S-64E, Firefighting Helicopter

The Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane helicopter is used for a wide range of operations, including construction and installation work, heavy cargo transportation, and search-and-rescue missions. The S-64E has also proven to be one of the most effective aerial platforms for combating large-scale wildfires.

The firefighting version of the S-64E is equipped with a special 2,650-gallon (approximately 10,000-litre) water tank system. The tank doors are controlled by a microprocessor, allowing pilots to select the most effective method of water release depending on the firefighting conditions. The system automatically adjusts the discharge flow according to the helicopter’s airspeed, ensuring accurate delivery of water or fire-retardant material directly onto the fire zone.

One of the helicopter’s key advantages is its ability to refill the tank whilst in flight using two different systems – a pond snorkel or a sea snorkel. In particular, the sea snorkel enables the helicopter to collect water while flying just above the water surface at speeds of up to 35-45 knots (65-84 km/h). Thanks to this capability, the S-64E can deliver up to 30,000 gallons (approximately 114,000 litres) of water per hour onto a wildfire.

The firefighting S-64E is successfully operated in many countries around the world, including Italy, Greece, Turkey, South Korea, and Australia, where one of the helicopters became widely known under the nickname “Eric The Water Bomber”. The type is also actively used in the United States by organisations such as the US Forest Service (USFS) and the Los Angeles Fire Department.