary software compute 100 times per second to dynamically stop chaotic movement, while a wireless remote allows precision and control, providing operators the ability to steer around obstacles and align to the aircraft for recoveries.
“United Rotorcraft’s purpose is to help front line operators save lives. It is only fitting that we would join forces with Vita Inclinata, whose products will revolutionize the way our customers perform their mission,” commented Larry Alexandre, president of United Rotorcraft. “We are excited to be part of Vita’s journey as it grows into an industry leader.”
Read the full story here.
United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, announced today the delivery of two HH-60L FIREHAWK® helicopters to Ventura County Air Unit.
Configured by United Rotorcraft this specially designed aircraft touts:
These HH-60L FIREHAWK® helicopters have been configured to allow fire crews to attack wildfires, transport up to ten fully equipped ground firefighters to the fire line, and have the ability to rescue those in need.
Ventura county has continued to perfect the tactics needed to suffocate wildfires in their early stage when a fire is most vulnerable, while simultaneously working in close coordination with firefighting crews on the ground.
“Wildfire season continues to grow in duration and intensity across Western states, and the FIREHAWK® helicopter has never been more relevant than it is today,” said Larry Alexandre, president of United Rotorcraft. “This aircraft brings unmatched multi-mission capability to Ventura County’s fire fighters in their effort to protect lives and property.”
The aircraft retains its multi-mission capability, allowing aircrew to perform search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, and carry cargo either internally or externally. United Rotorcraft integrated and installed newly upgraded tactical, communication, and navigation systems to specifications based on input from Ventura County Air Unit.
Ventura County Fire Department Division Chief, Gary Monday, concluded, “The addition of our newly modified HH-60L helicopters into the Firehawk community will provide an excellent service to the citizens of Ventura County. The modifications that United Rotorcraft performed were done professionally, and with excellent craftsmanship. We couldn’t be happier with the quality of the work performed by the United Rotorcraft team.”
(ENGLEWOOD, Colorado, May 25, 2021) – United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation announced today the delivery of two HH-60L FIREHAWK® helicopters to Ventura County Air Unit.
Configured by United Rotorcraft with a 1,000-gallon water tank attached to the belly of the aircraft; an extended landing gear to accommodate the tank; a retractable snorkel than can refill the tank in less than one minute; a fully glass cockpit; a custom avionics package; and a rescue hoist, these HH-60L FIREHAWK® helicopters will allow fire crews to attack wildfires, transport up to ten fully equipped ground firefighters to the fire line, and rescue firefighters and civilians when in need.
Ventura County Air Unit has been in operation since 1971 and currently operates four different Bell UH-1 Hueys; one each of the HH-1H, UH-1H, Bell 205B, Bell 212, and one Bell 206 Long Ranger, in addition to their two new HH-60L FIREHAWK® helicopters. The County has continued to perfect the tactics needed to suffocate wildfires in their early stage when a fire is most vulnerable, while simultaneously working in close coordination with firefighting crews on the ground. Ventura County’s HH-60L FIREHAWK® aircraft are more powerful and faster than all of their current aircraft, allowing them to carry approximately three times the amount of water, while traveling at speeds of up to 130 knots. This means the crews arrive on scene sooner, with significantly more firefighting power, preventing destruction better than ever before.
“With wildfire season continuing to grow in duration and intensity across Western States, the FIREHAWK® helicopter has never been more relevant than it is today,” said Larry Alexandre, president of United Rotorcraft. “This aircraft brings unmatched multi-mission capability to Ventura County’s fire fighters in their effort to protect lives and property.”
United Rotorcraft has completely revolutionized the HH-60L aircraft by converting the twin-engine aircraft to its aerial firefighting configuration. The aircraft retains its multi-mission capability, allowing aircrew to perform search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, and carry cargo either internally or as an external load. United Rotorcraft integrated and installed newly upgraded tactical, communication, and navigation systems to specifications based on input from Ventura County Air Unit.
Along with its signature firefighting tank, United Rotorcraft has also installed a 600 lb. external rescue hoist, a 9,000 lb. cargo hook with a load cell system, forward recognition lights, and a high intensity searchlight onto each aircraft. The HH-60L’s outdated analogue gauge cockpit was replaced by a fully integrated, glass avionics suite to reduce pilot workload and increase mission effectiveness while operating in high-stakes environments. These new systems also give the crews the capability to track exactly when, where, and how much water was taken onboard, so they can replace the water after the mission is complete.
