As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to linger worldwide, a need emerged for the United State Air Force to transport large numbers of individuals infected with COVID-19 while protecting staff and air crew. The durability and versatility of shipping containers provided the perfect solution to the pressing issue. In less than 90 days, the US Air Force designed and built modified shipping containers to triple the service’s capacity for transportation of coronavirus patients.
Initially, the US Air Force was only able to move two to four patients at a time. As the severity of the pandemic increased, the military needed a way to transport more patients per mission and quickly utilized shipping container modifications to solve the problem. Known as Negatively Pressurized Conexes (NPC), these units are made from 40ft shipping containers typically used to ship or store goods. Modified with a special negative air pressure system and safety seats, the containers can carry up to 28 passengers or 23 ambulatory patients. Similar to isolation rooms in hospitals, fans continuously pull air from within the unit through high-efficiency filters, preventing airborne diseases from escaping the room.
Large military transport aircrafts can can carry two of these modified containers. Since the first mission in July, the US Air Force has transported more than 100 patients over 18 missions. Thanks to shipping containers for sale and their flexibility to be creatively modified, the US military can safely transport infected patients to proper medical facilities. To discuss shipping container specifications or any other questions, contact a Container Alliance representative today.
