FUTURE INNOVATIONS


The aerospace industry must take time with new innovations. It is well-known that the creation of new aircraft and changes to existing models can be deliberately slow because the safety of pilots and passengers is at stake.


With Erickson, they are preparing to reinvent the S-64 Air Crane®


helicopter.


The working name of the new vehicle is the F+.


Some of the innovative technologies will include:


• Engine upgrade and modernization


• Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ Technology


• Enhanced water cannon • Composite Main Rotor Blades (CMRB)


In 2020, the development of CMRB was completed and approved by the FAA, and Erickson started rolling them out to existing models. They offer a lighter, more streamlined flight and are more fuel efficient than traditional metal rotor blades (see the sidebar for more information). The “enhanced water cannon” has also been going through testing and prototyping and should be ready soon. Stay tuned for more innovations from Erickson like night vision goggles, and autonomous technology that allows the S-64 to safely conduct nighttime firefighting.


2014 | Oracle boat lift test rotorcraftpro.com 59


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