SIKORSKY FIREFIGHTERS S-64 AIRCRANE

The S-64 Aircrane is one of the world’s most recognized and trusted helicopters, used for demanding operations daily across the globe. With a high degree of versatility, the Aircrane is relied on by operators in diverse industries including oil and gas, logging, construction and firefighting.

With its powerful lift performance and operational range, the Aircrane has been recognized as a unique workhorse for many decades. In the 1990s, the S-64 was considered to be nearly obsolete, but thanks to Erickson’s continued support, reengineering and investment, the S-64 is now stronger than ever. Over the past 25 years, Erickson has upgraded the airframe, instrumentation and payload capabilities to increase operational performance.

Since leasing a S-64 Aircrane from Sikorsky in 1972, followed by purchase of theType Certificate in 1992, Erickson defines Aircranes. As the OEM, Erickson continues to produce Aircranes, while also operating its own fleet of 20 and supporting all other operators globally. Day in, day out, Erickson provides Aircrane operators around the world with MRO, supply chain and engineering solutions to keep them flying safely and reliably to accomplish the toughest missions. Thanks to Erickson’s engineering prowess, supply chain, logistics, in-house manufacturing capability and MRO services, the S-64 is performing critical missions close to 20,000 hours per year

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND OVERHAUL Erickson’s MRO organization is FAA and EASA certified, with a quality system compliant and approved to AS9100 standards. Capabilities include airframe hydraulic and electrical installations, avionics, airframe refurbishment, dynamic components, fuel control and hydraulic parts. We also have certified engine test cell and dynamic component test bench facilities. Since 2013, Erickson has been the OEM for the S-64 aircraft, and it now owns the Type Certificate for the JFTD-12 engine, providing a unique one-stop shop to all S-64 operators worldwide.

ENGINEERING SERVICES As Type Certificate and Production Certificate holder for the S-64, Erickson has developed an engineering team solely focused on sustaining and improving the aircraft’s reliability, while constantly designing innovative new products that enable S-64 operators to accomplish their critical missions safely, economically and efficiently. The S-64 today is better than the S-64 from 1992, largely due to a number of modifications, design changes and new products and features added to the aircraft over time. From new mission-specific equipment design that enhances fire-fighting capabilities, to upgrading the cockpit from steam gauges to glass, to replacing a costly and low performance rotor blade with a composite design, Erickson’s engineering team is driven by constant improvement of the aircraft’s capabilities.

MANUFACTURING Erickson has the processes, machinery and infrastructure to manufacture parts and sub-assemblies under Part 21 and Part 29. With state of the art CNC machines, including 4- and 5-axis milling, as well as grinders and lathes capable of producing parts up to 120″ in diameter or length, Erickson has proven to be a ‘go-to’ source for OEMs and operators alike for small volume, high complexity components. Together, with its engineering knowledge base, Erickson’s manufacturing capabilities are unmatched.

SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES Reviving or re-creating an entire supply chain for a legacy aircraft is no easy task. Erickson has demonstrated a unique capability to select and manage vendors across the globe in order to support the program and ensure part shortages do not impede on mission readiness. With its experience in supporting a global fleet, from Brazil to Malaysia and Canada to Central Africa, Erickson has the logistics
network to support all of its customers wherever they fly. As an integral part of the support it provides to S-64 operators across the globe, Erickson offers comprehensive maintenance packages which include logistics, component planning, as well as the option for power by the hour support.

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3 (pilot, co-pilot), plus one engineer or rear-facing observer
  • Capacity: up to 5 total persons
  • Payload: 20,000 lb (9,072 kg)
  • Length: 70 ft 3 in (21.41 m (fuselage))
  • Rotor diameter: 72 ft 0 in (21.95 m)
  • Height: 18 ft 7 in (5.67 m)
  • Disc area: 4070 ft² (378.1 m²)
  • Empty weight: 19,234 lb (8,724 kg)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 42,000 lb (19,050 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney JFTD12-4A (T73-P-1) turboshaft engines, 4,500 shp (3,555 kW) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 109 knots (126 mph, 203 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 91 knots (105 mph, 169 km/h)
  • Range: 200 nmi (230 mi, 370 km) max fuel and reserves
  • Rate of climb: 1,330 ft/min (6.75 m/s)