Our unique and versatile S-64 Aircrane Helitanker features a 2,650 gallon (~10,000 liter) tank with microprocessor controlled tank doors that allow for 8 different coverage levels. Unlike many fixed wing tanker firefighters, the tank doors of the S-64 are controlled by a microprocessor that actually adjusts for airspeed and opens the tank doors to allow for a flow rate that matches the particular coverage level selected by the pilot. The tank adds the delivery capacity of fixed wing tanker planes to the maneuvering capability of a helicopter. The tank system and the S-64 Aircrane helicopter are manufactured by Erickson Air-Crane of Central Point, Oregon. The tank system attaches to the Helicopter through 8 hardpoints on the fuselage and has been designed to give the Air Attack Coordinator more control over where and how the drops are made. The Helitanker has received certification and approval from the United States Interagency Airtanker Board, which means that the fixed tank on the S-64 Aircrane firefighting helicopter conforms to the same criteria as tanks installed on fixed wing aircraft. The computations and planning involved with Airtanker drops can be applied to the Helitanker. Considering the fast refill time of 45 seconds or less in any water source as shallow as 18 inches (45 cm), no other system can compare with the precision in which up to 30,000 gallons (~114,000 liters) of foam mix, retardant, or water is delivered, per hour, to the fire.
Erickson Air-Crane has also developed a spray nozzle attachment for the Helitanker. The "Water Cannon" attaches to the tank and forces a stream of water or foam mix at 300 gallons (~1,140 liters) per minute with a coverage range of 200 ft (~60 meters). The water cannon was originally created to fight high rise structure fires in congested inner city areas at altitudes too high for effective use of ground-based hose delivery systems. The cannon can also be used as a remote nurse tender refill tanker for fire engine apparatus stranded at a fire with no nearby water source. With the Water Cannon, the S-64 Helitanker can fill up to four Type 3 engines with one tank.
A special "Sea Snorkel" augments the freshwater fill capabilities of the hover snorkel by refilling the tank in nearby salt water sources as well as fresh water sources. Refill with the Sea Snorkel is accomplished by skimming above the water surface at 35-45 knots as the hydrofoil ram scoop forces water up and into the tank. With the Sea Snorkel, refill can be accomplished in 30 seconds.
The Aircrane Helitanker continues to be a proven effective firefighting tool in Australia. In late December of 2001, a series of fires, some suspected to be arson related, sprang up around the suburbs of Sydney. It was December 27th, when N179AC "Elvis", and S-64F Helitanker, arrived by barge at Swanston Docks near Melbourne. By December 28th, the Helitanker was ready to begin its yearly contract with pilots Kenny Chapman and Grant White at the controls. Because of the immediate danger the fires presented, the DNRE immediately sent the Helitanker to Bankstown, 15 minutes from Sydney, to begin fire suppression efforts in the most threatened areas.
From December 29 until January 4, "Elvis" waged what has become a much publicized war against the flames in Sydney saving an estimated 300 homes, according to news sources. Elvis was brought out to the Blue Mountain region of Woodford to stop the advance of a firestorm threatening a nearby small town.
On January 2, 2002, because of the increasing threat the fires posed and the predictions of more hot dry weather, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service requested the services of two more S-64 Aircrane Helitankers from Erickson Air-Crane. Erickson began immediately mobilizing and preparing two S-64E model Helitankers for the trip to Sydney.
On the morning of January 7, the Antonov arrived at Sydney International Airport with N154AC "Georgia Peach" and N164AC "Incredible Hulk" inside. Upon arrival, news sources say that customs and inspection procedures were greatly expedited to allow for the two Helitankers to be cleared for flying in Australia as quickly as possible. After unloading, the two aircraft were taken to the nearby Qantas facility to accomplish reassembly and flight status.
The following morning, both helitankers, along with "Elvis" were assigned to an airbase in the town of Nowra, near Sydney. "Incredible Hulk" began immediately fighting the fires dumping an average of 19,900 gallons on the fires near Shoalhaven. The following day, "Peaches" began her fire suppression efforts in the same area dumping an average of 13,200 gallons per hour on the fires. "Elvis" had already been fighting the fires in the same region and had been reported by local news sources as assisting in ground firefighting efforts that saved a small coastal resort of Fisherman's Paradise with a population of over 200 residents.
In the Years since the firefighting tank attachment was perfected by Erickson Air-Crane, the Helitanker has been in service for many Forest Protection agencies in the United States and around the world. The United States Forest Service (USFS) continues to call on the Helitanker's firefighting services. In California, Los Angeles City and County agencies continue to keep a Helitanker in service through Shared Resource and Exclusive Use contracts. Other U.S. agencies have called on the Erickson Air-crane Helitanker when they were in need of fast and precise suppression of threatening wildfires. These agencies include:
In 2007, four Erickson S-64E Aircrane Helitankers were flying for the Greek Ministry of Public Order when a series of fires sprang up around the Peloponnese and all across Greece. All four Erickson S-64E Helitankers based at 3 locations, including Athens, were called into action. Flying up to 11 hours a day as far north as the Albanian border and as far south as the Peloponnese, in one week, all four Erickson Helitankers have dropped close to 4 million gallons (15.2 million Liters) of water on fires that have swept across towns, villages, and farmland, affecting the most amount of devastation ever seen within recent history in Greece. Erickson pilots commented that the devastation caused by the fires was the worst they had ever seen there, but that spirits were high as the S-64 Helitanker, along with a very large fleet of aerial firefighting aircraft, made strong progress towards putting out the flames.