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| Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon speaks during a launch ceremony of the city government's new multi-purpose rescue helicopter, in front of the 119 rescue squad building in Gimpo International Airport, Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap |
By Bahk Eun-ji
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday that it has introduced the AW-189 multi-purpose rescue helicopter for the first time in the country.
The helicopter, manufactured by Italian company Leonardo ― formerly AugustaWestland ― is designed for emergency medical services, search and rescue operations and firefighting
The AW-189 is an 8.3-ton twin engine chopper that can carry up to 19 people and travel at speeds of up to 283 km/h, and for more than four hours, allowing it to cover not only Seoul but also the surrounding metropolitan area.
It can be used as an airborne emergency room as it is equipped with a defibrillator and artificial respirator. The helicopter's weather radar, thermal observation systems and hoist also make it suitable for night rescue operations.
The helicopter's "Bambi Bucket" for firefighting can hold up to 2,000 liters of water to aid in the extinguishing of fires, the city said.
Seoul first planned to introduce the helicopter in 2015, and bought one in December for 35 billion won.
"The mid-sized multi-purpose helicopter will play the role of a flying emergency room with state-of-the-art medical equipment," Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said. "This aviation rescue system will save more people."
