Erickson Incorporated, a worldwide leading operator, maintainer, and manufacturer of utility aircraft, has announced final FAA certification for the composite main rotor blades on the S-64F and CH-54B.
Earlier this year, Erickson announced FAA approval of the S-64E model. This recent announcement finalizes the certification of the S-64F and CH-54B, solidifying FAA certification for the entire fleet of S-64 Air Crane E and F models, as well as the CH-54 Skycrane A and B models. The advanced design of the blades provides a significant performance advantage, especially at hot and high conditions.
“It was quite difficult, but extremely satisfying to see this project through to completion. There are a lot of blood sweat and tears in those blades.”
Billy Johnson, chief engineer at Erickson Incorporated
This certification brings considerable advantages, such as performance gains; fuel savings; reduced vibration, meaning reduced wear and fatigue on the entire aircraft; and blade interchangeability with the E/A models.