Erickson announced a list of upgrades to their S-64 Air-Crane helicopter.
These changes will result in a new model, S-64F+.
A new engine will replace the model that has been in use for 50 years. It will be more fuel efficient, and will feature a full-authority digital engine controller or FADEC (instead of manual controls) and will be able to lift more at high altitudes or in hot environments as well as improving flight time. Fuel cost savings are estimated at 38 percent.
Erickson says composite main rotor blades, currently appearing on their newer helicopters, will increase the payload capacity by 88 percent.
Enhanced water cannon, with 70 meter (230 feet) range.
MATRIX technology from Sikorsky should “enable autonomous operation in challenging environments.
Erickson is not providing a time line for these developments, but they say the engine upgrade will occur “over the next few years.”
[url]https://ericksoninc.com/aviation-services/s64fplus/[/url]
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