ERICKSON’S INVENTION OF COMPOSITE MAIN
ROTOR BLADES
In 2011, Erickson realized that the main rotor blades, nearing 40 years old, on the S-64 Air Crane®
helicopters, were dated
and needed to be replaced. Traditional aluminum blades were difficult and expensive to manufacture. They knew there had to be a better way.
Blade Shop Manager Amanda Hammerschmith (10-year employee) has worked on the project for years. Early on, Erickson worked to partner with others to develop the blades, but eventually found that they needed to bring it in-house if it was going to be completed.
“There’s nothing too big for us. Erickson can accomplish anything. There’s nothing this company can’t handle,” Hammerschmith said.
Erickson Chief Engineer Billy Johnson said, “Erickson’s composite main rotor blade (CMRB) program is the type of complex project typically done only at much larger manufacturers. Our work on the CMRB reflects a level of sophistication here at Erickson that the aerospace and manufacturing industries are becoming much more aware of now.”
Over 10 years, with 60 employees and involvement from a variety of departments (and third-party organizations), new blades were created. Hammerschmith said, “We developed a brand new blade that no one else had. We have a full composite blade that has done wonders for the company with efficiency, fuel, and lift. At the Blade Shop we hand lay-up the spar. It is an amazing project, and it is very worth it for our company.”
The CMRBs are installed on the S-64 Air Crane®
helicopters for both the Erickson
fleet and for owner/operators of other helicopters.
For more information about Erickson Inc. visit
ericksoninc.com
rotorcraftpro.com
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