Erickson introduces S-64 Aircrane enhancements

SikorskY S-64E Aircrane

Erickson has introduced newly designed and certified enhancements for the S-64 Aircrane. The upgrades aim to improve situational awareness for pilots.

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Part of the enhancements include FAA mandated ADS-B OUT systems, which are ADS-B IN systems combined with GPS units and Helicopter Terrain and Awareness System (HTAWS).

The HTAWS system provides flight crews with real time visual and audible information for terrain and obstacles in and around the helicopter flight plan.

Erickson performed all system design, integration, testing and certification for the advanced avionics, and has selected Garmin to supply the hardware for the new systems. The modification is FAA approved and certified to today’s regulatory requirements, but will also be compliant with the new mandated FAA requirements that are required by the end of 2019. Erickson has released the first modified machine to service following successful flight testing.

Erickson acquired the S-64 Aircrane type certificate in 1992 and has been improving the aircraft continuously since.

“We continue to invest in product enhancing features, such as the ADS-B, to leverage our manufacturing and MRO capabilities.”

Kerry Jarandson, vice president of Manufacturing and MRO at Erickson said: “We continue to invest in product enhancing features, such as the ADS-B, to leverage our manufacturing and MRO capabilities. Industry leading product innovation is in our DNA, and we continue to deploy new ideas for our fleet as well as the global customer base we support.”