S-64 Skycrane

The Sikorsky S‑64 Skycrane, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in the early 1960s, began life as a heavy‑lift, twin‑engine helicopter intended for military and civil transport. First flown in 1962, the prototype—designated S‑64A—proved the viability of a fuselage essentially a skeletal framework supporting a central cargo pod and a pair of powerful General Electric T64 turboshafts. Production models, the S‑64E and later the upgraded S‑64F, featured a six‑blade main rotor, a fully articulated hub, and a maximum take‑off weight of roughly 22,000 lb, enabling external loads up to 20,000 lb. Its distinctive “crane” configuration, with a minimal cabin and large external hook, made it ideal for firefighting, logging, construction, and disaster relief. The firefighting variant, the “FireBoss,” equipped with a 2,650‑gallon water tank and a rapid‑deployment snorkel, revolutionized aerial suppression by delivering precise drops on wildland fires. Over four decades, the Skycrane has logged more than 500,000 flight hours, demonstrating reliability and versatility. Its influence persists in modern heavy‑lift rotorcraft designs, and its legacy endures as a benchmark for helicopter lift capability and specialized mission performance. Today, numerous operators worldwide rely on the Skycrane for critical heavy‑lifting tasks.