Blueprint
Blueprint
Portland, US-based Erickson, which holds the type certificate for the CH-64 heavy-lift helicopter, still in service in civil roles, such as firefighting as the Air Crane, has proposed a modernised military variant with autonomous capabilities. The updated fly-by-wire S-64F+ Air Crane would be optionally piloted, and would allow US Army Chinooks and USMC CH-53K helicopters to be freed up for front-line duties. The S-64F+ will also be pitched at the civil firefighting market. The company plans to fly an optionally piloted version next year and is converting its famous ‘Elvis’ S-64 to act as the S-64F+ prototype. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in 2024.
New engines
The S-64F+ would also see the existing P&W JFTD12 engines replaced with new, as yet unnamed, more powerful turboshaft engines and a FADEC.
Enter the Matrix
Erickson has partnered with Sikorsky to bring its autonomous fly-by-wire Matrix Technology to the S-64F+ to allow optionally piloted operations. Trialled by Sikorsky on its S-76 demonstrator, Matrix and new cockpit avionics will also enhance situational awareness and flight safety in the piloted mode during day and night operations. An HUD may also be fitted.
Water cannon
The civil firefighting variant of the S-64F+ would also feature an enhanced water cannon, able to tackle high-rise fires from 70m away and capable of pumping 800 gallons of water a minute.
New composite blades
The S-64F+ would feature FAA-certificated composite main rotor blades, giving performance gains, including increased payload and climb rate, reduced vibration, fuel savings and interchangeability with legacy blades.