United Rotorcraft provides precise, mission-ready solutions for when it matters most
Having started out in 1995 as the Air Methods Product Division (AMPD), United Rotorcraft initially served as the engineering, design, and completion center for Air Methods, and later became a primary supplier of MEDEVAC equipment for the US Army and National Guard. The company entered the aerial firefighting sector with the introduction of the FIREHAWK helicopter in 2001, and it rebranded to United Rotorcraft in 2011, expanding its services to include maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
Since 2011, United Rotorcraft has grown to become the exclusive supplier of FIREHAWK helicopters with more than 25 in operation across the US and its first international delivery under contract. Today, as the business celebrates its 30th anniversary, it remains a leader in the rotorcraft industry, offering fully integrated and vertically aligned solutions. 
Manufacturing Today sits down with Jeanette Eaton, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, to learn more about the company’s product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities. “United Rotorcraft is the exclusive global provider of the FIREHAWK aerial firefighting helicopter based on the Sikorsky S-70/H-60 Black Hawk helicopter,” Jeanette opens. “Our proprietary airframe lift kit enables the installation of a 1000-gallon external tank that can be refilled in under 60 seconds. This configuration powers the FIREHAWK platform and is widely recognized as a transformative asset in modern aerial firefighting operations.
“The system’s digital interfaces allow the pilot to precisely control water drops and multi-function displays provide real-time visibility of system conditions. Night conditions typically make firefighting easier, and the integration of night vision goggles and compatible systems now allow operators to combat fires 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Our FIREHAWK fleet currently stands at 26 aircraft on active duty, all of which are operated in the US by government agencies such as CalFire, plus another six in the build process. Several international customers are also pursuing the introduction of FIREHAWK on a global scale, and we are in the process of achieving FAA certification to extend its service into commercial markets.
“Building on the FIREHAWK’s success, we’re developing a similar system for the Airbus Helicopters Super Puma airframe,” she reveals. “System and flight testing is underway, and full certification in the form of a ‘Supplemental Type Certificate’ will extend the reach of this standard category helicopter into aerial firefighting markets in 2026.”
With the severity and frequency of wildfires escalating at an alarming rate across the globe, United Rotorcraft is preparing to meet increased demand. “Surreal and heartbreaking imagery of wildfires has led to a high level of public support for government agencies serving this cause,” Jeanette shares. “As we experience increased demand, we’ve introduced several innovations to enhance the FIREHAWK platform, including a unique retractable snorkel to pump water into the belly tank while the aircraft hovers over a water source. This enhances operational safety and allows the aircraft to fly at high speeds during firefighting operations, which ultimately results in a higher volume of water released to combat the fire. Whenever we think about innovation or investment, it’s paramount that we capture the voice of the customer to ensure our products save lives and protect the environment.
“It’s impossible to imagine the feeling of these crews working under devastating conditions and risking their lives to save others, and our medical crews face similar challenges, as most accidents occur during poor environmental conditions. Every minute is crucial to saving lives for both firefighting and medical crews. These crews are truly inspirational and we’re proud to play a role in providing the tools they need to help them succeed in every mission.”
Turning to United Rotorcraft’s additional markets, Jeanette continues: “We also design, manufacture, certify, and support custom Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) interiors for a wide range of rotorcraft, including models from Bell, Airbus, Sikorsky, MD Helicopters, and Leonardo. Designed to support critical care during transport, these interiors offer advanced life support capabilities with integrated liquid and gaseous oxygen systems. 
“In the defense sector, we design and install multiple mission-ready medical interior systems. Our Black Hawk Medical Interior for the HH-60, installed directly on the Sikorsky production line in Stratford, Connecticut, can transport six patients from the battlefield to medical facilities. Additionally, our versatile UH-60 multi-mission system can accommodate up to four litter or ambulatory patients, or a combination of both. This system supports seamless transitions between cargo, medical, and troop transport roles without requiring removal of onboard equipment.”
United Rotorcraft’s extensive manufacturing capabilities include vertical integration of engineering design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and certification. “Our aerospace and defense capabilities have evolved significantly over time,” Jeanette explains. “What began with manual sheet metal trimming and cutting has transformed into a wide range of human and machine resources that drive us towards self-sufficiency, such as CNC machining, thermoforming, upholstery and embroidery, painting and finishing, and electrical component assembly, to name just a few.
“Along with the introduction of new machinery like an Okuma milling center, CNC router, top-end embroidery machine, and an upgraded chem-film line for metal surface treatment, we invest in lean manufacturing through our Business Transformation team. Daily Gemba Walks throughout the facility reinforce our commitment to continuous improvement by encouraging firsthand observation, employee engagement, and process optimization.
“On the assembly side, we’ve integrated Manufacturing Assembly Process Systems (MAPS) into many of our production lines to ensure consistency and repeatability in every project,” she explains. “We’ve also invested in Dozuki, an advanced digital instruction platform in which we create detailed work guides and visual aids to support the assembly process and improve quality assurance.”
As our conversation closes, talk turns to what’s next for both United Rotorcraft and the wider industry. “With our deep and unparalleled understanding of the firefighting industry and our involvement with one of the largest helicopter Air Ambulance Service providers, we have a unique opportunity to leverage decades of expertise to continue providing world-class products that positively impact our clients’ overall operations,” Jeanette concludes. “Our current focus is getting the FIREHAWK Belly Tank certified by the FAA, and getting the Super Puma Tank certified onto the market, as well as actively modernizing our HEMS Medical Interior product portfolio. Overall, our goal is to offer the most comprehensive and effective critical mission solutions to our clients and expand our global footprint across all product lines.”