Austrian Air Ambulance Services has acquired a new EC-135 - its 25th of what it believes is the most modern rescue helicopter on the market.

The landmark aircraft, the 500th built at Eurocopter's German production facility, was delivered to the Austrian Motorist and Touring Club (OAMTC), who operate Austria's Air Ambulance Services from 16 locations. OAMTC has exclusively used the EC-135s since 1997 when it had an initial seven. The aircraft is particularly suitable for rescue work because it flies at up to 287km/h whilst having easy handling and extremely good manoeuvrability. The aircraft boasts all the latest medical and technical gadgets and also has low levels of noise and vibrations during operation.

The 25th EC-135 was handed over to Mr Kurt Noe-Nordberg, ceo of OAMTC Air Ambulance Services. Pictured are Rainer Kudert, Eurocopter programme management, contracts; Markus Steinke, vp of the EC135 programme; Kurt Noe-Nodberg, ceo of OeAMTC Air Ambulance Services and Dr. Wolfgang Schoder, gm of German sites, Eurocopter.