Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe

The Sikorsky CH‑54 Tarhe, often called the Skycrane, was a heavy‑lift helicopter developed in the early 1960s by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the United States Army. Its first flight occurred on 21 September 1962 and it entered service in 1964, quickly proving its worth during the Vietnam War where its ability to transport payloads up to 20,000 pounds in a single sling load changed battlefield logistics. The Tarhe’s defining feature is its skeletal airframe – a minimalist fuselage that carries an external cargo hook, allowing cargo, vehicles, and even other aircraft to be hoisted directly beneath the rotors. Powered by a pair of General Electric T64 turboshaft engines, it delivers 2,800 shp each, giving a maximum speed of about 170 knots and a service ceiling near 15,000 feet. Its interchangeable mission kits enabled roles ranging from troop transport to firefighting, disaster relief, and offshore oil‑platform support. The CH‑54’s versatility set a new standard for heavy‑lift rotorcraft, influencing later designs such as the CH‑53E Super Stallion and modern civilian skycranes. Even after military retirement in 1975, the platform lives on in civilian variants operated by companies worldwide, underscoring its lasting impact on aviation and heavy‑lift operations.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe

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