Shock and Vibration Dampening
A core feature of the Nodin CASEVAC Kit is its integrated shock and vibration dampening capability. The system is designed to significantly reduce shock loads transferred from the vehicle or aircraft structure to the stretcher and patient.
Computer-based simulations have demonstrated a substantial reduction of peak shock loads measured at the patient interface compared to loads measured at the attachment points. This contributes to improved patient safety and comfort, particularly during high load events such as abrupt manoeuvres or hard landings.
Structural Strength and Load Capacity
The system is designed with high structural margins and uses high-strength metallic components, flame-resistant webbing, and corrosion-resistant materials. Individual system elements such as hooks, straps, anchoring points, and dampers are dimensioned to withstand high ultimate loads.
Load capacity assessments include representative crash-load scenarios, such as forward crash cases with multiple patients, ensuring that the system provides robust structural performance within its intended operational envelope.
Materials and Safety
The CASEVAC Kit is manufactured using aviation-appropriate materials, including:
- High-strength and corrosion-resistant steels
- Anodized aluminium alloys
- Flame-resistant webbing materials
- Protective polymer and rubber interfaces
- Material selection supports durability, fire safety, and long service life in harsh operational environments.
Product Maturity and Operational Experience
The first generation of the Nodin CASEVAC concept was developed in 2002 for high shock maritime operations. The current generation, introduced in 2011, builds on extensive operational experience accumulated over more than two decades.
The system has been in continuous operational use for over 20 years across different platforms. A helicopter-adapted configuration has been in service since 2016 and has been deployed on a fleet of 20 helicopters within a single program.
Roles, Responsibilities, and Certification
Nodin is responsible for the development, documentation, manufacturing, and delivery of the CASEVAC Kit as role equipment. Aircraft- or platform-specific installation, approval, and certification activities are performed by the responsible integrator, OEM, or operator. Nodin has not performed airworthiness testing. Compliance with applicable aviation or platform requirements is demonstrated as part of the specific installation and approval program for each platform.
