This text is part of the special section Electric and intelligent transport
The aerospace company Montreal-based Limosa is joining forces with Airmedic, one of the main players in the air emergency evacuation sector in Quebec, to develop a 100% electric aircraft that can land and take off both horizontally and vertically, like the would make a helicopter.
Hamid Hamidi, CEO and founder of Limosa, is delighted with the strong versatility of this first helicopter plane which will benefit from both the maneuverability and flexibility of a helicopter, being able to land in an isolated environment without being dependent landing strips, while having the speed of an airplane.
The young company Limosa, founded in 2021, is responsible for the engineering and technical aspect of the project, namely the construction of the aircraft. For its part, Airmedic focuses on consultation to develop an ambulance aircraft configuration that meets market standards. Inside the cabin, managers will be responsible for examining the quantity of oxygen available on board, positioning medical devices appropriately and structuring the interior for logical movement of patients and ambulance personnel.
Louis-Philippe Loiselle Fortier, vice-president of strategic initiatives and business development at Airmedic, says he is very excited about this project, considering the aspect of a first for the company. “The power of the device to move on two axes, for us, is the best of both worlds, especially in an emergency context. The device already exists, but no longer in a military gasoline model which is gigantic, not at all adapted to our needs. This type of aircraft does not really exist in the civil or commercial sector, so it is quite new and different,” he says.
However, several challenges loom before this ambitious project comes to fruition. The aircraft will have to demonstrate remarkable autonomy to be able to fly long distances and in extreme winter conditions to meet the realities of Quebec territory, especially in the Far North up to Nunavik which Airmedic serves.
“This is a megaproject for us, requiring a huge amount of capital, energy and human resources. The process remains slow because we are looking for many sources of financing. We would like to have government support to have additional income, but we are not eligible for subsidy requests,” laments Hamid Hamidi, aware of the challenges looming on the horizon. This is why it requires a stronger commitment from the various government authorities.
For the moment, Limosa estimates that the helicopter plane would be able to fly 320 kilometers before plugging in for a recharge, if it flies like a helicopter, or rather 400 kilometers if it uses its wings more fixed as a plane would do, because it burns much less energy.
One more step towards electrification
Driven by a desire to reduce its ecological footprint, Airmedic considers that the development of this device demonstrates the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The emergency air carrier also expressed its desire to leave a greener future to future generations through this innovative partnership.
“This is an opportunity that we have seized to make a shift towards the electrification of our devices. We are acting now so as not to intervene too late. In addition, we are very proud of this Quebec collaboration with a young local SME,” expresses Louis-Philippe Loiselle Fortier, delighted to see the aircraft progress in the Airmedic hangar at Saint-Hubert airport in Longueuil. .
This LimoMedic aircraft is expected to be added to Airmedic’s aircraft fleet by 2028. Currently, Airmedic’s fleet includes six Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, four BK117 helicopters and two EC145 helicopters. With the development of this helicopter aircraft, the two companies hope to transform the landscape of emergency medical assistance by offering an electric and environmentally friendly solution, while maintaining high standards of safety and reliability.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.