DRF Luftrettung, July 28, 2020 - From 24 July, the crews of German air rescue service DRF Luftrettung started to operate their life-saving missions from the Rendsburg-Schachtholm airfield with a new helicopter dubbed ‘Christoph 42’
Dr Peter Huber, Board Member of DRF Luftrettung, introduced the new ‘Christoph 42’: “We are very pleased that we can also have an H145 in Rendsburg, the most modern helicopter currently used in air rescue. A glance into the glass cockpit shows the difference to the previous machine – all flight data, for example about the engines or the flight situation, are shown to the pilots on large-format displays.”
The four-axis autopilot, which can automatically take over the control functions, also provides relief for the pilots. On the weather radar, the pilots can quickly recognize changing weather conditions. In addition, the configuration and equipment of the helicopter make it particularly suitable for night use.
Additionally, a pattern change has taken place, as the state-of-the-art H145 helicopter replaces the company’s previously used EC145.
“We are planning to launch our ‘Point in Space’ project on the subject of satellite-based approach to clinics here in Schleswig-Holstein,” said Huber. “The station is now optimally equipped with the H145.”
The change to the new location took place recently during ongoing operations.
The Rendsburg station is one of DRF Luftrettung’s oldest: exactly 45 years ago, it started operating in Schleswig-Holstein, in northern Germany.
Today, ‘Christoph 42’ is the only 24-hour helicopter in the country with around 1,700 missions a year, an essential component in the comprehensive emergency care of the people in the region. It is used in emergency rescue and for the urgent transportation of patients between clinics.
The area of application of ‘Christoph 42’ is in central Schleswig-Holstein with an operating radius of approximately 60 kilometers around the station. During the day, it includes the districts of Rendsburg-Eckernförde, Dithmarschen, Nordfriesland and Schleswig-Flensburg including the islands and Halligen. At night, the area of operations extends across Schleswig-Holstein.