ERC unveils eVTOL “For Faster, More Affordable Medical Transport Solutions in Europe”
German-based ERC System (ERC) announced this week the unveiling of its eVTOL, specifically designed for patient and casualty transport, reports a press release. A flight-capable demonstrator is expected by the end of 2024 with the actual aircraft scheduled for market launch in 2029.
The medical eVTOLs developed by ERC are designed to facilitate both secondary transfers of patients between various clinics and the initial treatment of casualties. An initial demonstrator was launched at an event attended by Judith Gerlach, Bavarian State Minister for Health, Care and Prevention.
The aircraft has a cabin large enough to facilitate emergency medical care mid- flight; a load capacity of 450 kg; and a range of approximately 190 kms. The eVTOL is intended to enhance existing helicopter transport capabilities in Europe.
The release states, “The company has signed Letters of Intent with GesundheitsregionPlus, Unterallgäu-Memmingen, and DRF Luftrettung, one of Europe’s premier air rescue organisations. These agreements are part of a pilot project aimed at accelerating the development, certification, and operational testing of the aircraft.”
It goes on, “Additionally, ERC is collaborating with the Clinic and Polyclinic for Trauma Surgery at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, to optimise the medical capabilities of the eVTOLs.”
Gerlach commented, “Innovative air rescue systems could complement the existing ambulance and rescue helicopter services in the future, especially in rural areas. The quick and efficient transport of patients and the injured is crucial.”
Dr. David Löbl, CEO of ERC, added, ”As hospital density decreases and distances between medical facilities grow, emergency services face increasing challenges. Traditional ambulances often fall short in speed, whereas helicopter flights incur high costs and significant noise. The eVTOLs developed by ERC offer an efficient resolution to these issues, serving as an ideal enhancement to existing helicopter transport capacities. eVTOLs are three times faster than ambulances and three times more cost-effective than helicopters.”
Annually, around 82 million acutely ill and injured individuals in Europe and the USA need urgent and swift medical transport. Yet, only about 1.5 million of these patients can be transported by the fastest method available… helicopters.
Prof. Dr. Peter Biberthaler, Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Trauma Surgery at Technical University of Munich, remarked, “Time plays a paramount role in the quality of emergency patient care. Even brief delays can determine the life-or-death outcomes for severely injured patients. The significance of this factor is magnified by the increasing number of inter-hospital transfers driven by the growing specialisation of medical technology and the corresponding need for specialised medical personnel.” Adding, “Consequently, we are committed to supporting ERC in developing medical eVTOLs based on the most current medical knowledge.”
Founded in 2020 and based in Ottobrunn near Munich, ERC employs 80 professional staff led by Dr Löbl. In light of the significant shortfall in patient transport services, ERC is experiencing a lot of interest in Germany for its future eVTOL and anticipates large market potential across Europe and the U.S.
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(Images: ERC System)
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