Christoph 16

Christoph 16 is an EC135 helicopter equipped with modern medical equipment to transport patients throughout Rhineland-Palatinate. The aircraft can reach speeds of up to 252 kilometers per hour, enabling rapid response to medical emergencies across the region.

Germany's rescue helicopter network expanded during the 1990s with modern aircraft like the EC135 model. Christoph 16 became part of this development to improve emergency medical response across Rhineland-Palatinate.

The name Christoph refers to Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers and transportation. This naming reflects the vital role that rescue helicopters play in emergency response across the region.

The helicopter remains on standby during daylight hours with an emergency physician and comprehensive medical equipment ready for urgent calls. The base is typically not open to the public, as the team must stay operational and available at all times.

The EC135's Fenestron tail rotor is an unusual design featuring a ducted fan instead of a traditional rotor blade. This design produces significantly less noise, making the aircraft suitable for operations in densely populated urban areas where noise reduction is critical.