DENVER, March 4, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, today announced that its United Rotorcraft Division has been awarded a contract in excess of $44 million from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for MEDEVAC Interior Systems installed on new HH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopters. This supports Sikorsky's new Army Multi-Year-8 BLACK HAWK production contract and covers a five-year period of performance. Initial deliveries will commence in first quarter 2013 and anticipated completion is by fourth quarter 2017.
"Through this contract, Air Methods is pleased to continue to be part of the U.S. Army's efforts to modernize its air ambulance fleet," said Tom Curtis, President, United Rotorcraft. "Our medical interior system provides the crew the ability to secure the patient and provide advance care. Additionally, the system can convert from one configuration to another in a matter of minutes, which maximizes the effectiveness, utility, and overall value of the HH-60M helicopter."
The HH-60M is the medical evacuation configuration version of the U.S. Army's BLACK HAWK helicopter. The aircraft can support medical, personnel or cargo transport missions and United Rotorcraft's state-of-the-art medical systems can provide critical care for up to six patients. United Rotorcraft's medical systems include a patented Litter-Lift Patient Loading System, an on-board oxygen generation system, medical suction, electrical power for medical equipment and high intensity, night vision goggle (NVG) compatible lighting.
Air Methods Corporation (www.airmethods.com) is the global leader in air medical transportation. The Air Medical Services Division is the largest provider of air medical transport services for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. United Rotorcraft Division specializes in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. Air Methods' fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft features over 400 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
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Forward Looking Statements: Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this press release that are "forward-looking statements", including statements regarding anticipated contract completion dates. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, the size, structure and growth of the United Rotorcraft Division; development and changes in laws and regulations; increased regulation of the aviation industry through legislative action and revised rules and standards; and other matters set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC. The Company is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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