‘Protected-Wounded Transport’ Container Saves Lives
Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the first of 13 ‘Protected-Wounded Transport’ Containers (GVTC German acronym) to the Bundeswehr, the company announced on 2 May.
In the GVTC, two paramedics can treat up to eight patients and, for example, monitor their vital signs and oxygen saturation, perform a defibrillator operation or have patients ventilated via the integrated oxygen-generation system. The container also protects its occupants and onboard equipment from chemical warfare agents, shelling and heavy explosions. A power generation unit enables extended self-sufficient operation, while the high-performance air-conditioning system allows it to be used in extreme climatic conditions.
Delivered on 20 April, the first GVTC will be used to prove the concept, being put through its paces and used to train and educate medical personnel. Following this, the device will enter series production, with deliveries anticipated 2024-2026. “Our protected-wounded transport containers improve the Bundeswehr’s rescue chain and ability to recover, transport and treat the wounded in crisis areas,” explained Harald Mannheim, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space GmbH.
The GVTC, which Airbus co-developed with Drehtainer GmbH and Binz Automotive, is based on an ISO standard 20ft container and can be easily mounted on existing Bundeswehr trucks via an integrated hook roll-off system. Cranes or other special equipment are not required.
