All the World's Rotorcraft HELICOPTER RECOGNITION GUIDE


Sikorsky S-55

Sikorsky S-58T

Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane

Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane / CH-54 Tarhe

Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane / CH-54 Tarhe

Nothing else looks like it. Sharply cut-out fuselage is for carrying encapsuled cargo; long rear "legs" to landing gear.

A packaged load-lifter, the Skycrane program included a "universal military pod" for cargo or troops and a removable winch system capable of lifting 6800kg. A few used in civil works, including lifting powerline pylons and delivering bulldozers to isolated sites. Among other signs of lifting power, an unloaded CH-54 has reached an altitude of 3353m. Used extensively in Vietnam to move heavy equipment, armored vehicles, and to retrieve crashed airplanes. While the gear is fixed, it is partially retractable, allowing the pilot to settle over, and pick up, the cargo pod.