Aeromedical evacuation

Air Force has a world class Aeromedical Evacuation (AME) capability. The C-17A Globemaster, C-130J Hercules and C-27J Spartan aircraft can be transformed into mobile hospitals to transport critically ill patients.

When configured for AME, the C-17A can transport 54 ambulatory and 36 high dependency stretcher patients. The C-130J and C-27J can carry 97 and 21 stretcher patients respectively. The largest AME in recent Air Force history was from Bali after the 2002 bombings, which involved 22 critically injured patients.

The C-17A Globemaster aircraft was designed with AME in mind. Integrated oxygen and electrical connections reduce the need to carry extra oxygen tanks and power supplies. Compared with the C-130J Hercules and C-27J Spartan, the C-17A Globemaster is faster, quieter, has less vibration and better temperature control. It's also much more spacious, and provides a better clinical environment for the patient and carer. The size of the aircraft cargo bay means other essential supplies can also be carried.