“In response to the requirements of medical rescue missions in the Yangtze River Delta region, the H135 helicopter, equipped with Bucher’s AC67 flex HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) gear, was chosen to conduct HEMS operations. This is not only intended to cover the rescue sector but also address the needs of VIP customers. Consequently, in April of this year, we selected and procured Bucher’s rapidly deployable medical configuration equipment, namely the AC67 flex. This groundbreaking decision marks the first-ever application of a 20-minute quick change between VIP and medical configurations in China, significantly expanding the versatile applications of helicopters in the country,” stated CARE.
The partnership between Bucher and CARE extends beyond equipment provision to encompass various training initiatives. Since the beginning of their collaboration this year, Bucher has conducted high-quality theoretical and practical training for domestic medical personnel, adhering to international standards and regulations. This innovative training model has already garnered high recognition and support from globally renowned HEMS experts.
Together, Bucher and CARE aim to chart a pioneering path in air rescue in China. Their partnership transcends conventional boundaries, striving not only to provide state-of-the-art equipment but also to set new standards in the country through comprehensive training programs and operational initiatives.
Bucher has made significant strides this year in introducing its latest flexible equipment options, including the AC67 flex for the H135 and the AC70 flex tailored for H145 helicopters. These adaptable solutions have attracted global attention, particularly due to their innovative Quick Release system.
Building upon the principles of the AC67 flex, the AC70 flex stands out for its remarkable flexibility, facilitating seamless transitions between emergency services, VIP transport, police operations, cargo transport, firefighting, or military applications. This versatility has not only piqued the interest of rescue companies but has also appealed to private helicopter operators seeking to maximize operational efficiency through frequent configuration changes.
Bucher is focused on expanding its presence in these promising markets by collaborating with rescue companies and private operators. The integration of these flexible products is further facilitated by close collaboration with helicopter and air rescue experts in these regions. This cooperative approach ensures optimal customer support, streamlined communication channels, and accelerates the introduction of products and services.
Customers opting for this flexible equipment benefit from expert support and advice regarding applications, as well as potential upgrades or configurations. Bucher’s AC70 flex equipment has also generated significant demand for police and military operations, given the adaptability and versatility of the equipment in these sectors.
For further information about the Bucher Group, please visit: https://bucher-group.com or contact us at: bucher@bucher-group.com.
The latest A320neo model had its maiden flight in September 2014. The NEO model seats up to 189 passengers. During the renewals, Airbus focused on modernisation, cost-effectiveness and increased efficiency. Bucher’s products meet these high standards. Inconspicuous at first glance, they are part of an important safety architecture within the aircraft cabin.
With the Bionic Partition, Bucher has developed a component that supports the cabin crew in their tasks and – figuratively speaking – backs them up in an emergency. The multifunctional Partitions have passed the strict qualification and approval programme and are now being installed in new aircraft as well as in a retrofit in the rear door 4 area in the A320.
Beat Burlet, CEO of the Bucher Group, on the first installation at Airbus:
“We are very proud, that our lightweight Partition is now part of the safety architecture within the aircraft cabin and is being used for the first time in daily flight operations. The enormous weight savings, that we have achieved with this product, are the result of several years of development. The first delivery to an aircraft manufacturer and finally to an airline fills us with immense pride.”
Through its position, the Partition separates the passenger area of the cabin from the crew’s working area towards the rear galley and the toilets. As a final element, the Partition can be integrated holistically into the cabin design by using decorative foils or paintwork with airline-typical colouring or logo.
It’s the inner values that count – In another function, the Partition is the carrier of a wall-mounted cabin attendant seat and various holders for emergency equipment. The emergency equipment includes, for example, fire extinguishers, smoke masks, oxygen supply or life jackets.
Functional lightweight construction and bionics
In bionics, construction methods and mechanisms from biology are analysed and their findings are transferred to technology. If it is possible to recognise the interplay of individual elements in the overall design, waste can be reduced and previously unused potential can be released.
Driven by the idea of innovation, the bionic structural concept of the Partition had to withstand varying static and dynamic loads as well as load changes. To obtain approval, the structure was not allowed to fail under dynamic accelerations of more than 16 g in the direction of flight.
n addition, flexible positioning of add-on parts in zones to be defined had to be taken into account. The lightweight structure was to allow a low structure weight with the highest possible payload. To meet all these requirements, a modern fibre composite sandwich panel of the latest generation had to be created.
