ASU has been awarded a contract with Qatar based Gulf Helicopter Company (GHC), for the provision and training of the Company’s Emergency Medical Crews. The Pilots and Paramedics will be qualified in the use of the ITT F4949 night vision goggles, to supplement the FLIR EVS systems presently in use.
“The NVG capability is a key element in managing the risk associated with night operation in the reduced visibility that we encounter in desert landings,” stated Mike Clawson, Managing Pilot for the HEMS programme, “and having reviewed the options available, both in equipment and providers, we have elected to go with ASU for a full-service package, based on their proven track record and willingness to tailor the programme to fit our specific requirements.”
THE NVG capability will be used in support of the Ministry of Health funded, LifeFlight Qatar HEMS initiative, which was first introduced in 2007, under the oversight of the Hamad Medical Corporation’s Emergency Response Department. LifeFlight Qatar presently operates two MD902 HEMS aircraft to cover Qatar’s onshore requirements, and expects to add a further two aircraft later this year to address the offshore requirement.
Gulf Helicopter Company was first incorporated in 1970 and presently operates a fleet of thirty+ helicopters, internationally, to include the S-92, AW139, BH412, BH212 and MD902 types. Approvals for the training and sales of the night vision equipment, is being coordinated and managed by ASU, with the US Department of State ODTC, as part of the “turn-key” agreement.
