Intermountain Life Flight, the aeromedical programme of Utah-based, not-for-profit hospital system Intermountain Healthcare, has added the Axnes PNG wireless ICS to its fleet of Agusta A109 helicopters.

“As the provider of our PNG WICS Axnes is proud to be a trusted partner for the Intermountain Life Flight programme,” says VP Brett Gardner. “By using our WICS technology as a wireless intercommunication extension system, PNG technology brings unprecedented capabilities to the crew and demonstrates a proven operational benefit. The equipment is easy to operate and significantly enhances safety. The PNG system enables line-of-sight wireless communication with full AES 256 grade encryption for secure transmission as well.”

The DO-160G (environmental-airborne) and DO-178C (software-airborne) qualified PNG WICS is integrated with the aircraft intercom system increasing mission capability and operational safety for the most challenging scenarios, particular during rescue hoist missions.

The PNG WICS frees crew members from the encumbrance of wired connections to the intercom while minimising the potential for ICS cord snag hazards. Additionally, PNG provides for the ability to move freely within as well as outside the aircraft while maintaining real-time communications with the crew.

“We operate high-performance helicopters in very challenging terrain, climate and altitudes. Safety is very important for us, and therefore we always look for new technology and equipment that significantly enhances our operation and safety of our crews,” explains Jim Zobell, clinical operations specialist of the Intermountain Life Flight programme. “We selected the Axnes PNG wireless intercom as it provides full-duplex wireless ICS capability, allowing for crew communication inside and outside of the aircraft in the most severe noise environments, which is vital in the environments in which we operate on a day-to-day basis.”

The PNG WICS system is designed for integration into any aircraft communications suite, or it can be deployed as a standalone portable system. PNG provides robust, reliable, clear, and secure, full-duplex communications to crew members who are either wired or wireless.