The Sikrosky Skycrane holds the FAI turbine powered helicopter altitude record of 28,743 ft. (8,761 m) carrying a 2,000 KG payload.
The Sikorsky Skycrane made its first flight in May 1962. The US Army named the helicopter CH-54 Tarhe, but most people call them Skycranes. Tarhe, the Crane, was chief of the Wyandotte Indians.
In 1958 engineering and development of the Sikorsky Skycrane began. On May 9, 1962 the turboshaft-powered Sikorsky Skycrane first took to the air.
In January of 1969 Sikorsky was contracted to make several improvements to the helicopter by the US Army, primarily bringing total payload capacity to 25,000 lbs.
The US Army bought a total of 97 Sikorsky Skycrane helicopters with deliveries taking place between 1964 and 1972.
The Sikorsky Skycrane was used by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. It served with the 1st Cavalry Division. While there they retrieved some 380 downed aircraft.
The last Sikorsky Skycrane helicopters were retired from military duty in 1993 by the 113th Aviation Unit of the U.S. Army National Guard based in Reno, NV.
Today the Sikorsky Skycrane is in civilian use as a water bomber, heavy lift industrial aircraft, and by lumber haulers.
Sikorsky Skycrane built by Adam Tadhjian.
In the photos immediately above and below is the giant scale Sikorsky Skycrane built by Adam Tadhjian. It has a 82" rotor diameter and weighs 27 lbs. Powering it is a Zenoa Z230 engine.
In the second picture down are Joe and Beatriz Howard from East Coast Helicopter with their Sikorsky Skycrane. They are pictured receiving an award from Uli for excellent customer service.
Darth's Heli Bodies has a Sikorsky Skycrane fuselage that will fit 450 size mechanics.
The bottom picture on this page is of the Vario Sikorsky Skycrane from their fuselage kit. It is made to fit Jet Cat SPH5 mechanics. Length is 84", width is 27 1/2" and rotor diameter is 85".
If anyone knows of another Sikorsky Skycrane we should include on this page, please email us.
Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane
