Flying Colours Corp. the maintenance, refurbishment and completion specialist returned to EBACE in buoyant mood having just completed the industry’s first Bombardier Challenger 650 medevac interior.

Number one in a trio, the medevac interior was completed on time and on budget, under contract from Bombardier Specialized Aircraft, and is already in operation with Switzerland-based air ambulance operator, Swiss Air-Rescue Rega. The achievement was marked with a handover ceremony at its Peterborough facility in mid-April.

To complete the first-of-a-kind interior the Flying Colours design engineers worked in conjunction with Bombardier and AeroLite, the medical equipment specialists, which supplied the intensive care unit (ICU), and interior re-configuration adaption plates. The multi-purpose, state-of-the-art medevac cabin focuses on ensuring operational flexibility.

The cabin operates as a fully functional ICU for up to two patients with attending critical care experts or can be easily configured to transport up to four patient units with an accompanying medical team. For very specific needs the cabin design provides ample space to accommodate additional medical equipment. The layout ensures easy egress and access for the patients and medical teams. To improve the patient, passenger, and attending clinician experience, focus was also placed on the soundproofing, which has been strengthened to reduce noise levels in the cabin.

A further four to six seats, depending on configuration, can be included for accompanying family, friends or colleagues. In the aft section a duo of galleys incorporates Enflite ovens, coffee makers and customized double-width fridges that provide extra space to store medical supplies. A lavatory is located next to the baggage area. The flight deck crew benefits from the latest in avionics to maximise operational capability, as well as two bunk rest areas at the front of the cabin.

The majority of non-medical monuments, furnishings and interior components were designed and manufactured by Flying Colours. On completion Flying Colours secured the STC from Transport Canada Civil Aviation and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

Externally a striking paint job features a red tail fin with a white cross, as well as a striking red design spanning the front portion of the fuselage. The artwork was inspired by the Swiss national flag and the design of Rega's logo. The paint work was also completed at Flying Colours’ Peterborough headquarters in the dedicated paint shop.

“We welcome the challenge of designing and installing all our customised interiors whether it is for a VIP configuration or a special mission. However, knowing that this particular interior was the first one on a Challenger 650 aircraft, and will literally be responsible for life saving missions, gives all of our team great satisfaction,” said Sean Gillespie, Executive VP Flying Colours. “We know the customer is very happy with the outcome and we look forward to delivering two more aircraft of equal quality and standards.” The second and third Challenger 650 medevac aircraft are scheduled for completion by the end of 2018.

This is yet another industry first for Flying Colours this year as it follows hard on the heels of news it will be developing four different rapid change-out interiors for six multi-purpose Bombardier Q400MR aircraft. “Our special missions team continues to expand. As we complete each aircraft, so our knowledge increases exponentially. It is an area we will continue to focus on, along with our VIP completions and refurbishments,” concluded Gillespie.