“We thank Ventura County Air Unit for their trust in United Rotorcraft to bring a life-saving, firefighting helicopter to the urban centers and forests of California,” said Brit McDermett, vice president of sales and marketing at United Rotorcraft. “Their firefighters now have a powerful and proven helicopter that can attack fires at night, maneuver with agility and safety in canyons and terrain in every imaginable condition, while dropping water with tremendous precision and force.”
Ventura County Fire Department Division Chief, Gary Monday, concluded, “The addition of our newly modified HH-60L helicopters into the Firehawk community will provide an excellent service to the citizens of Ventura County. The modifications that United Rotorcraft performed were done professionally, and with excellent craftsmanship. The high landing gear that enables a 1000-gallon fixed tank is invaluable to our wildfire fighting mission. The instrument panel is state of the art, with dual Garmin 750s and Garmin EFI. The newly incorporated radios are complemented by Technisonic TDFM 9600 all band radio. The aircraft’s capabilities also include a moving map and FLIR. The TrakkaBeam searchlight is externally mounted under the nose of the aircraft and will be of great value to us. To allow us Search and Rescue capabilities, there is a BF Goodrich rescue hoist that has the capability to provide rescue up to 300 feet below the aircraft. We couldn’t be happier with the quality of the work performed by the United Rotorcraft team.”
About United Rotorcraft
United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, specializes in the design, manufacture and installation of ground and aerial mission critical equipment for front line workers, from firefighting and law enforcement, to HEMS and Medevac.
Media Contact: For more information on the FIREHAWK® aircraft and/or United Rotorcraft, please contact *protected email* or Ramy Nasralla at *protected email*.
At Air Methods, we pride ourselves on a diverse range of capabilities with a focus on providing resources to help improve the communities we serve. While our largest offering is direct air medical services, with air ambulance bases all over the country, we also have expertise in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology through United Rotorcraft.
Our United Rotorcraft brand designs and integrates quality aircraft products and systems to meet customer’s specific requirements and offers a full range of completion, paint, and MRO services and products for emergency medical services, search and rescue, law enforcement, utility, VIP, military operators, and the FIREHAWK®, the premier firefighting helicopter in the world.
Vertical Magazine recently sat down with United Rotorcraft’s president, Larry Alexandre, to discuss the company’s drive for making the ultimate difference in people’s lives.
“There is a real sense of pride in the work we do saving lives,” said Alexandre. “It is at the heart of everything we do. We take this work very seriously, from design to final installation and beyond to our customer support.”
Under Alexandre’s leadership, United Rotorcraft recently reorganized their management team to refocus on service and product delivery. The brand has almost doubled its sales, customer support, and program management team, including adding its first overseas team member, while deploying lean principles across the company’s processes.
By keeping their finger on the pulse of the industry and customer needs, United Rotorcraft has become a customer-centric organization focused on waste elimination, with a clear intent to shorten lead times, ensure quality, and consistently deliver on time and on budget.
Read the full article here.
At Air Methods, we pride ourselves on a diverse range of capabilities. While our largest offering is direct air medical services, with air ambulance bases all over the country, we also have expertise in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology through our division known as United Rotorcraft.
United Rotorcraft has built a reputation for designing and integrating quality products and systems to meet customer’s unique mission requirements and offer a full range of completion, paint, and MRO services and products for emergency medical services, search and rescue, law enforcement, utility, VIP, and military operators. You can learn all about it at their new website.
Their products are in service all over the world for civilian, public use, and military missions. Whether that mission is air medical, airborne law, firefighting, or private transportation, their vertically integrated business model gives them the advantage of providing all completion and maintenance services to their customers, often resulting in a smoother, faster transition back to service.
At the heart of United Rotorcraft is their commitment to provide 100% quality products and services to their customers, which is why they recently relaunched their website. Check it out to learn more about the talented staff and dedicated work being done to provide complete vertical integration solutions that are unmatched in the industry.
Everyone at Air Methods is involved in helping us achieve our mission to give more tomorrows by providing access to lifesaving care at the moment it is needed most. Our talented community of pilots, mechanics, and clinical professionals cover more than 300 bases across 49 states in order to offer care to communities that might otherwise go without. And we are looking for more dedicated crew members to join our team.
We believe our status as the industry leader and the importance we place on our mission and values allows us to attract the highest level of talented professionals.
To keep up with the growing need for air medical transport services, we wanted to make it known we are hiring across the United States.
Positions include:
Air Methods Flight Nurse or Paramedic
Today, hundreds of thousands of people nationwide are living healthy, active lives, and enjoying time with family and friends because of the high-quality assessment, triage, and treatment they received from Air Methods’ medical personnel.
