Air Methods gets $17 million Medevac contract

Air medical transportation company Air Methods Corp. has obtained a contract valued at more than $17 million from Sikorsky Aircraft to produce 48 U.S. Army Medevac helicopters, Air Methods said Monday.

Production of the Black Hawk multi-mission Medevac interior systems has started and is anticipated to be completed by the third quarter of 2010.

The HH-60M is the medical evacuation model of the newest version of the Black Hawk. It provides additional payload and range, better handling, active vibration control and other features such as an on-board oxygen generation system and patient monitors.

It is equipped with medical systems to provide critical care for up to six patients. The aircraft also is equipped with avionics and other systems to help find and rescue injured personnel.

Sikorsky is a subsidiary of Hartford, Conn.-based United Technologies Corp.

Shares of Air Methods fell 38 cents, or 2 percent, to $15.71.