Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1962 · helicopter
The Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane is a heavy-lift helicopter with an open lattice fuselage designed to carry underslung loads, distinguishable by its absence of a conventional cabin and its high stance on long fixed undercarriage. The US Army operated it as the CH-54 Tarhe.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Flying crane helicopter with no fuselage pod — open truss tailboom |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Flying crane helicopter with no fuselage pod — open truss tailboom
- Sits high on long landing gear to straddle loads
- US Army CH-54 Tarhe; civil version is Erickson Air-Crane
Instantly recognisable: a helicopter standing very tall on splayed fixed undercarriage, with a narrow open lattice tailboom, two large turboshaft engines atop a minimal crew pod, and a six-blade main rotor — no enclosed cargo cabin whatsoever.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane has a length of 21.41 m (70 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.95 m (72 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 203 km/h (126 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The S-64 was designed from the outset as a flying crane, with the crew pod elevated so the helicopter could straddle a load on the ground. It served extensively in the Vietnam War recovering downed aircraft, delivering artillery, and carrying specialist pods for field hospital or command roles. After military retirement, Erickson Air-Crane acquired the type certificate and continues to operate S-64s commercially for firefighting and heavy construction.
Variants
Military variants were designated CH-54A and CH-54B Tarhe; Erickson Air-Crane operates the civil S-64E and S-64F with updated turbines and firefighting tanks.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the US Army in Vietnam and subsequent conflicts; civil Erickson Air-Crane examples are active worldwide in firefighting, construction, and logging operations.
Related aircraft
- Sikorsky S-61
- Sikorsky S-62
- Sikorsky HH-52A Seaguard
- Sikorsky S-58
- Bell YOH-4
- Boeing CH-46A Sea Knight
- Boeing Vertol HH-46A Sea Knight
- Dornier Do 32
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