Lufthansa Technik has developed a new unit for the transportation of patients in commercial and VIP aircraft – the Patient Transport Unit Next Generation (PTU NG) – in conjunction with partner company Aerolite Max Bucher AG. According to the companies, the light and durable modular system can be adapted to customer’s needs, varying from a fixed installation with a comfortable bed to an ultra-flexible version that can be installed and uninstalled as required. First deliveries are scheduled for September 2014.
The first PTU NG’s have already been sold to Lufthansa and a VIP customer, and the initial EASA Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380 are currently in preparation.
The PTU NG also includes flexible stowage, a universal power supply for medical equipment, and an oxygen system which can be integrated into the lower module, and provides up to 13,000 litres of oxygen for artificial respiration. The oxygen pressure and level sensor warning indicators are located on a central console in the upper module, which also accommodates the power supply, overload and fault indicators. Additional medical equipment for artificial respiration and monitoring, defibrillators and telemedical equipment can be attached to the equipment rack or to the bed rails.
The design consists of one bed together with upper and lower modules, with aircraft seat rail adapters available for many aircraft types. A rack for additional medical equipment and sockets is available as an option. The unit is about 2m-long, 80cm-high, and 65cm-wide.