ADAC Luftrettung and Volocopter to outfit eVTOLs for rescue operations

ADAC Luftrettung and Volocopter have signed off on two agreements to customise VoloCity eVTOLs for rescue services. 

The agreements, signed at the Paris Air Show, will see ADAC Luftrettung buy an initial two aircraft, it reserved in 2020, and lay the foundations for a potential 150 aircraft order in the future. The two VoloCitys will start research operations in late 2024, flying as supplementary aircraft for ADAC Luftrettung’s emergency medical services (EMS) operations in Germany.

Since 2018, nonprofit ADAC and Volocopter, have been a part of a joint eVTOL feasibility study in EMS and rescue operations. The study computer-simulated aeromedical missions in two regions in Germany, and theoretically proved that the introduction of eVTOLs in life-saving situations would add a “significant tactical advantage, from a technical, sustainable, and operational standpoint”.

Frédéric Bruder, CEO, ADAC Luftrettung said: “From the very beginning, we have been convinced that these aircraft can also shape and improve the rescue service of the future. With higher ranges and operational speeds as well as significantly more payload of the next generation of eVTOLs, we can also put the benefits for emergency care into practice – and fulfil our statutory mission to further develop the rescue service from the air with pioneering innovations.”

Using the VoloCity, a pilot and an emergency physician will be dispatched to incident locations. The companies are keen to stress the aircraft will be there to supplement, not to replace, rescue helicopters by providing rapid assistance from the air. After successfully completing at least a two-year research operation, ADAC may deploy Volocopter eVTOLs in its rescue service operations roster. 

Dirk Hoke, CEO, Volocopter, said: “There is no better way to start Volocopter eVTOL operations in Germany than by saving lives. ADAC Luftrettung is the leading European rescue service with highly trained pilots and successful missions who believe in us to create a better future together. We have proven the emergency rescue use case works in theory, now we are concentrating on the delivery and execution to start EMS operations in Germany in 2024.”  

ADAC’s feasibility study has also been met with interest by the Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris. It has joined forces with Groupe ADP to explore the launch of ADAC’s concept in the Paris region.