The Nightingale Helicopter is a 1986 BK 117-A4
The helicopter is owned by Sentara Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance. The aircraft is operated and maintained by Omniflight Helicopter, Inc., based out of Dallas, Texas. The BK 117 is noted for its dependability, high safety standards, overall stability, maneuverability, general performance and simple maintenance.
Features of the BK 117:
Twin turbine 650 horsepower engines
Hingeless four-blade main rotor system
Regular skid gear positioning the tail rotor in a vertical position at 6.21 feet at its lowest point
Maximum speed of 145 knots
Maximum gross weight of approximately 7,040 pounds
Fuel capacity of 185 gallons of Jet A fuel
Larger interior with a walk through cabin area (capability to add medical equipment such as an isolette)
Pilot compartment physically separate from the medical compartment
Air conditioning and heating systems
Expanded radio communications with UHF, VHF and 800 megahertz radio
Assist loading primary stretcher with drop carriage on wheels
Focusable external search light