The Sikorsky Skycrane, originally developed as a military heavy-lift helicopter based on Igor Sikorsky's concept, proved its capability in diverse roles, including in the Vietnam War.
Logging contractor Jack Erickson recognized the Skycrane's untapped civilian potential, eventually acquiring its type certificate and transforming it into the "Aircrane" through significant modifications and innovations.
Erickson Air-Crane revolutionized the Aircrane's use, particularly in firefighting, by developing specialized tanks and rapid "on-the-fly" water refilling systems, making it a highly effective aerial firefighting machine.
Today, Erickson Air-Crane remanufactures and operates its fleet globally, utilizing these powerful and versatile helicopters for a wide array of heavy-lift tasks, from construction and logging to emergency response.
The phone rang — it was my dad, and it was bad news.
“I’m standing on the sand,” he said, using a phone borrowed from the resident of a Malibu beach house. “I’m looking up the hill and the fire’s heading right for our house. The guys fighting it on the ground can’t get in there. The only hope we’ve got is those big helicopters. One of them’s filling up right behind me.”
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