The Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane is the civilian version of the CH-54A Tarhe heavy twin-engine military helicopter. The military variant was widely used during the Vietnam War to transport heavy cargo, from artillery guns to combat boats.
The S-64E features a six-blade rotor and two Pratt & Whitney engines. It has an all-metal fuselage and a three-seat crew cabin with two side-by-side pilot seats and a separate operator’s seat. The operator’s seat faces backward at a 180° angle, allowing monitoring of cargo through the transparent rear wall during loading operations.
This versatile helicopter performs numerous functions globally: rescue operations, firefighting for emergency services, construction work, heavy cargo transport, and timber harvesting.
Most S-64s have unique names displayed on their nose section. The aircraft has set remarkable records, including the highest horizontal flight altitude (11 km) and fastest climb rates to various heights (3, 6, and 9 km).