Erickson Air-Crane is giving its star heavy lifter, the S-64 Aircrane, a makeover. The company is gradually retrofitting the 19 aircraft in its fleet with new-generation cockpit displays, attitude/heading reference systems (AHRS) and three-axis autopilots. With an increase in demand for the type from around the world, particularly for the firefighting role, the Oregon-based manufacturer/operator is also gearing up to start building new airframes.
Erickson is both the manufacturer and the largest operator of the S-64–a stalwart of helicopter heavy lift since its introduction, as the CH-54 Tarhe, to the U.S. Army in the early 1960s. At the same time Sikorsky produced a civil version, the S-64E Skycrane. Pilot and forestry entrepreneur Jack Erickson was quick to realize its potential: he bought the first four S-64Es and put them to work in timber harvesting and construction. They were an immediate success.
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