Air Methods Pilot
Air medical pilots are some of the best aviators in the world. Whether you are in command of an air medical helicopter or airplane, the number one objective is to ensure safety always remains the highest priority throughout the transport process. Being an air medical pilot presents a rewarding, satisfying career that has a profound effect on patients and their families.
Air Methods Mechanic
Detail-oriented. Self-starter. Team player. These are the qualities that make an Air Methods mechanic successful. Together with the pilot and medical crew, Air Methods field mechanics are the third equal part of the team that ensures the aircraft is mission ready.
United Rotorcraft
Integrity and dedication to continuous improvement are qualities that make a successful United Rotorcraft employee. United Rotorcraft is committed to providing 100% quality products and services to our customers, so they can successfully complete their missions.
AirCom
Make a difference. Be proactive. Think outside the box. Our AirCom employees are the calm voice in the dark, fielding calls, providing flight coordination, flight following, and logistic support to keep our flight crews and patients safe.
PBS (Patient Business Services)
Patient Advocacy is in our DNA. Our dedicated PBS teams do everything they can to relieve the stress on patients and their families as they guide them through the billing and appeals process from beginning to end.
DPL (Direct Patient Logistics)
Forward looking with a comprehensive approach. Our DPL employees are the center point of coordination between all parties involved in the transfer process, helping facilities provide the best and most appropriate transport method for their patients.
Corporate Services
Our corporate services employees ensure that our flight crews are ready to answer the call when someone’s life is on the line. We dedicate ourselves to maintain equipment and supplies, coordinate logistics, and relentlessly provide the tools and expertise that allow us to successfully complete missions in the field.
Do you see yourself in one of these roles? To learn more or apply, check out our Careers page.
In California, more than 16,750 firefighters are battling the 29 major wildfires that have burned a total of 3.3 million acres across the state. The record-breaking temperatures and lack of rain have exacerbated these conditions and are not expected to improve any time soon.
United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, have delivered five new S-70i™ FIREHAWK® helicopters to California fire agencies: two in Los Angeles County and three that Cal Fire is using at their bases in Northern California. The multi-mission S-70i brings improved engine power, greater maneuverability and lift at high altitudes, reduced pilot workload, and a newly designed 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) external water tank.
Greater lift, power and safety: The S-70i aircraft’s more powerful GE-701D engines, wide chord composite blades, four-axis fully coupled flight controls, helicopter terrain awareness warning system, and integrated digital cockpit give the new FIREHAWK® helicopter increased maneuver capability and safety margins, improved performance and enhanced vertical rate of climb following water drops. Other improvements include increased airframe and seat crashworthiness, and an integrated health and usage monitoring system.
Multi-faceted fire attack: The S-70i can carry 12-14 firefighters in the cabin, and be immediately available to siphon and drop water in different configurations, perform a hoist rescue or provide medical transport. A new control mode enables the pilot to quickly open/close the tank doors to extend a water drop along a fire line.
Multi-function cyclic: Depending on the mission, the pilot can use the same finger controls to operate the water tank, the rescue hoist, the cargo hook, and long line operations with water bucket.
New tank features: The Kawak Aviation Technologies water tank is rated for aggressive flight characteristics, such as 4 g turns with a full load of water. Other improvements include an auto water snorkel reel system, a refill pump that siphons 1,000 gallons in 45 seconds (vs. 60) while hovering, a cockpit display showing tank fill status and diagnostic feedback, and an internal tank spray wash to prevent cross contamination of invasive species between water sources.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to put out these fires across the West Coast and Air Methods remains steadfast in their commitment to doing everything they can to support them during this tragedy.
Check out the Cal Fire Instagram to see photos of firefighters in action and to learn more about how you can help.
(ENGLEWOOD, Colorado, December 9, 2019) – United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, announced today deliveries of three new S-70i™ FIREHAWK® helicopters to California fire agencies: one each to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), and the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Configured by United Rotorcraft with a newly designed 1,000-gallon water tank attached to the belly of the aircraft; an extended landing gear to accommodate the tank; a retractable snorkel than can refill the tank in less than one minute; and a rescue hoist, the FIREHAWK helicopters will allow fire crews to attack wildfires, transport up to 12 ground firefighters to the fire line, and rescue firefighters and civilians when in need.
CAL FIRE’s newly acquired S-70i FIREHAWK helicopter is the first of nine aircraft currently on order, with an option for three more. CAL FIRE and San Diego are both first-time operators of the aerial firefighting helicopter.
LACoFD has operated three older S-70A model FIREHAWKs® since 2001. During the ensuing 19 years, the county has pioneered and perfected the tactics needed to suffocate wildfires in their early stage when a fire is most vulnerable, and while working in close coordination with other aircraft and firefighting crews on the ground. The county’s new S-70i FIREHAWK® aircraft is the first of two — more powerful and faster than the older S-70A model — that LACoFD is adding to its fleet.
