The helicopter will need �1.8m a year to keep it flying

The introduction of the larger and faster EC135 aircraft marks the end of a three-year process to order it and get it built.

The helicopter boasts a computer navigation system and, for the first time, the service will enable a passenger to travel with a casualty.

However, it will need about �1.8m a year to keep it operational, an increase of �300,000 on current costs.

Response times

Lyn Paver of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust said the service would miss its old Bolkow 105dbs aircraft.

She said: "It is sad to see her go and see her empty. She's been such a good workhorse for 12 years.

"We had vowed we wouldn't see her go, but we're drawn to the fact we have to really."

The new aircraft was been bought using some of a �260,989.85 donation made to the trust by former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond earlier this year.

Ms Bond's donation came from money she raised from being voted runner-up in the reality TV show "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here".

The new helicopter's call sign is "DAAT", standing for Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

As well as the computer navigation system, the aircraft boasts several features that the Trust says will make it safer and which should help speed up response times.

These include a higher set main rotor blades than its current Bolkow 105dbs aircraft. The features also include an enclosed tail rotor.