Gulfstream Aerospace Corp has designed and delivered a state-of-the-art Gulfstream G550 medevac aircraft that is expected to revolutionise in-flight medical care.

The modified G550 was delivered to the Beijing Red Cross Emergency Medical Center during a ceremony at Gulfstream’s headquarters in Savannah.

Gulfstream President Mark Burns and Beijing Red Cross Emergency Medical Center Director Li Libing revealed the new aircraft, as well as the center’s interest in adding a Gulfstream G650ER to its fleet for the same mission.

“This aircraft showcases the art of the possible,” said Burns. “When you combine innovation, talent, commitment and expertise, you can transform an industry. With this aircraft – and our collaboration with the Beijing Red Cross Emergency Medical Center – we have done exactly that. This modified G550 will change – and save – lives, forever altering the expectations for medevac support.”

To be used for disaster relief and air rescue services, the G550 aircraft features an unprecedented degree of technological innovation that draws on Gulfstream’s more than 50-year heritage of providing special missions aircraft worldwide.

The aircraft features a dedicated medical bay outfitted with advanced equipment to sustain and stabilise critically ill patients, including:

* 360-degree in-flight patient access, a medevac first;

* Advanced life-support capabilities (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation);

* A bed designed to accommodate an infant incubator;

* A powered gurney loading system on aircraft stairs;

* X-ray viewing equipment;

* Refrigerated medical storage cabinets;

* Fold-out nurses’ seats for individual patient care

* Crew rests with berthing

"Since the G550’s debut, Gulfstream has continually invested in the aircraft to ensure it remains ahead of evolving customer needs. It is the most reliable aircraft in its class and can fly nonstop from Beijing to New York or London. More than 560 G550 aircraft are in service worldwide," the statement said.

The flagship G650ER is the fastest large-cabin, non-supersonic aircraft to fly around the world. With up to 7,500 nautical miles/13,890 km of range at Mach 0.85, the G650ER, along with the G650, has established more than 70 speed records. Today, more than 300 G650ER and G650 aircraft are in service worldwide.

“With the G650ER’s speed and range, medical care will arrive faster,” Burns said.