Erickson fights fires all over the world using the S-64 Aircrane
A Sikorsrky S-64 helciopter, operated by Erickson Air Crane, lands on water.
Erickson, a firefighting company with more than 30 years experience, is fighting fires all around the world. It owns the largest S-64 Aircrane fleet. The Aircrane Helitanker is one of the most recognised and effective firefighting helicopters in the world.
There are currently fires in the Northern Hemisphere, and Erickson’s helicopters are actively fighting them. Later in the year, helicopters will switch to the Southern Hemisphere to support firefighters south of the equator.
“We have an outstanding reputation for having some of the best pilots and maintenance crews in firefighting. When property is at risk and a wildfire is out of control, we are called in to help control the situation.”
Andy Mills, interim CEO and president of Erickson, said, “We have an outstanding reputation for having some of the best pilots and maintenance crews in firefighting. When property is at risk and a wildfire is out of control, we are called in to help control the situation.”
The Sikorsky S-64 Aircrane can be fitted with a 2,650 gallon hydrotanks and a sea snorkel, allowing them to fill the hydrotanks without the need to land. The helicopter supports ground firefighters and can be used to fight the initial fire and to protect structures by dousing them in retardent
Erickson currently has Aircrane helitankers in British Columbia, Canada, fighting several large fires in forested areas. In California, the company has one Aircrane under contract with Los Angeles County, one Aircrane with Los Angeles City, one with San Diego Gas and Electric, and one under contract with CalFire in Santa Rosa, for initial attack and rapid response to the extreme fire conditions across the State. Additional Aircranes are available to the US Forest Service for western US wildfires.
In Europe, Erickson has three Aircranes under contract to provide fire protection throughout Greece, based in the Greek cities of Tatoi, Elefsina and Andravida. It has one Aircrane under contract in Istanbul, Turkey, for year-round fire protection and emergency services response for natural disasters. Erickson has worked with the Turkish authorities for more than three years.
In Australia, the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) has extended a contract with Erickson for 2017-2018, through Australian partner Kestrel Aviation, for six S-64 Aircrane helicopters to support firefighting efforts across the country.
The fire cover services are expected to start in October, the start of the dry season in Australia when the country is at greatest risk of wild fires.
Earlier this year, six Aircranes fought fires in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.
Erickson released a short video showing firefighting operations.