After more than two years of development at Bucher the result is a sandwich panel with a honeycomb core and carbon fibres (CFRP). Radically rethought and unconventionally constructed, it offers a multi-layer composite of various different fibre orientations. These are used over the entire surface or locally, with the wall thickness of the sandwich remaining the same.
Thanks to this new type of construction, weight savings of more than 30% could be achieved in the sense of bionics by using less material than conventional products on the market.
Since 2016, the DB Regio subsidiary of the Südostbayernbahn has been working on the IdeenzugCity project together with the innovation lab “d.lab”, the Munich design agency “neomind”, 30 partners, the passengers, and the Bavarian Railway Company.
In the 1:1 model of a commuter train, ideas are being explored around rail travel in the urban transport of the future. The aim is to use innovative ideas, to play an active role in shaping the transformation of transportation and encourage many people to switch their transportation to the environmentally friendly train. From convertible modules and new comfort concepts to sustainable interior design, a wide range of trends and topics are being implemented here. The first presentation of the IdeenzugCity is scheduled for July 21, 2021.
The implemented modules of Bucher, which can be viewed virtually, after registration, on the Ideenzug are the following:
Workspace
Even the smallest space can be used wisely. Our especially developed table systems meet all requirements for intelligent use of space – thanks to adaptable modularity and a focus on compatibility with other elements of the workspace. Our customers – aircraft seat and automotive manufacturers, rail integrators or outfitting centers – are always on the lookout for innovative solutions to meet their ever-increasing requirements for passengers and crew.
For the IdeenzugCity, Bucher was allowed to implement a workspace in front of a window that can be used as a workstation with tablet holder and inductive charging stations for cell phones. To be able to work comfortably, the passenger can make himself comfortable on the foldable sit-stand chairs.
Seating elements
In addition, Bucher was commissioned to implement various seating elements for the project. These seating elements convince with sophisticated functionalities and mechanisms. The functionality is based on Newton’s law of gravity. Bucher’s innovative engineers and designers often make use of such peculiarities that occur in nature and implement them in the design of interior products for transportation applications.
For example, sliding seats next to entrance doors serve as comfortable seating during off-peak hours. At peak times, they are transformed into a space-saving, upholstered wall where the passenger can lean against. Furthermore, a complete bench seat was developed which can be folded in front of unused doors to provide three additional seats. A similar concept is the 4-seater element, which can also be placed in front of the entrance doors to gain additional seating.
Customized cabin mechanisms are great examples of Bucher’s know-how, experience and sophisticated design aesthetics. We consistently meet the highest expectations of functionality and comfort for our customers.
In addition to the individually developed elements listed, Bucher also supplies kitchens and toilets to the rail market.
Beat Burlet, CEO of Bucher Leichtbau, comments as follows:
“Bucher is extremely pleased to be involved as a supplier for this promising, innovative rail concept. Projects such as this can demonstrate how an even more comfortable travel experience can be offered to passengers in mass transit in the future.”
The further development of the AC67 equipment, which has been successfully in use for many years, has now been implemented by Bucher engineers resulting in the new AC67 flex. Up until recently, only dedicated HEMS operators have been able to benefit from the high quality Bucher HEMS kits. Now, customers such as police, transport companies or military operators will have the opportunity to convert their H135 helicopter into a fully functional rescue helicopter within about 30 minutes by using the AC67 flex-kit. Mission profiles are now available for almost every HEMS application, from primary, secondary to disaster missions with dual stretcher.
The short installation time of about 30 minutes was made possible by the proven quick release system from Bucher Leichtbau. The HEMS-kit can be installed and removed quickly and safely without tools and with just a few hand movements. This means that the helicopter is always available for further use.
Beat Burlet, CEO of the Bucher Group, comments on this certification:
More and more helicopter operators want to be able to use their helicopters around the clock. With our equipment, we address exactly this need and make it possible to equip the helicopter for HEMS operations within minutes through the fast and flexible installation and removal system. We are very pleased, that we have already have won customers for this new product. With the successful approval of our AC67 flex equipment, we are now able to deliver the first kits this year.
For more information about our AC67 flex equipment, please visit our website. For any further questions or a non-binding offer, please feel free to contact our team at: bucher@bucher-group.com.