“With the increase in wildfire danger, the FIREHAWK® helicopter has never been more relevant to the State of California,” said Mike Slattery, president of United Rotorcraft. “This capability brings unmatched multi-mission capability to these firefighting agencies to protect lives and property.”
United Rotorcraft contracted with Kawak Aviation Technologies (Bend, Oregon) to design and manufacture the water tank to new specifications based on input from LACoFD. Among other equipment on each aircraft are a 600 lb. external rescue hoist, a 9,000 lb. cargo hook with load cell system, forward recognition lights and a high intensity searchlight. Avionics installations include tactical communications and navigation systems.
“We thank CAL FIRE, the County of Los Angeles and the City of San Diego for their trust in the combined efforts of Sikorsky and United Rotorcraft to bring a life-saving aerial firefighting helicopter to the urban centers and forests of California,” said Jason Lambert, vice president of Sikorsky Global Military & Mission Systems. “Their fire fighters now have a powerful and proven helicopter that can attack fires at night, in strong Santa Ana winds, maneuver with agility and safety in canyons and terrain from sea level up to 10,000 ft altitude, while dropping water with tremendous precision and force.”
A FIREHAWK® begins life at Stratford-Connecticut-based Sikorsky as an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter. United Rotorcraft then converts the twin-engine aircraft to its aerial firefighting configuration. The aircraft retains its multi-mission capability, allowing aircrew to perform search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, and carry cargo either internally or as an external load.
Media Contacts: Meg GiovanniniUnited Rotorcraft, an Air Methods Division303-749-1353*protected email*www.unitedrotorcraft.com
Frans JurgensSikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company203-615-8293*protected email*www.lockheedmartin.com/firehawk
(ENGLEWOOD, Colorado, August 24, 2018) – United Rotorcraft is pleased to announce the receipt of a contract with Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) to convert two surplus U.S. Army aircraft into FIREHAWK® helicopters.
VCFD purchased two U.S. Army HH-60L aircraft, originally configured as dedicated MEDEVAC helicopters. These aircraft were outfitted with the United Rotorcraft medical equipment and patient litter systems, some of which will be repurposed in the new FIREHAWK® configurations. Following a full maintenance inspection, the aircraft will be painted at the United Rotorcraft Decatur, Texas facility and modified at in Englewood, Colorado.
“Ventura County Fire Department, along with our partners from Ventura County Sheriff’s Air Unit, has worked hard over the past years to identify the right solution for expanding and modernizing our aerial fleet,” said Battalion Chief Gary Monday of Ventura County Fire Department. “We are looking forward to seeing the new FIREHAWK® aircraft serving the fire crews and people of Ventura County and the State of California.”
The reconfigured aircraft will include an aerial firefighting mission package with extended landing gear, a 1,000 gallon firefighting tank, and a retractable snorkel system. A multi-mission interior including reconfigurable crew stations will be installed to allow the aircraft to perform a variety of missions including firefighting, fire crew transport, search and rescue and medical evacuation. In addition to mission equipment, upgraded avionics and a new instrument panel will be installed in the cockpit.
“We are so proud to be part of the future Ventura firefighting mission, as well as repurposing these Army surplus aircraft for their new homes,” said Bob Brodin, Director of Government Programs at United Rotorcraft. “The FIREHAWK® aircraft have so many capabilities to help the people of Ventura County and we look forward to the delivery of these aircraft.”
For more information on the FIREHAWK® aircraft and/or United Rotorcraft, please contact *protected email*.
(ENGLEWOOD, Colorado, July 30, 2018) – United Rotorcraft has received a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its modular emergency medical services (EMS) interiors for both the AW169 and AW139 helicopters.
United Rotorcraft’s AW139 and AW169 EMS interiors include configurations for medical or passenger transport. The EMS configuration includes a freestanding equipment rack; a Medical Transport Module (MTM) with a gaseous oxygen system; a Translating Patient Loading System (TPLS) to load the patient onto the aircraft; a patient litter with adjustable headrest that is approved for use during taxi, take-off and landing; and a Modular Medical Cabinet (MMC), which provides additional oxygen, A/C power, lighting and attachments to secure medical support equipment. Passenger seating configuration options include comfort seating for eight passengers or eight “flip-up” seats.
“The AW169 and AW139 configurations allow for a head attendant seat, which is a cornerstone to patient care and access,” stated Frank Graham, senior director of Global Sales and Marketing. “This differentiator will provide our customers with a state-of-the-art solution to their EMS mission needs and requirements.”