Erickson Air-Crane is remanufacturing a second Sikorsky S-64 and offering it to operators as a firefighting "Helitanker".
Oregon-based Erickson bought the S-64 Skycrane type certificate from Sikorsky in 1992. The company developed more than 100 modifications for the helicopter before producing its first Air-Crane in July 1997. The zero-time airframe was the first S-64 to be built since the 1970s. It has joined the Erickson fleet, which now numbers 15, and is being followed by a second model, the S-64F.
"We have another one being built, and we think it's the most sophisticated firefighting system in the world," says Erickson. The 9,000litre capacity Helitanker is designed to deliver water, long term retardant or water which has been injected with foam. The helicopter can be refilled in around 45s by dipping a snorkel into a suitable body of water.
The Helitanker can also make multiple drops, and the pilot can select the volume each time. A global positioning system receiver feeds airspeed information to the microprocessor that controls the tank doors. This automatically adjusts flow to one of eight coverage levels, delivering 4-33litres per 10m², depending on the intensity of the fire.
Erickson has also designed the system capable of delivering a salvo of 9,000 litres in about 3s to drown out hot spots.
Source: Flight International
